The Captain's Child

In my role as Regional Councillor for NODA West Midlands, I am always pleased to attend productions by the almost 200 societies across the region. An invitation to a production is rarely declined, as each visit offers a unique and rewarding theatrical experience. This is most certainly the case with Side By Side Theatre Company.

This was Side by Side Theatre Company's 29th production, and it goes without saying that congratulations must be extended to Susan Wallin MBE, along with the entire team and students, for their dedication and commitment.

On the evening, I attended, I was delighted to be joined by Graham Liverton, Immediate Past President of NODA, and his wife. Having enjoyed last year's production so much, they chose to travel from the South West of England to see Side by Side Theatre Company once again.

Two years ago, we enjoyed Pirates of the Stour Bridge; this year, we were treated to its sequel – The Captain’s Child. Act One was set in England and Act Two in Spain.

The leads of the performance were Suzy Schwartz as Felicity / Isabella and James Emtage as Rickie and Prince Frederick. Both actors have worked well with each other in the past. No more so on this occasion. Both have full confidence in their role/s which always projects across the footlights.

James sang ‘Corner of The Sky’, ‘A Flower is A Lovesome Thing’ and ‘Daydream’ with Claire Attwood.  They were not easy numbers, but James was not going to let this get in the way and sang them wonderfully and with feeling.  ‘Feel, The Rhythm, Feel the Beat’ and ‘Let the Music Lead the Way’ were original pieces composed by Music Group Director Richard Ganner.

Ben Rees did well as he carried out some puppeteering both hand puppets and string. As we have got to expect we also heard a rendition from Ben playing his trumpet.

Laura Southall, Claire Attwood, Charlotte Hardwick did well as owners of the costume hire, cat grooming parlour and florist shop.  They were joined by Judy Alcock, Lucinda Dawson, Lorna Kelly, Chris Male, Toby Shaw, Paul Taylor and the robots.

The whole show was very good indeed and so difficult to highlight any section. I enjoyed the dance routine set in the costume hire shop as well as in the cat parlour which was just purr-fect. I also liked the routine at New Street Rail Station involving six members of the cast as robots with silver jackets and suitcases.

However, Act Two Scene 5 just blew me away. The dance in the market square at Granada was great with tambourines and streamers.    The performance then kicked into an even higher gear. We witnessed how Prince Frederick heir to the throne disappeared in the 1720’s. Sadly, to name each person individually would simply mean copying the cast list – all I can say is well done whether as a sailor with plenty of Heave Ho and visual nautical rope pulling and hornpipe movement or as a mermaid / spirit of the sea or creating the waves resulting in the ship’s demise.

At the conclusion of the performance, I was honoured to be invited on stage alongside my colleague Graham. It was wonderful to personally congratulate the cast in front of an audience whose enthusiastic response clearly demonstrated their appreciation of what they had witnessed.

Side by Side Theatre Company places great value on its membership of NODA, and we are equally proud to have the society as part of our organisation.

Each year, Side by Side recognise students for their service and commitment to performing, and this year I was delighted to present the following long-service awards:

• Leo Haynes – 5-Year Badge
• Tom Beardsmore – 10-Year Badge
• Toby Shaw – 20-Year Badge

I look forward to seeing the photographs of Leo, Tom and Toby having received their award.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Well done to you all, and I look forward to returning for your 30th Anniversary production next year.

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