Showstoppers

Celebrating 55 years in style, the Players sang, danced and showcased popular songs from musicals old and new. Both acts were introduced by John Hutcheson giving some humorous insights to staging productions. From the opening of Hello! from ‘Book of Mormons’, through to old favourites from ‘Oklahoma!’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Calamity Jane’, the music stirred old memories then created new ones from the likes of ‘Come From Away’, ‘Wicked’ and ‘Sunshine on Leith’. A varied first act showed the singers in fine form with a medley from ‘Les Miserables’, a zesty Take me To Heaven and a keen Backstage Romance. Soloists Grace Henderson, Sarah-Louise Donnelly and Laura Archibald demonstrated their talent while experienced John Doonan delivered a confident If I Were A Rich Man before going on with Judith Hutcheson to dramatise a chilling Little Priest. Then all came together to close the first act with rousing arrangements for the ensemble in Raise You Up and Just Be. Act 2 continued the variety including Naughty from ‘Matilda’ showing what the younger members can do, and well sung duets by Scott Glidden and Zander Cruikshank with a comedic You and Me (But mostly Me), by Zander and Jamie Edwardson with a moving Empty Chairs At Empty Tables and by Jamie and Sarah-Louise in an atmospheric My Green Light. The ladies executed well the choreography and concentrated focus of Cell Block Tango, the style of Just Blew in From The Windy City. and the heady number Rhythm of Life. The costumes reflected the mood of the songs and glittered theatrically when needed. The production flowed smoothly with lighting and sound in support, the choreography was specific and stylish, the singing was certainly show stopping and each person on stage showed their enjoyment and commitment. The company presented a thoroughly entertaining evening, creating more memories and boding well for the next 55 years.

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