Stepping Out

Our friends at Tynemouth Priory Theatre pulled off yet another successful production with ‘Stepping Out,’ the tap-dancing play originally written by the late, great, Richard Harris in 1984. The script was re-written in 2022, and it was this version we went to see last night.

This is a rollicking comedy about the attempts of some working-class amateurs to overcome their inhibitions and ‘left feet’ at a class in a church hall in North London. Mavis, a former professional chorus girl tries her hardest to teach the bumbling amateurs some terpsichorean skills for an upcoming charity show invitation. But before the dancing begins Mavis must mediate the minor dramas that erupt among this loveable crew on their way to triumph at their gala recital.

The play went on to win many awards and was made into a highly successful film in 1991 starring Liza Minelli and Julie Walters.

My companion Pauleen was a member of the cast of this play produced by the Phoenix Theatre in Blyth in the nineties, and, in my opinion, the original was a funnier script than this revised version.

Director Vicki Lockey can be extremely proud of her efforts; ably assisted by debutant Choreographer Lauren Jones, both of whom made the most of the comedic moments and the ‘dancing’ throughout. With a standing ovation at the final curtain... Well done.

Each of the eight ladies and one gentleman in this production were well cast and considering most had not pulled on a set of taps in their lives, must be heartily congratulated on their performances. They all have very different characters, and these were constantly maintained all the way through the piece. Of each of this very strong line-up, I was most impressed by Ali Broughton as the snobby, do-gooder Vera and Glen Kingston playing Geoffrey, the exceedingly timid and shy, lone male. Anne Leake as pianist Mrs Fraser and Fraire Armstrong as Mavis also shone in their parts. The excellent characterisations were complete with Kell Smurthwaite as good-time girl Rose, Fiona Jones with her superb portrayal of the timid Andy, Helen Bowman as the very funny, down-to-earth Sylvia, Lizzie Lerpiniere as the provider Maxine, Emma Jones as pretty little Lynne, and last, but seriously not least Rachel Hardy as the clumsy, must try harder Dorothy. All fabulous!.

The set, designed by Director Vicki and Andy Gilmore; built by Andy, Thomas Gilmore, Tony Hall, Hugh Mackintosh and Ivan Flores depicted the dingy church hall very well. Stage Managed by Thomas with his crew of Andy, Phil Emmerson and Richard Hay and the props team of Beccy Gilmore, Julie Hope, Alex Hepple and Lyndsey Spark helped the production to flow seamlessly.

Well thought out costumes by Judith Bell, Sarah Hudson, Louise Evans, Jess Watson and Fiona Jones with excellent Wigs from Chris Carr created the feel of the dance school, enhanced by great lighting and sound by Tony Hall, Andy Gilmore and Ivan Flores completing the skilled technical team.

Many congratulations to all involved in the show. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Thanks, from me and my companion Pauleen for the invitation and for an excellent night’s entertainment.

Get a ticket if you can, you will not be disappointed!.

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