Show Stoppers

Well, where do I start? Wales Community Theatre Players presented Show Stoppers - A night at the musicals, at the Lyric Theatre in Dinnington, and what a show stopper of a show. 

Claire Harriott, Director and Choreographer, and Ray Gallagher, Musical Director, should be applauded for their creativity. They obviously have put in lot of time with the cast to get the very best out of them. 

The show included songs from the golden age musicals such as Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate, to shows currently on the west end and touring the UK, such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and the ever popular, Six. 

Lynne Schofield gave us a comedy masterclass with a rendition of ‘I Hate Men’ from Kiss Me, Kate. It was a scene stealing performance and rather uncomfortable to be a man. 

The junior chorus also held their own amongst this experienced cast and performed excerpts from Matilda and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Tom Ingall showed us yet again what a great performer he is,  as his Mr Wormwood brought the house down with his number ‘Telly’. Eve Rowles was simply stunning singing ‘My House’, also from Matilda. I’m sure there wouldn’t have been a dry house in the house. The youth ensemble also treated us to songs from Everybody’s  Talking About Jamie. Molly Antcliff, sang beautifully and with so much maturity beyond her years. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this young and talented performer. 

The end of Act 1 went down a storm with a selection of songs from Six. It’s hard to believe that all 6 of the ladies who performed this number are still in secondary school, as the performance and harmonies were sensational. Sophie Antcliff, Agatha Ingall, Scarlett Buxton, Lucy Hayes, Bethany Wade and Leah Gourdin were exceptional. I do have to single out both Agatha and Bethany who performed Don’t Loose Ur Head and Heart of Stone respectively. These two performances blew me away. 

The ever impressive Holly Riley was a delight to listen too during her numbers in the show, a particular highlight being ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’ from Bat Out of Hell, where she was joined by Daniel Schofield. However the stand out for me was Alison Wade performing It’s All Coming Back To Me Now. It was emotional, powerful and a masterclass in acting thru song. 

A great band, good sound, and the most amazing lighting from Tom Dyson, all helped to make sure that no one wanted this Show Stoppers to stop! 

 

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