Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

What a trip down memory lane TOPS gave us with their production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. At one time all societies did these big Hollywood blockbusters but now it is rare to catch one. I hoped that it would still retain its mid-west quality and the 1850 ’s era and I was not disappointed. This is a nostalgic show consisting of many themes that are frowned on in this day and age but the cast embraced the historical element of the show and played them humorously and with great energy. Luke Coldham is an experienced director and could have turned this whole show on its head but to my great relief he didn’t. The story needs a lot of strong individual actors and he chose the cream of the crop for this production.

The set was mainly cloths pulled across to illustrate interiors or the wild mountainous regions of Oregon. The larger props were smoothly and easily managed and did not interrupt the flow of the show. The pace was good even though there were many cast members to enter and exit scenes usually at the same time. We were greeted with a mountainous backdrop and an array of tree stumps that were given a credit in the programme! These were rearranged during a lot of the scenes and proved a great way to alter the accent of the scene and the levels of the cast. Into this scenario wandered our hero, Adam, the oldest of the seven brothers singing ‘Bless your beautiful hide’. Luke Coldham himself took this role and his liquid voice filled the auditorium beautifully. He exercised great authority over his six unruly brothers but always with an arch expression on his face and a sideways twinkle in his eye. He set the tone for the show and the others actors fitted in around his dominant presence. Luke’s ability to fill the scenes with his stage presence and enjoy the role always makes an audience feel comfortable that they can suspend belief for a couple of hours and just enjoy the story.

The townsfolk were all dressed appropriately, spoke with creditable American mid-west accents and provided a good backdrop for the ensuing mayhem. They all assumed their roles within the community and, it was delightful to see so many cast members on the stage obviously enjoying every minute. I can’t mention you all by name but you provided a great change in tempo by your very presence.

The brides were delightful. They all gelled together well and fluttered on and off the stage whilst providing a lovely frame into which we became introduced to the brothers. Each bride with their assigned brother worked well with their partner and the pairings were credible and had definite stage chemistry. Lauren Jones, as Ruth, Mia Dean, as Liza, Hollie Brown, as Martha, Sophie Nash, as Alice, Louise H Dougherty, as Dorcas and Lauren Ghost as Sarah took these roles. They all sang beautifully and in perfect harmony especially in ‘Wonderful, wonderful day’ and ‘Polecat’ with the brothers.

The brothers were hysterical. Dressed as cavemen at the start and then transitioning to night attire then check shirts, they warmed everyone’s hearts with their clumsy attempts at ‘manners’. More than this, they all were having the time of their lives onstage. I loved the ‘Goin’ courtin’ song where they learnt how to become gentlemen. This show was the perfect vehicle to wring out every comedic expression or action and these brothers all went for it! Josh Handley as Benjamin, Max Faulkner as Frank, Sean Hynes as Caleb, Joe Drury as Ephraim, Michael Southgate as Gideon and Ross Howard as Daniel played the brothers and from Josh’s gawky demeanour , Joe’s hysterical wig action , Seans great physical comedy, Max and Ross’ confused struggle with their prospective brides to Michael’s purposeful and serious pursuit of his girl, they were all so good and lit up the stage when they entered.

There were some great dance breaks during the show and choreographer, Vikki Purton, had kept the nostalgic theme going with her choice of routines. Having 6 great pairs of main characters enabled there to be some wonderful set pieces and barn dances.

The band, as always, were just great. Under the direction of Clare Benson, they supported the show seamlessly and it was lovely to hear a great brass section feature in many of the numbers. The harmonies within the show songs were spinetingling and I loved it when the whole company sang together.

Angela Philips took the role of Milly, the first of the brides who was whisked away by Adam. We were introduced to her chopping up rubber logs and all the way through she held the action through the strength of her stage presence. Her voice is just gorgeous and her mastery of her dominant influence over all the brothers and the brides was never in question. This was a great performance and was both tender and strong. She had some stunning songs but my favourite has to be ‘Love never goes away’. A thoroughly enjoyable performance.

Sound and lights were well designed and operated and the back stage crew were hardly noticeable which means that you all did a great job that enabled us to just be lost in the story.

At the end of the show the audience let out a huge, satisfied sigh of congratulations for a beautiful old-style show enacted so confidently in director Luke Coldhams capable hands. It was a lovely evening, many thanks TOPS.

My thanks for making us so welcome and I look forward to the next production.

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