Saved By The Bell [a 70's jukebox musical]

It is a rare privilege to witness the live performance of an original show and along with an excited audience I was eager to see this original production, written and directed by Aylish Dunne and performed by the Caldicot Musical Theatre Society at Caldicot School.

This original show” Saved by The Bell Bottoms”[A 70’s Juke Box Musical] would take us down the memory lane of a group of friends that frequented the fictional Caldicot Cavern. With the background narrative provided by Bill [The Piano man] played by Nick Skinner, the audience were transported on a journey back through the 70’s, with personal intertwined stories and memorable music.

As the story unfolded, the hopes and dreams of the characters came to life in the individual performances.

Well done to Nick Skinner [Bill] in maintaining the narration throughout and moving the story through each changing scene.

Young Bill played by Rhys Probert gave a very emotional performance with excellent vocals, especially as a duet with Bills dad played by Mike Probert. Not a dry eye in the audience! Very well done.

Lovely characterisation from Angharad Elson as Paula, the hopeful writer and author. Excellent body language and facial expression.

Well done Elliott Postle as the ever love hopeful from the Navy,” David” [all the nice girls love a sailor] lovely character with some good vocals and great rapport in group numbers and duets.

The waitresses played by Naomi Coleman [Linda] Ellie Carter [Karen] Daisy Pugh [Marie], were as a trio outstanding [Please Mr Postman] and excelled in their individual duets. Very well done to you all.

The Band, made up of Danny [Andy Ost] Tony [ Cathy Geary ] and Daryl [Andy Rigdon were a triumph. Good vocal, great comic timing and good characterisation. Well done to you all.

Jan the would be actor and star of stage and screen played by Jo Postle certainly lived up to her character. Superb solo with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Boad”.
Well done to Bill’s family played by Elin Ryder [Cyndi] Hallam Geary [Mike] and Beth Major as Delia the bar owner. A visual flash back to the 70’s.

My wholehearted congratulations to the whole cast on the telling of this original story. The ensemble singing was joyous. “Bridge over Troubled Water” was superbly performed.

The audience reaction to this production says it all. They laughed they sang they clapped, and they cried. An emotional roller coaster. Aylish Dunne you should be very proud.

My congratulations to you all.

Dianne Hayes NODA Wales and Ireland Regional Representative District 7

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