Putting on the Glitz

When I arrived at St Marks Hall in Highcliffe, for Milton Musical Society’s show “Putting On The Glitz”, I was very pleasantly surprised. The stage was set out like a 1920’s American speakeasy - The Top Hat Club, which spilled over into the main hall so that the audience felt they were part of the show. As the show started we were introduced to the players as the story unfolded with a wonderful selection of music from the era.

The show opened with the club’s MC introducing a few ‘stars’ visiting the club that night. Everyone played their parts well with the odd little slip and fumble here and there, but it didn’t matter, the audience loved the show and by the looks on their faces, the cast were enjoying taking part as well.

Syd Young, as the MC, appeared to be a little less than confident at first, but carried on like a trooper and by his second song, he was back in full flow looking and sounding every bit like the gangster club boss he portrayed.

The rest of the cast were very enthusiastic and authentic in their dress style and actions. The songs were well sung especially when the chorus were all singing together. There were some outstanding performances throughout the show.

Marie Coltman playing the part of the club receptionist was very good - where did that tiny Bronx voice come from.  Although her voice was comically tiny, every word was understandable and could be heard throughout the venue.

Terry Barrett and Nick Squires were fantastic as two drunken swells. Squires spoke his lines purposely incomprehensible, to which everyone would say “What did he say?” every time he spoke. Obviously the two of them sang the number ‘A Couple Of Swells’, and they did it justice.

One of my favourite songs from that era is the Eddie Cantor song ‘Keep Young and Beautiful’ from the film Roman Scandals (which spookily, I had watched only two days previously).  This was sung and handled very well and in fine voice by three senior ladies, Christine Eastwood, Margaret Coltman and Pauline Agate.

I also liked the three hat-check girls. They were wandering around among the audience before the show started with their beautifully authentic outfits, hats and trays, selling crisps and bootleg-booze raffle tickets. Once the show started, they went up on stage and were an integral part of the show, singing a couple of songs brilliantly.

Well done to the director and deviser of the show Les Del-Nevo for the authenticity throughout, even down to the draw in the interval. All the prizes were ‘bootleg’ booze and every bottle was wrapped in plain brown paper, no one knowing exactly what booze they were winning. A hoodlum with a violin case under his arm came through the audience and onto the stage; he opened the violin case menacingly to discover it was full of raffle tickets to be drawn. Unfortunately, the hoodlum’s name doesn’t seem to appear in the programme, but he oversaw the raffle as though it was part of the show – wonderfully thought out.

Everything was backed by a very proficient trio who played brilliantly throughout the show. The Al Hume Trio consisted of Alistair Hume on keyboards, Dan Priest on drums and Lee Marchant on bass.

The set and lighting were superb with some very good lighting effects on the glitter slash background which was centred by a large top hat in the art deco style surrounded by lights. The choreography (Jan Del-Nevo) was simple but effective, and the costumes (Pat Barnett and Maggie Soames) were amazing.

I came away singing songs of the era all the way home. I am looking forward to coming back to see their next show.

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