The Platinum Collection

A lovely Sunday afternoon was spent celebrating 70 years of AWMTC. A feast of musical numbers picked from the society’s 70 years of performance, from 1958 right up to the most recent production in 2016. A performance in two acts.
The venue was welcoming and laid out in a cabaret style with tables and chairs and this really suited the feel of this revue. The stage had a glittery back drop to add effect but was otherwise bare.

The performance was kicked off with the full company on stage. This was well delivered and I really felt the seven men in the company held their line very well. Some of the volumes of the soloists were varied but overall a good start. Katy Thomason – Stewart, I must remark that this lady has a very nice voice but just needs to find her inner confidence to give a more secure delivery. Holly Gibson, I understand to be only 14 years old. A very good string voice on the chest range but had some nerve and breathing issues on the higher belt sections. A girl so young will certainly develop into a beautiful performer as she had signs of also being a nice actress. Well done Holly. Russel Caulfield. A confident performance of a tricky number as the rhythm changes are difficult when you have a backing track, he managed this very well. The comedic offering did not disappoint, delivered by Seb Jackson, has a voice but has some tuning issues which he covered very well. His playful nature in this song really stood out and I loved the t-shirt.

Ana Escudero, a good performer and was confident in the number mostly, there were some tuning issues on the belt section. I felt that if a better track had been available with a better sound, (the one used was very thin), the singer may have been more comfortable. A good performer none the less. Lauren Spires, gave one of the most accomplished performances of the evening. A stillness in her delivery meant she demanded attention and got it. A fine voice. Alison Brander, gave us a performance you would expect in the show in both her solo numbers. A fine accent throughout with a strong vocal. Steve Mills processes a unique ability to deliver and I felt he was just singing to me. Engaging and a delight to watch. It was for me the most endearing performance. I must admit is shed a wee tear at the end of his second number. Followed ably by Tina Spires gave a strong performance.

Opening of act two started with the cast walking through the audience in grand style finally making their way to the stage which the start of “Ascot Gavotte”, one of the most polished choral numbers of the evening, great facial expressions from all. Ikaro Gittins gave a lovely rendition of “On the street where you live” he made it look quite effortless. “I could have danced all night” sung by Jill Bull, was nice and she has a convincing range for this song. Unfortunately, on the evening Eileen Rawlinson was feeling unwell so her performance was omitted from the programme.

We reached the final climax of the evening with the introduction of Musical Director Nurse. This was a great part of the evening, we heard a very good standard of harmonies throughout this section with the addition of movement. The singers could really take time to sing and feel the songs as they had a very competent MD. This section was received well by the audience.
If I am I say anything negative, it would only be that the sound could be improved upon, the microphone levels were acceptable however some of the tracks needed to be balanced and of the same quality throughout. When you use backing tracks you are held prisoner to the speed and length, so at times the vocalist was ahead of or behind the track. I do understand that it is difficult to source these but maybe include the Musical director when choosing which ones to use. I would have liked to see Ed having more involvement in the concert.

This concert was a celebration of a society who are on their 70th year, a testament to the people involved. There was a real sense of community, it was so nice to see every member having an opportunity to do something and to grow as performers. The nurturing of talent is so very important in community theatre. Well done AWMTC for continuously encouraging your members and allowing them to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone.

Overall an enjoyable afternoon with a good set list.

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