Sing Laugh Dance Repeat

Arts Barn Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of Sing Laugh Dance Repeat was a joyful celebration of musical theatre, weaving together the wit of Gilbert and Sullivan classics with the sparkle of modern favourites like Mamma Mia. 

The cast performed the variety of numbers particularly well. Though Arts Barn Gilbert and Sullivan Society is best known for its Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, the company transitioned into contemporary musical theatre numbers with relative ease. The evening offered a well-balanced mix of songs, showcasing a range of vocal styles and harmonies. Alice Woods provided an enchanting rendition of The World Above as well as being part of a four person, four part harmony in A Regular Royal Queen alongside Rebecca Smith, Mike Gray and Jonathan Ellson. Jonathan, Mike, and Andrew Lewis delivered both vocal precision and comic timing in I Am a Maiden, while the male chorus shone in There is Nothin’ Like a Dame, including Charlie Dix hitting those low bass notes with ease. A particular stand out company number was Put on Your Sunday Clothes which was sung with confidence and gusto. Chris Pearce brought delightful humour as the maid in Everybody Ought to Have a Maid, while Andrew impressed with expressive vocals. In the Sound of Music Medley and particularly Dancing Queen from the Mamma Mia Medley, the harmonies were precise, providing a wholesome sound. In our opinion, a few numbers felt under-rehearsed in terms of movement and musical detail, but these moments were minor—had the cast not acknowledged them, most of the audience would likely have remained unaware. 

David Chambers provided the musical direction and conducted each performance, flawlessly accompanied by Kaye Tomkins on the piano. His guidance was evident in the tight harmonies and confident ensemble singing in some numbers.  

Director, Susan Drake’s cabaret-style vision gave the production a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, while Alice Holmes’ choreography, though simple, suited the performers and added variety from musical theatre to tap dance. 

Although microphones were not used, the cast were able to project their voices to the suitability of the studio venue, ensuring they could be heard by all audience members in balance with piano. Karen Larmour’s lighting complemented the mood of each number.  

Within the musical numbers there were minimal props used however, they were fitting for the nature of the song, such as the vast array of medicines for Adeliade’s Lament and the framed photo in That Dirty Old Man. The sparkly curtains and red raised stage added welcome colour and dimension to the otherwise black set. 

The costuming was understated yet effective, with the female ensemble in black trousers and colourful tops, paired with the men’s ties, creating a complementary, unified ensemble. Additional costumes for numbers such as Master of the House and I Am a Maiden enhanced the storytelling and brought extra charm. 

Overall, Sing Laugh Dance Repeat was a lively, good-humoured afternoon of song and dance, blending tradition with modern flair. 

Thank you to Arts Barn Gilbert and Sullivan Society for their hospitality. 

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