Sounds of Movies

I enjoyed the production very much, it was a most pleasant way to spend a dreary Saturday afternoon.

The venue lent itself well to the type of production, and the general standard of performance both musically and aesthetically was pleasing to the eye and ear.

The stage set was simple but eective, allowing the performers plenty of room to move around the stage, with choreography that suited the performers and looked good.

The harmonies and high standard of musical performance was excellent, I really enjoyed the whole experience, with the small band accompanying well throughout. Sound balance between stage and band was generally very good.

It was nice to see the Young Arcadians integrated into the programme, and they showed much animation and energy in their numbers. I loved the way they attacked the choreography, particularly their enthusiastic use of scarves!

The back projection was interesting and took away from the blandness of just having a black backdrop.

On the whole I liked the choice of dress for the ladies, they were colourful without being too garish, and it was nice to see the changes being made during the production, so that it wasn’t all one-dimensional from that point of view. The men all looked very smart in black tie.

The programme was a good mix of well-known songs from movies, and whilst all the numbers were performed well, with plenty of expression, it would be impossible to name and comment on every performance.

That said, there were certain people that stood out, and were deserving of a mention.

Gina Abbatt fronted the Shoop Shoop Song, which she performed really well, backed by Elizabeth Shaw, Lucy and Sophie Walker, which I really enjoyed, but Gina’s piece de resistance was I Will Always love You, which was both beautiful and emotive, a stellar performance.

I was also very taken with Stephanie Seal’s charming and laid back interpretation of Moon River.

All the company numbers were performed with panache and vigour, whilst retaining the understanding of the music and lyrics. I was very impressed with the overall standard and musicality.

The James Bond compilation closing Act 1 was very good, both musically and choreographically, the movement was sharp and gave the cast plenty to do, whilst retaining the feel of the piece.

I know compilation shows are thought to be easy to do – but there are so many numbers and different choreography to be learnt that I felt great attention to this and the detail therein had been achieved, making it a seamless and very well directed show, giving everyone a chance to do something that suited their talents.

My thanks to the Society for their hospitality, they have a very good front of house team who always make us most welcome.

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