THE LIKES OF US

Settle AOS chose “The Likes Of Us” to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the founding of Dr Barnardo Homes – and this was a perfect choice of show for them.  What an excellent evening of entertainment they provided.

This musical - the first collaboration for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber – portrays the true story of Dr Barnardo’s fight for homeless children, taking us on the journey from his early visits to the Edinburgh Castle Gin Palace in London to distribute bibles, to witness the homeless children who spend their days begging or thieving mainly before making their way to the alleys and rooftops to spend the night huddled together to keep warm, with the happy ending we were all so hoping for – where he buys the Gin Palace, turns it into a children’s home and marries his true love Syrie Elmslie.

This was a truly moving production – right from start to finish. 

Matthew Nutting played the part of Dr Barnardo with style.  He has a beautiful singing voice, with a great range and such clarity. 

Matthew was ably supported by Melanie Edgar as Syrie, Steven Lawson as the Auctioneer, Beth Lowe as Rose, and Paul Clayton and Jasmine Cannon playing the younger “love interest” Johnny & Jenny respectively.

The whole story was beautifully linked together by Trudy Wilson as the narrator.

The technical side of the show (scenery, props, lighting and sound) all complimented the production and I particularly liked the fact that the depth of the stage was used to its full extent, with stylish furniture and props.

The costumes (by Ian Stead, Theatrical Costumier) were beautiful and fitted everyone perfectly.  Dr Barnardo in particular looked absolutely immaculate at all times – very much the proper gentleman, and totally in keeping with his own “sideburns” – well done Matthew for nurturing them!

The orchestra, under the direction of Pam Whitehead, played the very catchy score in a sympathetic manner, and didn’t drown out the singing.

Pat Harding’s clever directing made sure that the audience were never bored – with members of the cast popping out from all angles in the hall!  It was ingenious to include the audience in “Hold A March” and “Going Going Gone” (the auction) – and we really felt like we were involved.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this production – it was clear a lot of hard work has gone into it – all of the children were very well drilled and their singing was joy to listen to – very loud and very clear.  They truly are an asset to the Society.

It was nice to finish off the evening with “Another Cup Of Tea” – which was well deserved by everyone!

The audience certainly came out humming the tune and tapping their feet the night I was there – well done!

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