Songs from the Shows

A chilly but moonlit evening in Woodchurch with songs from shows old and new sung by the Players and friends which took me long into the early hours with ‘worms.’

A full house, a warm welcome, an ideal seat, raffle, refreshments and a bar all efficiently manned by the team. I was delighted to see the colourful programme produced by Eliot using our new NODA branding so soon. A very nicely collated A5 incorporating biogs, Director’s notes, ads together with NODA info and encouraging words ‘For every stage.’

Not only performing but making her directing debut for the Players was experienced Beatrice Garreze, who I had the pleasure of talking to,  certainly made her mark, collating, bringing talented friends from Medway and Maidstone to join locals and together with the 7 talented and enthusiastic young ladies who certainly grew in confidence producing a strong performance.  Edward Greenhalph with his musical expertise directed from the keyboard and was supported by drummer and percussionist Chris Hall. A variety of subjects were covered – company, tennis, crap games, cabaret, the young ladies were orphans, naughty and matchmakers.   We enjoyed wonderful love solos, dreamt, saw suns rise and set, clouds, rolled dice, rain, heard jazz, tin  horns, and ate disgusting pies, larks sang on high, glimpsed stockings and there was a very happy finale goodbye – 32 items in all, some marathon to collate.

I will not name individuals there are too many of you but collectively you performed first class solos, duets, choir and ensemble work with clarity, style and joy with the young ladies very well-rehearsed and adorable. For the simple set using colour laser back drop patterns and spots Beatrice created interesting shapes and sharp movement which were well executed  with good entries and exits. The costuming was simple, elegant and mainly black creating a sparkle. Subtle small props gave character, and the show professionally linked by Narrator Chris Chedzey with humour and that beautiful hint of  Welsh accent – also performing in many of the numbers with ease.

Thanks to the techies Tim Nolan and Eliot Gannon for their efficient lighting effects and sound. I’m sure the personal mike and speaker hiccup will be overcome for Saturday’s performance. A credit to you all backstage  - David on the curtains and unseen members for  working so hard, together with bar, refreshment and F of H helpers.

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