26th April 2025
Murder on the Airwaves
Three Towns Theatre Company, Upchurch Village Hall
The Merry Widow
Author: Doreen Grierson
Information
- Date
- 27th November 2014
- Society
- Tunbridge Wells Operatic & Dramatic Society
- Venue
- Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
- Type of Production
- Operetta
- Director
- Neil Harris
- Musical Director
- Steve Rhind
- Choreographer
- Elizabeth Witt
TWODS production of Franz Lehar’s ‘Merry Widow’ was nostalgia personified for me. Societies shy away from ‘operetta’ these days and it is such a shame because with the sumptuous costumes combined with wonderful music, who could fail to be spellbound.
Written around the turn of the century the extravagance of the French diplomatic life with its intrigues and extra marital shenanigans, was brought out in the set and costumes, although I thought they could have been more colourful for the opening scene. Musical director, Steve Rhind worked his orchestra well and were always in sympathy with the excellent vocalists. Director Neil Harris handled the movement of the large cast skilfully and Elizabeth Witt’s always imaginative choreography, added to the pleasure of the audience.
As Anna, the Merry Widow, Lelia Di Domenico was outstanding. Her ability to articulate ensured all her words were clear as her operatic voice rang through the auditorium. She was suitably matched with Nick Lucas as Count Danilo Danilovitsch, an attaché at the embassy and Anna’s first love. The other romance that dominated the plot involved Michael Jamieson-Smith as Camille and Eleanor Bell as Valencienne, the wife of the ambassador. Their voices were delightful and their complex relationship kept the plot bubbling along. Chris Gutteridge was delightful as the cuckolded ambassador, Baron Zeta and as his factotum, Tom Tapsfield made the most of his singing and dancing talents to exploit the comedy of Njegus. The other minor parts of visitors to the embassy were played well and to great effect.
One of the high points of the show were the suitors in ‘Women! Women! Women!’ an energetic and funny routine. Another high point was the entrance of Les Grisettes from Maxim’s with the high energy ‘Can-Can.’ Both routines down to excellent choreography.
TWODS continue to present high quality shows and for their celebration of 125 years, this was a vibrant sparkling production, full of pace and humour with excellent acting and singing.
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