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Sunset Boulevard

Author: Derek Grattidge

Information

Date
16th April 2015
Society
Port Talbot Musical Theatre
Venue
The Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot
Director
Keith J Clarke
Musical Director
Alec Brooks

This show tells the story of Silent Movie star NORMA DESMOND, who, like so many celebrities still thinks "she has what it takes"! When the show opened in the West End Elaine Page played the part of Norma Desmond to be succeeded by Petula Clark and then Rita Mereno. John Barrowman was the original JOE.

It is difficult for any Society to perform a PREMIER but Port Talbot rose to the occasion pulling out all the stops.

The critical requirement for this show was to find the right person to play the lead role. Linda Coombes was the complete answer. What a magnificent and sustained performance from this very experienced actress. She has played many challenging roles with different Companies,some of which I have been priviledged to watch, but this has to be near, if not the top of them all.

Jonathan Radford was well cast as Joe Gillis withLyn Williams making a superb Max Von Mayerling. Sarah Clatworthy completed the quartet of the major principals in the role of Betty Schaefer.

They were well supported by the minor principals and chorus.

The orchestra on the whole were supportive although at times perhaps a little too enthusiastic, making it difficult to catch some of the words.

I was a little disappointed with the scenery which I thought was too fussy. The many changes to part of the set were a little distracting but were well managed by the stage crew led by Gareth Edwards.

So well done Port Talbot. I hope your audiences improve as the week progresses.

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