Sunset Boulevard

This new show on the amateur scene was presented with style by GLOC.

Production values were high with expert and sensitive direction by Alasdair Hawthorn. Lloyd Webber's warm and sumptuous score was given a luscious sound by David Dunlop and his pit orchestra and Antony Carter's choreography was perfect for the piece.

The role of the faded silent movie star, Norma Desmond was played by Aileen Johnston.This was an inspired choice with Ms Johnston on top form. Her first act solo, “With one Look” was stunning. Playing opposite her as Joe Gillis the down-on-his-luck screen writer, Ross Nicol excelled in drama and song. He was hardly ever off stage and both he and Ms Johnston developed the complex relationship of Norma and Joe very well indeed.

The part of Max, Norma's butler (and ex husband), was given a moving portrayal by Jonathan Procter. His solo, ”The Greatest Star of All” has a wide vocal range and Mr Procter excelled in its delivery.

Kirsten MacDonald was cast in the role of Betty Shaeffer, a script editor at Paramount Studios. She captured the feisty but fragile character of the part beautifully and the romantic duet, ”Too Much in Love to Care”, with Joe Gillis was delightful.

Iain Condie always gives good value and his crisp and comedic interpretation of Manfred, the high society tailor, backed up by a team of camp as Christmas assistants, was a lot of fun.

The many other supporting roles, too numerous to mention here, were carried off with expertise which was a bonus to the whole production.

Sunset Boulevard is not a big chorus show, but the GLOC sound was given the opportunity to be heard in several ensemble set pieces throughout the show, where music and movement combined to good effect.

So, full marks to GLOC for taking on this ambitious piece and succeeding.

Mazeltov for next year. 

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