Something Old, Something New...

This presentation by Stage Squad was the first in their new space at Pear Mill, how the team have managed to achieve a Bar complete with seating area, an auditorium with raised stage, tech platform, dressing area and space for scenery and costume storage in such a cosy plot is quite outstanding. Whilst experiencing the production in full flow, the set-up had a feel of the traditional comedy clubs about it which, for this group, is ideal.

‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue …And Not A Wedding In Sight’ is the full title of this revue which was a mixed bag of all things ‘Stage Squad’. The line-up of the production consisted of revived past favourites (which for me was rather nice as I’m still relatively new to their endeavours) and exploring some new material too which I imagine would’ve helped keep the show fresh for the company’s regulars.

To keep us all in check we were given a sort of Narrator come Master of Ceremonies who introduced each act with a little history or knowledge on what we were about to see and how it was relevant to this company. Sort of a ‘This Is Your Life’ - ‘…so far’ for themselves. The ‘Something Borrowed’ is that we were treated to what’s influenced Stage Squad’s Chairman, Sean Kennedy, with accurately replicated sketches from Victoria Wood’s ‘As Seen On TV’. And finally, the ‘Something Blue’ factor of the production was made up of… well, I’m sure you can work that out for yourself!     

Danni Eastwood sums up the cliché ‘Born to perform’ – her conveyance of ‘He Vas My Boyfriend’ from ‘Young Frankenstein’ was superb and her precise imitations of Victoria Woods most recognisable characters was expertly accomplished.

Juliette Pemberton’s skills were also exposed as a fine dancer with a knack for comedy and imitation too. Vocally impressive was Brad Richardson who excelled with his Bublé crooner ‘Feeling Good’ rendition.

Stage Squad have revealed that they’re more than just a pantomime society which was my first impression of the troupe. What makes this comedy ensemble unique is the inclusion of choreography and musical theatre into their acts which gives them a sense of modern music hall about them. I adore the cheeky combination of comedy sketches with musical theatre and dance mixed in - a blend we very rarely see nowadays - It’s a classic, patriotic entertainment formula which Stage Squad have proved can still work today.  

The tone did start to get ever so slightly awkward when the presentation became more concentrated on one person rather than the group which I highly doubt was the intention but did start to communicate as a homage to one rather than all.

Full company work was in full swing with the celebrated opening of the show ‘A Musical’ taken from the fairly recent Broadway musical ‘Something Rotten’ and ‘Bye, Bye Blackbird’ was a stylish wrap up of act one.

Jennie Kennedy and Carry-Ann Bartlett bring the dance enthusiasm into the mix and certainly inject the company with a physical energy with their array of elegance, jazz hands and sweat fest routines. The disco classic ‘Enough Is Enough’ was a perfect high energy celebration featuring the full company which created the perfect feel good ambiance to wrap up the show and send the audience home (or into the Bar) in high spirits.    

Stage Squad have an entrepreneurial vitality which sets them apart, they’re conjuring up new ideas and presenting themselves with innovative challenges as a business / community theatre group.

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