The Wedding Singer

In a huge nod to the 80’s with colourful costumes, Rubik’s cube props, energetic choreography and character performances, Selkirk MTC burst back on stage to appreciative and grateful audiences. The lively opening scene, ‘It’s Your Wedding Day’, proved the perfect introduction.

After an enforced Covid break, finally the company’s long-awaited choice of show came to fruition.

I can’t claim to have seen the film or the stage show before, so there were no previous influences or comparisons to anticipate. The synopsis was straightforward and the characters were given every ounce of animation by each and every member of the cast.

The title role of Robbie was superbly captured by Stuart Mitchell. In the massive role and lynch pin for the whole show, he carried it with distinction. His ability to solo, duet and support many company numbers was ‘awesome’, as well as choreographing the whole show. He owned the number ‘Casualty of Love’ after he was left at the alter but on the back of his anger and heartbreak he paired perfectly with his new love Julia, producing two highlighted duets.

Leading lady Julia (Kirsty Cleland), playing the loveable waitress, shone throughout. With her wonderful voice and natural characterisation of the role she delivered a fabulous ‘Someday’ and memorable, harmonic highlights with Robbie in ‘If I Told You’ and ‘Grow Old With You’. 

Both of Robbie’s band mates, Sammy (Richard Platt) and George (Ross Aitkin), were superb, both in excellent voice and playing very different characters. 

Sammy (guitarist), playing the ‘not so stupid’ love interest of Holly, had a superb singing voice and led the comical bar scene with the boys in ‘Single’ and worked superbly with Holly during their duet ‘Right in Front of your Eyes’. In his first role with SMTC, there is no doubt he’s a keeper and a huge asset to the company.

George (keyboards…and other instruments!), in his flamboyant and camp portrayal, epitomised the image and character of pop star Boy George. His vocal ability and showmanship hit the high notes in ‘George’s Prayer’, an hilarious send up of the 80’s song with a ‘True’-like riff from Spandau Ballet.

The gregarious, cheeky and promiscuous Holly was brilliantly played by Amanda Blacklock. As a true leader in the ‘Pop’ scene with Julie and Angie (Yvonne Mitchell) playing Julie’s Mum, they expressively mirrored their makeup touch up and created a fabulous upbeat number. The brilliant finale to Act 1, ‘Saturday Night in the City’ was also a massive highlight led by Holly. 

The materialistic Wall Street broker Glen was a jewel of a character for Craig Douglas. His charisma and stature shone in his interpretation. In the 2nd act opening number ‘All About The Green’, his vocal ability was perfectly suited to wow the audience. Supported by Robbie and company in this slickly choreographed office scene, it created atmospheric stills and  appropriate ‘green’ lighting to great effect. Fabulous!

Ex-fiancee Linda, who left Robbie at the alter in her ‘Note From Linda’, was expertly played by Rachel Inglis. In real life nothing like her character, she becomes the hopeful temptress to win Robbie back with a sexy rendition of ‘Let Me Come Home’. Nothing out of bounds for this talented actress and singer who never fails to light up a stage.

Rosie, the eccentric and keep-fit loving Grandmother of Robbie was very convincingly played by Natalie Wright. For someone so youthful, she embraced the persona of an elderly lady in an hilarious fashion. Her exercise regime in her iconic 80’s shell suit had the audience in stitches. In her big number with George, ‘Move That Thang’ she powered through the vocals and never lost her character for one moment. A complete joy to watch and listen to.

Angie (Yvonne Mitchell), the social climbing Mum of Julia was in the perfect hands of one of the companies stalwarts, who after the loss of her real life Dad, bravely took the emotional leap of faith to make her Dad and Mum very proud by going on stage this week. Well done Yvonne!    

Thank you everyone for this memorable return to the iconic 80’s, and your wonderful hospitality.

 

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