The Best Little Whorehouse in the West

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas – a wonderful romp relating the story surrounding a famous Texan brothel known as the Chicken Ranch. Whilst the girls are no longer paid in poultry the local sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd, tries to prevent the house being closed down by a self-righteous TV commentator, Melvin P Thorpe. 

The scenery was well thought out to give a variety of levels for performance and several ‘rooms’.  The whole set gave the cast both a characterful environment to work together with flexibility.  Limited set dressing was well placed with strategic use of the wheelchair. The lighting was excellent with mood changes well interpreted. The sound was most effective throughout the production - in particular the control of the sound made for pleasurable enjoyment and appreciation of the diction.

The whole cast were extremely well-dressed and the changes of costume most appropriate.  There were some very interesting quick changes and effective use of layers for this purpose.  Attention to detail was very evident.

The Musical Director, Jules Dance, opened the show singing the prologue from the pit complete with cowboy hat and boots. The balance between band and cast was good and the speed was always appropriate.  The quality of singing was high and the diction clear.  The ensemble, duet and trio work was particularly well-balanced.

The production team are to be congratulated on such a well-presented show.  The whole concept was well thought through and the cast performed their roles superbly well.  Mona’s role was played with great style by Laura Thomas whose vocal and dramatic ranges were a pleasure to hear and see.  The balance between the principals was excellent and they bounced off each other in great style.

Clearly this society has a tremendous amount of talent in all departments.  Congratulations to all involved.

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