Stepping Out the Musical

I have not seen the show as a musical before and had not realised the play complete plus the songs, a good show for the talents of your society. And an extra performance to add to the already sold out box office of ‘returns only’, many congratulations.

Certainly Jackie Overton, Carole Beatty, and Brenda Binns formed a formidable production team who pushed the very talented cast to the limits to achieve a great standard production of amazing entertainment value. And one should mention the dedication of Andrew Grey on the sound as on volunteering did not realise it was a musical and difficult for him throughout. A practical and highly atmospheric church hall suitable set from Nigel and Brenda Holmes for this small stage.

As Mavis in probably the biggest role ever played, Emma Galley was excellent with the twinkling tapping feet to meteoric standard, good singing, and all the moods of authority through to underwhelming worry portrayed, a performance for her to treasure.

Kerry Davis, unrecognisable in amazing Margaret Thatcher wig and snuggly fitting the silver lame, really held her own with the freshener spray and rubbish bins and that sad confession towards the end, a good portrayal of moods.

Kate Rawlings as the under-dog and timid Andy (and our realisation of her home) as she grappled with the stick and wanted the attention of Geoffrey; almost overplayed with great personality Angie Mansell as Sylvia brought out the comedy with perfect pointing and that bubble gum; Nikki Green always a few repeated seconds behind and struggling with bicycle made us have a perpetual smile. The pushy Maxine from Andrea Wilson always on the sell, but obvious money problems at home; and Daisy Wilson as young Lynne with great feet and also the vulnerability as the trainee nurse needing support. Maria Cutting as Rose with multi-coloured wigs, American accents and overblown personality traits, and of course Geoffrey from Paul James as the solo male in the class, keeping up the newly learned dancing and the smooth singing voice, and the friendship with Andy. Each of the class managed the tap routines in a manner to total credit for Carole Beatty, really an inspiration on what can be achieved and especially in a restricted space. But each character had their own moments of revelation and dialogue for the under-stories which added so much to the whole. And each person had a moment or more in the spotlight with the sung numbers added into this play into musical. What a team for the final moment of the show.

The cameo almost to steal the show and what a role even if not large but important throughout, Kat Kindall as Mrs Fraser was absolutely perfect in this part as she spoke and worked with Mavis, and reacted in ideal temperament with the whole cast.

This was a show of teamwork between all the cast and the production team as we laughed and applauded and felt feelings throughout for each and every character as this success story of sold-out performances once more enhanced the reputation of CSODS.

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