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The Best of British Musicals

Author: Michelle Coulson

Information

Date
3rd March 2016
Society
Durham Musical Theatre Company
Venue
Gala Theatre, Durham
Type of Production
Concert
Director
Fred Wharton
Musical Director
Martin Dack
Choreographer
Kathleen Knox

With a cast of 56 adults (including 8 dancers) and 24 children you know you are going to be in for an evening of entertainment of epic proportions and this was certainly the case with this production compiled by director Fred Wharton.

The story of the development of the British musicals was told through the performance of over 60 musical numbers interspersed with informative and well delivered narration. Act 1 took the audience from the early days of Gilbert and Sullivan to the Edwardian musicals including “The Arcadians” and “The Quaker Girl”, the wit and humour of Noel Coward including “Bitter Sweet” and “Private Lives” and the Novello greats including “The Dancing Years” and “Perchance to Dream” culminating with a rendition of “Rose of England” from “Crest of a Wave” led by Graeme Walton together with the full company as a fitting finale. It was a real treat to hear the beautiful music from these classic musicals which are rarely performed now. Act 2 opened with a strong performance from the children in the “Oliver!” selection followed by more hits from musicals of the 50s and 60s including “The Boyfriend”, “Half a Sixpence”, “Blitz” and “Robert and Elizabeth”. The 70s and 80s brought us the many hits of Lloyd Webber and Boubil and right up to current giants of the West End “Billy Elliot and “Matilda”.

The company were immaculately dressed, the chorus movement was simple but perfectly executed and there was good accompaniment provided by a five piece band. The Kathleen Knox dancers provided excellent support and in particular the routine for “Electricity” was superb. The children gave confident and polished performances and their rendition of “Naughty” was one of many highlights.

With over 3 hours of quality entertainment there were many stand out performances from a cast which included several competent principal leads but my personal favourite performances include; “Poor Wand’ring One” Rachel Orr, “I’ll Make a Man of You” Eileen Glenton, “We’ll Gather Lilacs” Delia McNally & Rachel Orr, “Mrs Worthington” Anthony Smith, “It’s Never too Late to Fall in Love” Eileen Glenton & Paul Maddison, “I Know Now” Graeme Walton & Rachel Orr, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” Shireen Gale, ”Castle on a Cloud” Heidi Walton, “Love Changes Everything” Steven Berry and the company performing “Love Never Dies” and “The Holy Fight”.

Congratulations to everyone involved for a super evening’s entertainment.

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