The Show Must Go on!

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!   This was a variety show performed by the Kingsclere Players, with vocal input from the Kingsclere Singers.    The cast performed songs and dances from musicals ranging from traditional oldies such as ‘Hello Dolly’ to newer musicals ‘Rent’ and ‘Operation Mincemeat’.    There were quick costume changes, minimal use of props and the only real piece of set was a large banner with the title suspended above the performers saying ‘The Show Must Go On!’

The stage was bare and props were brought on as necessary.  There were chairs for Chicago/Burlesque and great use of a massive flag for the Les Miserables medley.  Umbrellas were used well in ‘Singin’ in the rain’.

The costumes were excellent and added colour and interest to the bare stage.  There were colourful tutus for ‘You can’t stop the Beat’ from ‘Hairspray’, nuns' habits for ‘I will follow you’ from ‘Sister Act’, sailors' outfits for ‘Sail on Boys’ from ‘Operation Mincemeat’ and burlesque black, including fishnet stockings, for the Burlesque performances.    For some of the musical numbers, scarves and ties were used to add colour to the performers’ black costumes.

Lighting was good and used very effectively to enhance the performances.   The performers wore white gloves and with ultraviolet light created the word ‘LOVE’ in ‘Seasons of Love’ from the musical ‘Rent’.  This was innovative and created a spine-tingling moment.   

‘The Show Must Go’ on was a well thought out and put together show with music for all tastes ranging from traditional Broadway musicals such as ‘Elegance’ from ‘Hello Dolly’ which was more than just song and dance, there was some interaction between the performers as opposed to most of the numbers which were performed ‘out to the audience’, to more modern musicals such as ‘Hairspray’ and from ‘Waitress’.  There was a blend of songs performed by groups of players, some given extra volume from the Kingsclere Singers who were seated below the stage area to either side and some solos.    Of these solos, particularly poignant was ‘She Used to be mine’ sung by Amelia Hicks, who also co-directed the show.  There was great clarity and emotional depth emanating from the stage which drew the audience into the performances.   Everyone involved in this production who performed, whether as a solo artist, in a small group or as the choir or the ensemble showed great energy and enthusiasm and this ensured the audience had an enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.  I attended the last performance and it was heartwarming to share the presentations for the unseen heroes of the production i.e. the creative team and backstage crew.  This was a huge community effort.  Well done Charley Henkey for putting together a show of which she should be extremely proud. 

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