The Family Album

I wasn’t sure that The Family Album would be my thing – a look at the programme seemed to confirm my worst fears. Extracts from three musicals – The Sound of Music, Blood Brothers and Mamma Mia, followed by a medley of songs under the general heading By The Sea. How could that all work?
 
But I am delighted to say that it did – very, very well.
 
A cast with lots of talent and commitment, a good small band, well-thought-out costumes and set, good technical support and imaginative direction made for an entertaining night out.
 
The Sound of Music had fine singing performances from Jenny McMahon as Maria and Tracey Barker as Mother Abbess, supported by some nice chorus work from the nuns.
 
This was the first time I had seen amateurs have a go at Blood Brothers and I was impressed. In the extract performed this group showed how well it can be done and my main thought was that it cannot be too long before the show’s rights holders release it for amateurs. Carol Haynes was a very convincing Mrs Johnstone, singing this iconic central role with great feeling. Linda Westley duetted touchingly in My Child and younger members of the cast did a great job with Kids Game. I also liked the use of film to make a link to the final desparate scene. (I hadn’t seen this in the professional productions I’ve been to see; a clever innovation.)
 
A fitting contrast was found in Mamma Mia, basically a fun musical. Bright holiday costumes and a sunny set combined to give this part of the show a good start. At times all cast members were on stage and it says a great deal for the direction and choreography that no-one looked out of place or in the way. Dance numbers were lively and well done and chorus singing was good. I especially enjoyed the pretty and touching song Slipping Through My Fingers sung by Johanna Beech (Donna), Victoria Farrar (Sophie) and the ladies’ chorus.  
 
The idea of linking the three extracts together by means of children and their grandparents talking about their experiences in amdram all those years ago was a good one.

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