Stepping Out

Stepping Out is a comedy play written by Richard Harris in 1984 which premiered at the “Leatherhead Theatre” in the same year and was directed by the actress Julia Mckenzie. A tour of this production followed with the play opening at the Duke of York's Theatre in the West End of London on 24th September 1984, running until 1st July 1987. The play was awarded the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy in 1984. The story concerns eight individuals from very different backgrounds with differing motivations who attend the same weekly tap dancing class in a dingy North London church hall.

This latest production from “St Paul’s Players” directed by Jane Harrison was a very enjoyable experience. Jane had at her disposal some very talented actors who worked and jelled together as a very entertaining ensemble. There were no weak links in this cast and I felt that all of the actors were on top form giving some very good performances and also producing very interesting varied characterisations; all had extremely good comic timing which is very important in a production of this kind. The cast included Jane Catterall as Mavis the dance teacher, Judith Holt as Mrs Fraser the piano accompanist, Kathy Turton as Vera, Becca Hilton as Dorothy, Jacqui Brian as Maxine, Debi Winnard as Sylvia, Vicki Wilson as Andy, Helena Carter as Lynne, Judith Armstrong as Rose and last but not least Graham Cohen as the only man in the cast Geoffrey. Diction was excellent from all on stage, and the actors moved the action at just the correct pace enabling the audience to follow the plot with ease. There was an occasional problem with the microphones and the cast should be aware that when wearing a microphone it is not wise to have a conversation at the side of the stage as unfortunately offstage speaking could be heard through the speakers at times; however this did not detract from my enjoyment of the play. Choreography by Georgia Cohen was just right for the play and I must congratulate the actors who were not dancers for producing some really passible tap dancing, it was evident that Georgia and the cast must have worked very hard to accomplish this skill. The set design by Tony Henry was up to the company’s usual high standard and it was very well dressed, well done to the stage crew, properties, sound and lighting and costumes which suited the roles and production well.

Congratulations to director Jane Harrison and production coordinator Lisa Cohen for a very enjoyable evening's entertainment and well done to all involved in this production including front of house. Thank you for inviting me and I look forward to seeing you for your next production.
 

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