Shout

Shout the mod musical created by Philip George and David Lowenstein certainly brings the swinging 60’s alive and Phoenix Productions certainly put their rubber stamp to this musical with over twenty five well known songs, traditional themes and fantastic comedy moments. Directed by Richenda A Blakelock, she produced a show stopping musical that both pleased and enabled the audience to reminisce and take a fantastic trip down memory lane. Music was in the capable hands of Sam Bryan and Tim Jasper and their small band consisting of Tim on piano, Philip Richardson on guitar and Andrew Robertshaw on drums supported the cast to deliver the musical numbers with enthusiasm and precision; The vocals from all the cast were delivered fantastically with some great harmonies.

Choreography was created by Rebeka Hunt and the style and routines were appropriate for the style of the production, and at times it was difficult to tell which was production and which was choreography as the two worked so well together and visually looked good and entertaining.

This show for me was a joy to watch and listen to from the start to finish it was packed with interesting facts, brilliant music, excellent acting and singing and it was amazing to think that Phoenix Production only had four weeks to pull this show together after having to change their production at the last minute. In terms of the production the set looked very authentic and I loved the costumes which were appropriate and in keeping with the era as was the sound and lighting which also enhanced the production.

The show was centred around these female colour girls who were all dedicated followers of “Shout”, the musical magazine, and loosely woven together by their individual stories; the Orange girl was played by Rebeka Hunt who was described as domestic and determined, Rebeka delivered a confident portrayal of this character , good stage presence and she delivered her musical numbers well I  particularly enjoyed her musical number “I only want to be with you, Red girl was played by Zoe Cooke, was described as the most youthful girl and full of contradictions, Zoë had excellent stage presence and visually gave her all to bring out her character. Her energy on stage was infectious and she was a pleasure to watch, great vocals and I particularly enjoyed her musical numbers, “Those Were The  Days” and “To Sir With Love”, Yellow girl was played by Beth Collins the only American character in the show she was driven by emotions and was obsessed by Paul McCartney, again good characterisation and comic timing enjoyed her musical number “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” and “Son Of A Preacher Man” , Blue girl was played by Cait Warner she was described as been blessed by God’s poise and beauty, this young lady delivered an outstanding character, loved the scene in her asbestos dress and vocally she delivered her musical numbers ”You’re my World” and “Don’t sleep In The Subway” beautifully and full of emotions, the Green girl played by Lauren Willis was described as a bit of a slut Lauren delivered this character well lots of confidence and great stage presence again strong vocals especially in her musical numbers “Goldfinger” and “One, Two, Three”, supporting girls were played by Jess Smith as Pink girl, Hayley O’Connor as Purple girl, Michelle Borwell as Gold girl and Billie Smith as Silver girl, each girls delivered a good performance and supported the main colour girls, their interaction with each other fantastic and the vocals were terrific. Special mention must go to the voice of the agony aunt columnist Gwendolyn Holmes played by Richenda A Blakelock excellent voice over and very entertaining.

Overall this was well staged production and Phoenix Productions should be extremely proud of themselves for staging such a quality show in such a short time frame. It was great to see the audience participating and singing along to some of the best loved musical numbers, well done to everyone it was certainly something to shout about.

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