Strictly Musicals

Burnley Light Opera Society wowed the audience with sell out performances of their annual concert, “Strictly Musicals.”  With a multitude of talented performers, BLOS performed 32 musical numbers over 2 acts. The cast and crew worked tirelessly throughout, earning them a standing ovation as the curtain fell.

Director Anthony Williams considered his audience’s needs when creating this production, carefully selecting songs suitable for all tastes. The wide mix of musical genres: ballad, disco, lullaby, and jazz to mention a few, segued easily into one another. Members of the company took turns to host the evening, providing information on the musical numbers before they began. The cast would take their places on stage during the speeches and wait patiently in shadow until it was their time to perform. Gowns and tuxedos worn added class, each cast member meticulously attired. Black, white, and red, the chosen colours for the evening, with sequins and jewellery sparkling beautifully under the stage lights. This colour palette also dressed the stage, translucent red and white curtains swagged, alternately, across the wings left and right. The stage was open, with a central staircase leading to a platform. The orchestra were set stage right, in front of the platform, behind a clear Perspex partition allowing room in front for the performers. Musical Directors Steven Mercer-Murray and Simon Mercer-Murray, and their orchestra, worked hard throughout the evening. The orchestra consisted of four musicians, playing a variety of assorted styles, the sound they produced was incredible. Vocals were strong, confident, well rehearsed, with complex arrangements resulting in astonishing harmonies. 35 performers took to the stage for full company numbers, with soloists, duets, and groups taking regular turns in the spotlight. Rather than list every song, I have chosen to mention the performers, in no specific order.

Set to a black backdrop, adorned with a myriad of tiny lights, akin to a night sky, the company opened the first act with a fantastic performance of ‘Oklahoma.’  A strong opening number, with astonishing harmonies, each voice complimenting the next. A particular company favourite of mine ‘Put on Your Sunday Clothes’ (Hello! Dolly) led by Joanne Gill, (act two) had exacting choreography. The company moved as one, graceful, synchronised. Joanne was fantastic in the lead, her vocals strong. Her later duet with Vicki Clarkson, a blending of ‘Feed the Birds/Hushabye Mountain’ (Mary Poppins/Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) was simply lovely, it brought a tear to my eye. Both singers melodic, a stirring lullaby beautiful sung. Peter Garner took to the stage for, ‘Beauty School Dropout’ (Grease). With his bevy of angles providing backing, and a spotlight disco ball throwing a cascade of sparkling lights over the auditorium, Peter was strong, his vocals smooth, melodic. I particularly enjoyed the trio of Peter, Mal Wood, and Mark Wood, as they sang ‘Maria’ (West Side Story). The three voices harmoniously melding together. Mark and Mal gave the audience a humorous rendition of ‘Timeless to Me’ (Hairspray) complete with dance moves, both excel at acting and the audience laughed aloud at their facial expressions and mannerisms. Mark displayed his extensive vocal range as he sang ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ (South Pacific). A gentle smoke whispered across the stage as he performed. A stirring, beautiful performance. Mal, with Peter and Megan Ingham performed a fantastic mash up of ‘You Are Always on my Mind/Confide in Me’ (Pricilla Queen of the Desert). Megan has an astonishing operatic voice, her version of ‘Think of Me’ (Phantom of the Opera) was fabulous. Ann Mason a strong character actor and natural comedian, performed ‘I Can’t Do It Alone’ (Chicago). A fast, full paced dance routine and impressive vocals from Ann in this number. Zoe Tompkins also danced alongside Ann in this routine, providing the counterpart to Ann’s performance. Ann and Zoe joined forces with Laura Kay, Catherine Gardner, Liz Wood, and Jackie Catlow for ‘Cell Block Tango’ (Chicago). An excellent individual performance from each actor, the characterisations and emotion strong. The whole thing enhanced by evocative red lighting, adding the ‘dead sister’ routine was a great idea. Penny Poulton wowed the audience with a splendid performance of ‘I Will Prevail’ (Wonderland) her vocals impressive. Hauntingly gentle, building to a fiercely powerful finale.

In fine vocal form, Tori Vaal performed ‘Maybe This Time’ (Cabaret). Tori has an impressive stage presence, her performances draw the eye naturally, confident with an excellent singing voice, Tori also performed a fantastic disco track; ‘If I Can’t Have You’ (Saturday Night Fever). Another powerful performance came from Jenny Cliff as she gave heartfelt renditions of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ (Mama Mia) and ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ (Crazy For You) Jenny’s vocal range is extensive, her notes clear and confident. I thoroughly enjoyed Andrew Tuton’s rendition of ‘Streets of Dublin’ (A Man of No Importance), the Irish accent clear as he sang. Andrew displayed his vocal throughout the evening with fantastic performances of ‘Starlight Express’ (Starlight Express) and ‘Edelweiss’ (The Sound of Music). Taking the lead for the company number ‘Dancing Through Life’ (Wicked) was Keiron Gardner. Keiron had a great stage presence, confident, assured, with a fantastic vocal range.

Patsy Slater and Rosie Beaumont, two youth actors, previously seen with BLOS in the stage show, ‘Annie,’ gave an impressive performance of ‘If Mama Was Married’ (Gypsy). Both actors were animated, enthusiastic, and entertaining. Dressed the same, down to the finest detail, Patsy and Rosie alternated the lyrics before singing in unison. An excellent performance with great harmonies. Sara Zahraoui and Scarlet Dickinson, complemented with green and pink lighting, performed a great duet, ‘What is this Feeling?’ (Wicked) it was well timed, the harmonies tight. Sara displayed her impressive vocal talents in her solo ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ (The Wizard of Oz). Her notes ringing out clearly throughout. Whilst Scarlet moved the audience to tears with her emotional performance of ‘On My Own’ (Les Miserables).

Lighting Operator Tom Whittaker ensured lights were evocative throughout, each spotlight tight. The plot moved through an array of colours and effects as the evening progressed, with no noticeable faults. I am not sure if it was my seat placement but at times, the sound was a little too loud. The drums in the orchestra seemed overwhelming, more so during act two. That said, it was wonderful to hear the quality of performances from everyone involved. BLOS have a plethora of talented artists in their society, both on and off stage. I would like to thank everyone for inviting me to their concert and look forward to many more shows from BLOS in the future.

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