The wedding Singer

HATS’ production of The Wedding Singer is an extravaganza of colour and energy set in the 1980’s.

Directed by Jamie Fletcher this production zips along with ease. The set is utilised with colourful blocks and minimal furniture, the cast moved the set around to keep the pace up.

So from the very start, with the front of tabs wedding scene, you knew as the audience you were about to take a rollercoaster ride of nostalgia.

Rob Armstrong & Jamie Flavell’s Lighting and Lea Royse & Elodie Perrier’s Sound added to the professionalism with an unobtrusively deft touch.

The Band led by Musical Director Paul Robinson was superbly en pointe.

Lorraine Robinson and Gemma Marr’s choreography was unstintingly good, routines of the ‘80’s with even Thriller moves thrown in to Casualty of Love, thus reinforcing the time period.

Costumes on the whole looked great, a few not of the time but it didn’t matter - it gave the flavour of the era.

Jamie Taylor as Robbie the jilted groom gave a brilliant rounded performance with strong vocals. From the up beat wedding song to the occasional comic delivery and seeing his character develop, he took you with him on his journey. He worked well with Neil Brogan who played Sammy, who also gave us great comedy and Matthew Gavin’s George’s Prayer . . .LOL!

You could get a real sense of the odd trio’s true friendship.

Jennifer Hubbard who played Julia also worked well with Jamie and the two had great rapport which built through the show.  Jennifer had a beautiful voice full of colour and clarity.

You have got to love playing a villain to pull it off and you get the sense that Ryan Norse playing Glen does just that. Glen is the rich, selfish boyfriend who likes telling you about himself and what he has. The size of the mobile phone and the fact he fitted in into his back pocket. . .hilarious!

Played with just that edge of sleaze - great portrayal.

Alice Sofield playing Holly’s friend to Julia, also having issues with her ex: nice characterization and loved the number Right in Front of Your Eyes.

Hilary Brownson-Hardman playing Linda . . .audition for a relatively small, sexy part, have two scenes and smash it! That’s all folks! Dot Dot Smiley Face!

The Cast worked well together also the Wedding Guests/Ensemble was strong using the stage effectively. In the Bar Mitzvah scene, Jordan Eaves’ face was a picture of bewilderment - so funny!

I loved the All About the Green with Robbie, Glen and Ensemble - slick and well thought out.

But oh my, the lookalikes were so funny (just a pity they weren’t named in the programme), . . . Ronald Reagan (complete with jelly beans line!) Billy Idol, Imelda Marcos, Cindy Lauper, Tina Turner (playing a ‘do not mess with me!’ version) and the unlikeliest Hulk Hogan ever had the audience in fits of laughter.

Well done to the Cast and Crew of The Wedding Singer - a thoroughly enjoyable night and thank you for making my guest and I so welcome.

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