Shine

Once again, the Worcester Musical Theatre Company filled the stage with their annual extravaganza setting the bar high with their opening section – one of 15 consisting in total of elements from over  80 musical numbers, involving 18 soloists. Consequently, it is impossible to mention everyone, albeit that the bar once set never dropped. The opening sequence ‘Something About This Night’ was adorned by sparkling costumes and included items from Hairspray and Footloose, to name just two!

No show would be complete without the world class Harlequin Stage School, which once again impressed with a range of dances including a number ‘Old Macdonald’ which was full of comedy. Their sections ‘Le Freak’ and ‘500 Miles’ were superb. It has also become the custom to include youngsters from local schools and at this performance it was the turn of Himbleton C of E Primary School, alternating with Flyford Flavell Primary School. Their preparation starts many months earlier and I am sure the experience will be unforgettable. In between some sections, compare Steve Carley brought us his own brand of humour which went well.

Following a section entitled ‘Love, Love, Peace, Peace’ originally performed in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, we learned of the seven steps to make a contest, which has been running for nearly 70 years and WMTC were joined by the youngsters for ‘Flying the Flag’ (Scooch 2007).

After Harlequin’s amusing ‘Old Macdonald’ the company took us through the ‘Country’ section  and once again they were immaculately dressed, country style, all with brown boots or shoes. Matching shoes for all the numbers gave each number the finishing touch, well done costume team. On that subject Carley gave a very valid and heart-warming tribute to the late Carole Bradley their Costume Mistress for over 15 years.

The last two sections ‘Hooray for Charlie’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ included some fun numbers not least ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ (The Wizard of Oz) and ‘Revolting Children’ (Matilda) to conclude the bright contribution from the youngsters from Himbleton.

Act 2 opened with a number of songs including from the musical Cabaret and also ‘Its  A Little Bit Funny’ (Elton John). Seated on the floor, there was a clever routine with cups from the Film  ‘Pitch Perfect’ and the section included some very nice harmonies. The second section was a moving rendition ‘Keep Hauling’ by Fisherman’s Friends, sung by 15 of the men in dedication to Worcester Prostate Cancer Support Group, the recipients of this year’s show raffle. The next section ‘Let There Be Love’ was beautifully dressed. There were some gentler smooth numbers in this section which included a lovely sequence during ‘Strangers In The Night’.

The company excelled in the 70s section; ‘YMCA’, went down really well with the audience joining in! The big finale this year celebrated 15 years of WMTC and included one song from every show – great routine with the umbrellas -  and each one of WMTC proved to themselves once again, ‘I’ve Got The Music in Me’. 

The show represented a great team effort not least from Val Knight the show director and 6 other section directors, all well supported by a 5-piece band. The overall set, lighting and sound were excellent. The show title ‘Shine’ could not have been more fitting. Congratulations to all involved in every department .

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