The Christmas Schooner

Winterbourne Musical Theatre’s

Production of

“The Christmas Schooner”
Book by John Reeger,
Music & Lyrics by Julie Shannon.
Produced & Directed by Maggie Willliams,
Musical Director – Becky Lunt, Becky Lunt,

Accompanist – Katie Robson.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative

on Wednesday, 26th, November, 2025

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in
question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is

inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in
particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only
be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms
expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher
standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

I’m here reviewing the seasonal choice of show and it is quite different. Winterbourne
first performed this show nine years earlier so I’m assuming it worked well then. This
relates to, and what was an historical fact, that an American schooner travelled
around the coastline of one of the great lakes selling Christmas trees to the
immigrants. Giving them a missing seasonal link to their homelands.
Winterbourne, like many groups, has little backstage space to move around it’s
scenery and cast. I am always interested in how they juggle these big productions
around. I was delighted to see a bare stage set with a green lit back wall and cream
gobo of the moon. Simple but very effective. There was a raised rear walkway but
that was all. The height of the stage from the main floor also had various levels of
boxes to give a further acting area. This whole area would be filled with cast
members over the coming scenes, mostly well handled. I have a preference to
declare. I never like to see items of props placed in the exact centre of the stage. I
prefer to see the focus set slightly to one side. This seems to me to create a wider
stage and give the impression of more space. This I would have done with the
kitchen table and the camp fire scenes. It also means that we do not lose sight of
any actors – as we did with Grandad behind the campfire. Mostly I thought the
placing of the cast members was excellent and we were able to see all members. At
times the rear of the hall and central aisle was used for placing cast members and
having entrances and exits. With the type of hall seating and it’s limited space it was
not easily possible to turn and see the action. And for that reason I think the effect
was lost.

The stage crew were quick, quiet and very efficient. Congratulations to all involved.
Some scenes involved part of the schooner which was erected before our eyes in
real time by the cast. Again a job well done. The finished tableau with the ship on
one side of the stage and cast on the other side was well achieved and made great
use of the small space in between. In the second act after the storm and loss of life
the rear wall turned red and the stage crew moved the scenery. Another preference
I’m afraid. I would have preferred some music or at least some sounds of the sea
waves etc. to cover the movement of the stage crew. They were as quiet as could be
but I felt the lack of music or effects made the moment awkward and less crafted as
previous scene changes. Can I just add that your accompanist did a remarkable and
faultless job and I hope you have already booked her for the next show!
One of the achievements of the group is the nurturing of new talent. And long may it
continue. But we really must be able to hear their speaking voices as well as their
singing voices. Please consider the use of radio mics in future shows. There were
several cast members, of all ages, where I struggled to hear their contributions.
Please remember that the cast have to combat the hall, the distance from the stage
and the live music before their sounds stand a chance of reaching us – the audience.
These barriers would test a professional let alone an amateur. I understand that
radio mics were tried during the last production and there were problems. Please
pursue their use again, especially with the next planned production. We can then
truly appreciate the talent shown on stage! As the level of performance was high and
consistent I have chosen not to single out individual cast members. Each and every
one of them has help make this show and I wish them all well in future
performances.
Finally Thanks to All of You for providing a quality performance. I look forward to my
next visit.

Kind regards

Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and

only reflects the performance seen.

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