Thank You Very Much

2022 marks a big year for The Company of Four being their 50th Anniversary and what better way to celebrate this achievement than a full scale song and dance variety show. They started in 1972 with a Springtime Variety show and this year as they look back and perform excerpts from some of their favourite shows from the past 50 years.  Oliver Fosker had written a script regarding the formation of a fictitious amateur group calling themselves the Spotlight Players. The storyline follows their path over the years and is based along the same lines charting the history of The Company of Four. It tells of a group of four friends who form their own amateur group as they discuss ways to produce musical variety shows, pantomimes and later full scale popular musicals. This forms the basis of their 50th musical celebration to introduce different sections of songs from Music Hall, 1940’s Wartime songs, West End Musicals and Broadway shows.

There is a large cast of over 30, with the youngest being five year old Gracie who stole the show. We the audience were soon singing along and clapping our way through the numbers. There were some very talented principal performers and lots of younger members showing great potential to take the Society forward into the future.  The whole cast certainly had plenty of energy and enthusiasm and should be congratulated on their achievements as they sang and danced their way through the evening under the direction of David Wright.

As with any of these shows, a huge mention should go to all the production team, working tirelessly behind the scenes in supporting the cast. Jonathan Gibbs and his four piece orchestra worked well accompanying the singers.  Also to the numerous choreographers working with their different groups of dancers and chorus. There were a great many costume changes for the whole cast all in matching colourful costumes. The sound system by Jon Spall was particularly effective with the levels just right so we could clearly hear even the youngest of the little singers who delighted us with their solos. Thanks must also go to the set designers, stage crew, lighting, publicity and front of house, the list goes on to all those involved for their contribution in putting together a successful show.

Finally I must mention the spectacular patriotic finale, with all the cast in red, white and blue costumes with some enormous flags all set in front of a giant 3 tiered  celebration cake, and singing “There’s no business like show business”. A musical treat!  Hopefully larger audiences will follow and continue to support you in the years to come.

Thank you to David Wright and all his cast and crew for a very entertaining musical evening and a fitting tribute for this their 50th Anniversary and to Vernon for looking after us so well.

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