The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer is based around the story of Robbie Hart , performing as part of a band providing entertainment at weddings . Having been stood up at the altar he loses all heart and continues by ruining other weddings by his atrocious actions  until Julia, a waitress ,comes into his life . Does he win her heart ? In true love story mode ,he does . 

This production has many scene changes and with the combination of a large ensemble mixed with the space restrictions the theatre creates  Ian Walker ,as director, clearly worked really efficiently to maximise every inch allowing all the ensemble space . I  enjoyed all the different characters who showed so many forms of emotion , all benefiting from the clear direction obviously given and developed through the rehearsal process. Along with Ian's direction there was some excellent choreography by Amber Parry and Lily Abram .Not an easy task when space is such a premium but well done to both . My personal favourite was All about the Green . 

 In Dominic Ridler ,your MD , he certainly achieved high standards with some excellent solo ,duet , small group and full ensemble singing , along with his skilled orchestra , and whilst occasionally the sound balance wasn't spot on , alterations were taking place during the performance which will ensure those teething issues will be resolved for your opening night .Well done to Chris Hanlon with so many mic cues to watch for . I was very grateful to be allowed to review your last full run through pre opening night and fully accept the difficulties all the tech teams have to deal with in such a short time span .The lighting by Pete Brown was very effective and again small teething issues occurred but am sure will be ready for the opening .There was some excellent projection work during the production by Hansel D'Roza and team . This of course also creates another layer of difficulties for the lighting team when working with such a  light surrounding set  so well done. James Plura and his team were kept very busy throughout  with so many changes along with the inevitable difficulties of a total lack of space for off stage storage. It was also pleasing to see some seamless prop moving by the cast at appropriate times , which all helps to keep the production moving along swiftly .   Compliments to the costume team who found some excellent creations depicting the time period Well done .

Moving on to the cast  In Adam Walker ,as Robbie Hart , you have a truly seasoned performer showing all his musical skills and along with some excellent singing and acting .This part required Adam to portray many emotions ,highs and lows, happiness and total despair which he handled with ease. Well done .  As leader of the Wedding Singer group he was really well supported by Joshua Holliday playing the role of Sammy . Josh again showed his many theatre skills along with  the Boy George lookalike . Dylan Lambert , as George completing the trio . Josh and Dylan gave truly memorable performances with such an array of characteristics ,along with some great singing, acting , and excellent comic timing  . Julia played by Georgina Hartley-Willows well done, a heartwarming performance , again showing your many skills with lovely emotional scenes and  excellent singing .My particular favourite being Someday , and along with Holly played by Sarah Ward  , the dynamic pair of waitresses , gave great performances.Well done to you both .  Glen Guglia played by Jon Warbaton , the playboy of the piece , " I have everything but really nothing " a really powerful performance and not an easy part to play but he held the character excellently , Rosie played by Mary Newey , grandma , fitness fanatic , singer , wow well done to throw yourself into those varying guises. Great fun . Linda played by Jessica Curr was a full on performance showing such power in voice and acting. Whilst I felt a little uncomfortable with the Act 2 costume  I cannot  fault the way the story you were telling was portrayed . The ensemble, including many small cameos, was well rehearsed and carried out . In summary and accepting all the difficulties in such a restricted theatre I felt there were a few teething issues but nothing at all unusual in the dress rehearsal and none that won't have been discussed and resolved ready for opening night . 

On behalf of both Sylvia and myself thank you for the invitation and the excellent way we were looked after yet again . I wish you all success with your production and trust the glitter will smile on the audience, the orchestra and yourselves .

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