Stages Through The Ages

What an evening I had, provoking memories of shows from as early as 1927 (Showboat) up to Back to the Future the musical which was first performed in 2020. The cast certainly embraced the idea which was given to them and set about it with endless energy and enthusiasm.

There was a great choice of music from memorable shows, opening with Ole Man River, sung by Peter Brown. Peter has a rich bass voice which is needed for the lower register of such an iconic song. I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a large group of tap dancers on an amateur stage as there was for Anything Goes, I was very impressed by the accuracy of it all from all the age groups and especially the male members of the company.

Richard Beckett gave a super rendition of Luck be a Lady from Guys and Dolls, he has a very good range as was demonstrated in the later number from Jesus Christ Superstar. Cabaret is a show which I have not seen on stage, but Chloe Robinson gave a moving performance of Maybe This Time as the first half came to a close.

We were treated to a song by the musical director, Mark Bayliss, as he joined Chloe to sing the duet All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, and what a treat it was, what a voice he has, delivering a song with such ease. Mention must be made of the junior section of the company; I particularly enjoyed the medley from Matilda and it appeared that they did too! As the shows became more up to date, the six wives of Henry VIII, or should I say ex-wives gave a very accomplished performance with secure harmonies.

All of the soloists were very well supported by a strong chorus line, I do like good harmonies and as a group, you certainly are well drilled in delivering them. The chorus do respond well to dance routines and Sarah Beckett obviously knows the capabilities of the group and works to their strengths. The whole show was accompanied by a very accomplished band, led by Mark from the keyboard, the balance was very good and enhanced rather than detracted from the performance.

The set was simple but well designed and the cast made good use of every bit of it.

The show had a lot of pace and flowed from one number into the next without any hitch at all. All in all, it was very entertaining and the enjoyment of the cast came across to the audience. Well done to all involved.

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