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The Full Monty

Author: Tessa Davies

Information

Date
27th October 2012
Society
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
Venue
The Palace Theatre Westcliff-on-Sea
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Sallie Warrington
Musical Director
Stuart Woolner
Choreographer
Sallie Warrington

It is so nice to come to see a production and know that the theatre is going to be pretty full.  Even though I suspect that many of the ‘new’ audience had come along just for the strippers.   Director Sallie Warrington treated us to a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment and although the inevitable finale was eagerly anticipated, I enjoyed the journey that the cast took to get there.

It’s a relatively small cast, and the ensemble had to work pretty hard to cover all the smaller parts.  I don’t have the space to mention them all but I have to give credit to the six male characters who displayed a sense of camaraderie that is essential for this production and, as the action continued we, the audience, became involved with their problems.

Led by Richard Harrison (Jerry) and joined by Simon Lambert (Dave) Neil Lands (Harold) Peter Brown (Malcolm) Paul Standen (Horse) and David Shipman (Ethan) these guys gave some great character performances.  The girls who played their wives were also strong performers and I particularly liked Danielle Jameson’s performance as Harold’s domineering wife Vicki. 

Particular mention also for Helen Sharpe who gave an outstanding performance as the ageing accompanist Jeanette and Callum Yeoman who played Jerry’s son Nathan, his performance displayed a maturity many adults would find difficult to achieve.

The scenery was simple but effective and the scene changes were carried out smoothly and swiftly, lighting was sensitive and appropriate.  There seemed to be a few problems with mics on occasions but these were quickly overcome.   The music was most enjoyable, with a good range of styles and tempo and MD Stuart Woolner and his band gave excellent support to the cast.

I rather liked the fact that the story has been relocated to America; it will be interesting to compare it with the ‘English’ version due to tour next year.  For me, though, this was a great evening’s entertainment, it may not be high opera but it was great fun and very well performed.  Thank you LODS.

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