Springtime Melodies

Springtime Melodies – a musical revue performed by Wigan Musical Theatre Group at St Michael’s Church Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan on Thursday 31th March, 2022.

Having looked back through my records, it was the 2nd November 2019 when I last visited St Michael’s Church Hall to see Wigan Musical Theatre Group’s production of White Christmas; plus, I am almost certain that I had a date in my diary to see them perform ‘Springtime Melodies’ about two years ago, which was obviously postponed due to the pandemic. So much has changed during those two years… many ‘hurdles’ have been jumped, many ‘problems and concerns’ dealt with; but what has not changed is the enthusiasm and passion for singing and performing from this really friendly society.

St Michael’s Church Hall was about two thirds full the evening I attended! The ‘buzz’ from the societies loyal supporters before the show was tangible and you could just tell that everyone present was just thrilled to be back watching ‘live’ theatre again.  We were not to be disappointed and the applause and reaction from the audience at the end just said it all!

So, congratulations to the Production Team of John Clinton (Director), Joan Bond (Musical Director), to John Clinton, Clare Hodkinson and Carol Smith (Choreographers) for their commitment, resolve and dedication in keeping this production alive during those two years.  All that determination paid off guys, well done, be proud!

The concert was played out in two acts –
Act 1… featured songs from Carousel, Oklahoma, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Finian’s Rainbow, Me and My Girl, Guys and Dolls, Gypsy, Pyjama Game, Annie Get Your Gun… songs included ‘Spring, Spring, Spring’; ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning’, ‘Together’, ‘Goin Courtin’, plus some classics, not from musicals, like ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘Summertime’.
Act 2… contained songs from Sunset Boulevard, Calamity Jane, Sweet Charity, Barnum, Cabaret and La Cage Aux Folles… songs included ‘The Perfect Year’, ‘Cabaret’, ‘Keep it Under Your Hat’, ‘The Best of Times’ and ‘Come Follow The Band’, plus more classics like ‘Big Spender’ and ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’.

The Cast: Christine Armstrong, Becky Brown, Cara Bullock, Gwen Charnock, Rosella Cropper, Hazel Dobson, Julie Edwards, Clare Hodkinson, Sophie Harrison, Val Hogg, Sandy Kershaw, Claire Kirk, Janet Lloyd, June McCoy, Bernie Murphy, Joyce Ratcliffe, Jennifer Sudell, Pat Reid, Maria Rignall, Elizabeth Wallwork, Paul Balfour, John Clinton, Brian Heap, Ian Hollis, Mark Lloyd, Brian Middlehurst and John Naughton.

Wigan Musical Theatre Group are and have always been blessed with many fine singers and performers, but if I may, I would like to make special mention of two ‘show-stoppers’ from the evening… the first Sandy Kershaw, who sang several songs including ‘Once a Year Day’, ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’, ‘If They Could See Me Now’ and ‘I Got Rhythm’, and who stood in at the last minute and belted out ‘Big Spender’. Sandy has a great voice; her movement and her interpretation of the lyrics in all her songs was excellent…well done, Sandy. Great job!

But the ‘Show-Stealer’ for me was a newcomer to the group, Becky Brown, another blessed with a beautiful, powerful singing voice! Becky sang ‘Keep it Under Your Hat’ and dueted with Cara Bullock to sing ‘If Mama was Married’… but the highlight for me was her rendition of ‘Cabaret’ which she not only sang superbly, but ‘acted’ out with ease.  Her movement and mannerisms throughout were expressed to the full…well done young lady, be ever so proud! (PS: a little bird tells me that you’ve a ‘special event’ happening in a few months, congrats, hope and prayer that everything goes well)

I’ve said this before about this group and I have no issue repeating myself; but it is so noticeable how those, ‘not front and centre’ are always interested and involved! Their ability to react, show interest in what is being sung is a credit to not only them, but to the Director and the production team... well done folks... impressive!

The Band was under the watchful eye of Joan Bond (Musical Director).  Joan was accompanied by Nick Woods on Drums and Ian Parkinson on guitar.  Thanks guys, as always… great sound!  

Back Stage/Staging Shelia Cleary (Stage Manager) was again in charge back stage. The staging was minimal but effective… created by Shelia, Christine Armstrong, Louise Connell, Maria Rignall, Clive Green, Brian Heap, Louise Butterworth and Mark Lloyd… well done guy’s good job!

Lighting and Sound   The lighting at St Michael’s is limited but always used effectively… created by Erik Newman, Clive Green, Peter Wallwork and Kate Connell… well done guys.  The Sound was effectively ‘three stand mikes’ situated across the stage frontage under the control of Clive Green, who I was able to speak with at the end of the evening… missed that voice on stage Clive, let’s hope it is back soon!

Costumes were perfect for the production, under the watchful eye of Clare Hodkinson and the company.

When you read through the programme notes you just get the feeling that, even though there are named people against most, if not all ‘roles and positions’, there is no doubt that everyone connected with this group just ‘mucks in’ and ‘get things done’.... so, well done everyone... your reward - a great show!

Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I, we really did enjoy ourselves and it is always a privilege to visit Wigan Musical Theatre Group.  Thanks also to Frances Cheetham for looking after us throughout… (John, I won’t mention the Victoria Sponge - but it was an outstanding bake Frances).  Thanks again, hope to see you all soon!

Stay safe and keep well….

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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