The Drowsy Chaperone

'The Drowsy Chaperone’ might almost be described as a musical within a musical.The scene is set in the apartment of the narrator of the piece the ‘Man In Chair.’ As he sits in the corner of his living room, he tells the audience of his love and passion for musical theatre and invites them to listen to one of his favourite records ‘ The Drowsy Chaperone.’ As soon as the needle touches the record on his record player we are transported to the 1920’s as he leads the audience through the recording and the show comes to life.

Ian Fallon was absolutely superb in this demanding, testing role,

He is the focal point of the piece and had the audience in the palm of his hand throughout with his copious amount of dialogue delivered with humour and excellent timing. His interjections and interaction with the audience were perfection.

As the story unfolds we meet many different and interesting characters most of whom have been invited to an impending wedding between Janet van de Graaff, a show girl, and Robert Martin. Chloe Anderson gave an impressive performance as the bride Janet with a lovely singing voice and a stage presence compatible with the style of the 1920’s. Cameron Kirby captured the style of the smooth, young beau of that era who not only sang well but was proficient in his tap dancing and roller skating blind folded. He is supposedly supported by his best man George. David Bartholomew successfully portrayed the flustered, incompetent and somewhat harassed best man George who also did well with his tap routine.

Trying to stop the wedding is Feldzieg, a show biz manager who fears his future is at stake if Janet marries and leaves his show. Ian McKenna was a suitably frustrated director constantly agitated by Kitty who is determined that she could take over Janet’s role. Kirsten Weichen Wong gave a lively, animated portrayal of the sexy Kitty with her exaggerated movement and expressive face.

Katie McNulty gave a very subtle performance as the Drowsy Chaperone. More interested in herself than being vigilant of her charge Janet, and rarely without a drink in her hand she gave an elegant, controlled performance never going o.t.t. when she was slightly inebriated. Her solo number was delivered with absolute conviction. Andrew Hally was well cast as the self proclaimed Lothario and lover bringing out the humour with his outbursts and revelling in his scene trying to seduce Drowsy.

Caroline Stevenson (Mrs Tottendale) and Colin Cairncross (Underling) her butler made a good pairing, the former suitably ditsy and the latter upright in controlling his exasperation with Mrs T, his facial expression telling all.

Good timing is needed for comedy and Laura Dunning and Anna Spence worked very well together as Pastry Chefs/Gangsters. Arriving to save the day when it appears no weddings can take place due to George forgetting to get a minister is Trix the Aviator. Anya Coates made a real impact in this final scene with her strong singing voice and command of the stage.

Throughout this well directed production, the ensemble moved with ease and with good, disciplined choreography. The pausing and freezing to allow The Man to continue his narrative was used to good effect as was the use of the split levelled set. Vocally the cast produced a well balanced sound and was ably supported by the small orchestra. Colourful costumes depicted the style of the era.

At the start of the show the ‘Man In Chair’ tells us that all an audience in theatre wants is to be entertained. This was most certainly the case with this production. When an entire audience rises to it’s feet clapping and cheering at the end of a show you know you have winner! A thoroughly enjoyable, fun production,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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