The Monster Mansion

North West Theatre Arts Company’s The Monster Mansion was billed as a “Halloween Spooktacular,” and it more than lived up to its name. Presented by an amateur theatre group, this production was anything but amateur in execution. From the moment the curtains opened, it was clear that the audience was in for a slick, polished, and thoroughly entertaining evening of musical theatre.

The story followed a group of friends who unwittingly entered a mysterious mansion, only to discover it was teeming with monsters, ghosts, and other spooky surprises. As they ventured deeper into the haunted halls, their eerie encounters were punctuated by a series of well-chosen musical numbers that added both narrative depth and theatrical flair to the production.

Mark Beaumount’s set design was a triumph. The stage had a wonderful sense of depth, cleverly constructed to evoke the sprawling, shadowy interior of a haunted mansion. The staging was dynamic and immersive, allowing for seamless transitions between scenes and musical numbers. The lighting design enhanced the spooky ambiance, casting eerie glows and dramatic shadows that heightened the tension and theatricality of each moment.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Monster Mansion was the production’s musical structure. Productions of this type can often feel disjointed if the songs aren’t carefully curated and timed, but director Prab Singh, musical director Beth Singh and their team struck the perfect balance. Each number flowed naturally into the next, maintaining narrative momentum while showcasing the cast’s vocal and performance talents. The songs were trimmed to ideal lengths, ensuring they never overstayed their welcome and kept the audience engaged throughout. The musical direction by Beth Singh was equally commendable, with arrangements that supported the singers beautifully and added texture to the overall soundscape.

I don’t normally do this but I want to mention every single performer in this production because you brought something truly wonderful to that stage, the cast were; Sophie Allan, Arabella DaSilva, Thomas Hayes-Hulme, Miley Kennedy, Lexie Mullen, Emily Painter, Kasey Shawcross, Hania Szaszkiewicz, Weronika Szaskiewicz, Melody Taylor, Klay Turner, Ameila Zatorska, Erin Carty, Maika Dewill, Olivia Martin, Lacey McDermott, Myla Roberts, Lilly Taylor, Brodey Thompson, Ella-Grace Wood, Georgia Anderson, Olivia Anderson, Lily Ife, Kostya Kobzan, Tallulah McDermott, Jes Astley, Karla Clarke, Sarah Cook, Annabelle Cook, Lois Dibden, Jeni Fox, Harry Gardner, Billy Morrison and Rosa Morrison, great work everyone! 

Katie Gough’s choreography was a standout feature of the production. Her routines were inventive, energetic, and tailored to the strengths of the cast. From sharp formations to expressive movements, each number was visually captivating and full of life. Katie understood her ensemble’s capabilities and used that insight to craft choreography that was both challenging and achievable, resulting in performances that felt confident and exhilarating. Special mention must go to Lily Taylor and Annabelle Cook, who demonstrated exceptional dance technique and stage presence. Their energy, control, and precision were remarkable, and they elevated every number they were part of. It’s evident that the cast has received strong training, and their commitment to the choreography was palpable.

The show opened with “Bat Out of Hell,” performed by the entire company. This high-octane number set the tone for the evening, fast-paced, vocally strong, and bursting with energy. It was a thrilling introduction that immediately captured the audience’s attention and signalled the quality to come.

Each musical number served a purpose within the production, contributing to the spooky narrative while showcasing individual talents. Some of the standout performances included: “Zombie” sung by Karla Clarke and Sarah Cook: Their harmonies were hauntingly beautiful, and the emotional intensity they brought to the song was matched by the eerie choreography surrounding them. The dancers added a layer of menace and mystery that made the number truly memorable.

“Devil Woman” performed by Klay Turner: Klay’s charismatic stage presence and vocal control made this number a highlight. He embodied the character with flair and delivered the song with theatrical conviction. “Sweet but Psycho” sung by Lois Dibden: Lois’ performance was electric. She captured the playful yet sinister tone of the song perfectly, and her vocal delivery was both powerful and nuanced. “Ghost” by Erin Carty: A beautifully tender moment in the show, Erin’s rendition was emotionally resonant and showcased her vocal clarity and control. It provided a lovely contrast to the more upbeat numbers.

“The Monster” duet by Jes Astley and Harry Gardner: Their chemistry on stage was fantastic, and the interplay between their voices created a compelling dynamic. The number was theatrical, fun, and expertly performed. “I Put a Spell on You” by Amelia Zatorska: Amelia’s sultry and commanding performance was spellbinding. She brought drama and intensity to the stage, captivating the audience with every note. “Maneater” sung by Brodey Thompson: Brodey delivered this number with swagger and style. His vocal performance was confident, and the choreography added a fierce edge that made the number pop.

Lauren Anderson’s sound design was spot on. The levels were perfectly balanced, ensuring that vocals were always clear and never overpowered by the backing tracks. This technical precision allowed the performers to shine and ensured that the audience could fully appreciate the musicality of each number.

What made The Monster Mansion truly remarkable was the cohesion of all its elements. From the set and lighting to the music, choreography, and performances, everything came together to create a production that felt professional, polished, and passionately executed. The cast’s enthusiasm was infectious, and their commitment to the show was evident in every scene.

For an amateur theatre company, North West Theatre Arts Company delivered a production that rivalled many professional revues. The attention to detail, the high production values, and the sheer talent on display made The Monster Mansion a triumph. It was a Halloween treat that delighted, surprised, and thoroughly entertained.

In a world where amateur theatre can sometimes be dismissed or underestimated, The Monster Mansion stood as a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, creativity, and teamwork. It was spooky, spectacular, and sensational, a production that will linger in my memory long after the final curtain call, thank you for your kind invitation and hospitality, I look forward to seeing you all soon.

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