The Opal Ring

If there is one thing that you can guarantee from Side by Side Theatre Company, it is that you can never foresee what they have in store for you but there is one thing that is guaranteed – it will be great!  “The Opal Ring” at Stourbridge Town Hall kept up the tradition.

The show had its origins in lockdown over Zoom, fortunately for the very appreciative Side by Side audience, they decided to develop it into a full-scale production.  Jo and Anne, played by Judy Alcock and Laura Southall are our modern-day adventureresses who find an opal ring and take it to the police station where they meet Claire Attwood, playing police officer Marie who tells them to return to see if anyone has claimed it – it is not claimed and so Jo and Anne get to keep it. The Opal Ring magically takes them to a parallel universe where they find that residents are given a gemstone at birth which gives them their name – without their stone, their powers are weakened and Opal, the Unicorn delightfully played by Charlotte Hardwick, gratefully gets the stone back. Only to find that devious thieves Jasper and Jet , Paul Taylor and Toby Shaw, a pair of incompetent opportunists who have some great comedy moments which they played superbly, amazingly steal it again. Along the way we meet a splendid array of characters who move the story along at great pace: Sapphire, the sorceress, played by Susie Schwartz; Ben Rees’ Tourmaline, a Wizard with his signature entrance; Crystal, a Light Catcher beautifully played by Lucinda Dawson; helped by (or is that hindered?) Clowns Garnet, Chris Male and Peridot, Lorna Kelly (great comedy and a brilliant Car Wash scene!) and Ruby, a policewoman, replicating Marie from the real world is Claire Attwood. They are led by Alexandrite¸ our Hero masterfully played by James Emtage – what a delightful singing voice and insightful acting ability – always there to help everyone out.

They are supported by as many gemstones (characters) that you can think of, all of whom play their parts magnificently, each helping move this cleverly constructed show forward.  Many, many congratulations to all involved, a truly great achievement.

“The Opal Ring” gives all the Side by Side groups a chance to shine – some brilliant dance sequences under the direction of Susan Wallin and Beth Birchall and great musical interludes led by Richard Ganner were a delight to watch and listen to.  I don’t think I have ever seen so many people on and off stage all of whom were thoroughly enjoying ever second.  To quote Richard Ganner, “I have never seen so much love backstage” and it overflowed onto the stage too!

Side by Side is the ultimate example of the success of teamwork. This is evidenced in the running of the group, encouraging involvement of people of all abilities whether as a participant or as a volunteer who have a passion for theatre.  This is also reflected in their productions. From June Field’s ultra efficient Stage Management and Props to Betalite’s imaginative lighting and Derek Lidington’s soundscape. Special mention should also go the James Emtage’s atmospheric Back Projection and Videos. Not forgetting the amazing array of costumes arranged by Phyllis Burgess and Pat Hassall. 

My thanks to everyone at Side by Side Theatre Company Stourbridge for their kind hospitality and the lovely warm welcome I received as well as the opportunity to meet you all after the performance. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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