Stepping Out

The late great Les Dawson’s highly entertaining stage performances playing the piano so badly masked his magnificent virtuosity as an accomplished pianist. Change the piano for tap shoes and this production of Richard Harris's 1984 comedy demonstrates some dire dancing that could only be achieved by an excellent group of dancers. Exactly what the directors intended.

In a small village Hall a Group of Ladies & one man meet every week for a tap dance class. As the play progresses the audience enjoy the unraveling of the various characteristics of those on stage in this warm and at times very funny show.

Mavis – Amanda Golding - consistently focused her attention on improving her class but hindered at every step. Dorothy – Ruth Organ – clumped superbly in the line-up making stage entrances and exits with the most colourful cycle gear and some superbly well timed sneezing.

It quickly became clear that every class member in dealing with their dancing are also having to cope with their own personal problems. Throughout the show Mrs Glenda Fraser – Jill Moran – accompanist in woolly hat and overcoat is determined to do her own thing in playing at her own chosen tempo.

Maxine – Kirsty McKay – Vera – Alison Scott, snobbish and house-proud - Sylvia – Amy Edwards-Best and Rose- Amy Trotman all played their respective roles with their excellent timing and wonderful comedy in their the first appearances for the group. Lynne – Rachelle Boyle -,Andy – Helen Manners and Geoffrey – Michael Bowen – the only man in the class completing a highly talented cast.

With some nostalgic musical pieces including Happy Feet, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, and After You've Gone and of course Stepping Out this is essentially a tap dance show, a play with music. A simple but very effective set coupled with costumes and swift costume changes just added that extra bit of appeal for the audience. Sound for the spoken word was well balanced though at times lacked some detailed audibility.

The conclusion of “Stepping Out “ was the charity concert, for which all performers have been striving and dressed in black & white striped jackets, demonstrated their new dancing skills. 12 months later they are asked to return and beautifully adorned in rich exciting gold and black costumes, a “Chorus Line” type finale ended a fantastically enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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