The Legend of Troy

What an enjoyable evening, with a good show, written locally, it was lovely to see something different and new.  It certainly brought the mythical legend of Troy to life.  I was delighted to be asked to review this exciting project.```````````````````````````````````

The music was particularly engaging – sometimes dramatic, sometimes simple, but nicely written, with good harmonies and interesting instrumental parts.

The overture was stirring, as befits the drama of the story of Troy, with some lovely reed interludes.  Good to see a fair-sized band, who looked as if they enjoyed playing something new.  I especially loved the final chord in To Sparta!  The ensemble sang very well, and enhanced the production, good to see some new faces and good contingent of men!

Sound balance between stage and pit was good throughout – very well-achieved by the technical team, and lighting enhanced the action well.  There were some very good effects.

Mostly costumes were good, Colourful, bright and in keeping with the times, with good armour worn well by the heroes, particularly Hector and Achilles. 

The Directors did well, the simple set of the wall at the back with entrances and exits worked well, and was not unnecessarily complicated.  The church provided a lovely backdrop to this work.  For me, I would have used a more segue approach after the end of a scene/number, as we had a lot of blackouts with nothing happening, and sometimes the next scene started promptly, sometimes it took a while. 

The fight scenes were good, and I thought the scene where Achilles and Hector fought, ending in Hector’s death, was very well-managed.

Jonathan Burrett as Achilles was perhaps the most accomplished performer, musically sound, with a lovely voice, and very good acting skills, conveying the young warrior with doubts.  An excellent performance.  I loved Jonathan’s main songs, he gave real meaning to the words.

Tammy Calvert performed really well as Cassandra – she sang the opening number with clarity and assurance, and continued to lend her particular acting and musical skills to the part.  Very well done.

Ian Rogers as the older brother Hector started slightly hesitantly, but he gained in confidence and gave a sterling performance, showing a musical voice.

Bridget Calvert played the role of Hecuba, mother to Hector, Paris and Cassandra with great aplomb, and a regal bearing.  Bridget gave the part the necessary seriousness, as befitted her standing.

Christopher Fletcher as Paris created a softer contrast to his mother and siblings, which was a good dimension, a slightly nervous start, but he gained momentum as he went on, and I liked his scenes with Helen.

Sarah Warner-Taylor created a charming Helen – she sang well and reacted with the relevant revulsion to her husband and caring for Paris.  A very believable partnership.

Stephen Parry was a super Menelaus – he was decadent and created a suitably detestable character, whilst singing extremely well.  I Can See It Coming was very menacing, I was impressed.

Ivor Mitchelmore’s Odysseus gave the impression of the wily wheeler dealer at court – nicely achieved.  Ivor performed There Once Was a King well, it gave the impression of a good old drinking song.

The other smaller parts played by Kieran Pritchard, John Bradley, Donna Fletcher and Jean Smy, were all well portrayed.  Good contrasts to the rest of the cast. 

Overall a very good evening’s entertainment – a well-written new musical that with a few tweaks could be even better.  I was so pleased to be able to witness the first airing of a new work, Music & Lyrics by Christopher Burrett, and the great work the cast and team had done with an unfamiliar piece, something way out of their comfort zone – extremely well done.

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