STEPPING OUT

Stepping Out is a lovely study of the diverse people who come together at a weekly tap class, and how, with work and acceptance of each other’s strengths and frailties they can triumph.  A real feel good play.

The church setting lent itself to a rehearsal room that could well have been a church hall, and the transformation at the end to a theatre setting was well-accomplished with the lighting projections on the back wall adding to the overall upgrade to a theatrical feel. 

The church environment always makes it a little difficult to get sound just right when no-one has personal mics, but overall it was fine.

Costumes were in keeping with the characters, the change from the slightly traditional stage costumes for the year one show to the more glitzy costumes for year two was a good transformation.

I thought the play was well-cast, allowing for fairly last-minute additions, but this was not evident in the pace and flow, which was nicely achieved.

Sarah Albert as Mavis, the instructor and mainstay of the class, was both upfront and sympathetic in equal measures, trying to the get the best out of her class, whilst accepting their obvious limitations, building to the massive improvement shown between the two performances.  Sarah always gives a believable performance, and led the cast well, with her choreography suitable for all abilities.

Charlotte Lovelock as the diffident Lynne, knowing she was very able, but trying to pin down a responsible job as a nurse, showed the varying sides to her character.  I liked the continual nail-chewing as an outlet for her insecurities, but liked to see the undoubted personal progression in Charlotte’s performance strengths.

Karen Franks gave us a lovely study as Dorothy, with her hay fever and giving the impression that she wanted to show off her ballet skills, but struggling slightly with tap, a good interpretation, showing her need to be useful in her work environment but needing the class for herself.

Victoria O’Reilly as Maxine, the upfront ‘fixer’ of the group, able to obtain whatever was required on the costume and hat front, was a new actor to me, she lent herself well to the overall feel of the play, creating an interesting character, a good foil to the rest of the cast.

Jo Yirrell played the repressed and abused Andy well, again playing on her personal insecurity in her marriage, and the need to build some sort of relationship with Geoffrey.  Jo always gives us a sympathetic portrayal, and this was no exception.

Sarah Farrar as Mrs Fraser was once again a revelation, her facial expressions alone spoke volumes, and her wry and insightful comments made Sarah’s performance a real tour de force, with several laugh out loud moments.  Her Piano solo towards the end of the play was wonderful.

Mick Hale gave us Geoffrey, the only man in the class, slightly hesitant and reserved, but always showing that he wanted to integrate with the ladies and be a part of their experience.  Good to see Mick hasn’t lost his tap dancing skills – a nice part for him, that he played to the full.

Hazel Jacobs played the undoubtedly posh Vera with OCD, who considers herself a cut above the rest, but comes armed with rubber gloves and loo brush, to make sure everything is clean, and who can’t resist speaking her mind.  Nicely accomplished.

Dee Lovelock played the very upfront Sylvia to the utmost – Dee is never shy, creating a loudmouthed character who has her problems with her husband Terry, and blames Dorothy for instigating an investigation into his work/benefit situation – Dee brought a different dimension to the cast, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Jackie Houghton was the final link in the chain as the slightly ditzy Rose, wearing her colourful wig to hide a disastrous hair dying session!  Jackie accomplished the part well, and added a further individuality to the cast.

Overall a good mix of portrayals, to make this an interesting, colourful and amusing production, with lots of laughter and also poignant moments, I enjoyed the evening very much.

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