The Wedding Singer

As we took our seats we saw a simple standing set with different levels with a video screen above.  As the show progressed, we saw how cleverly this set had been designed.  With the bed coming out of one ‘cupboard’, the dumpster (essential to the story) from another and various cupboards that opened up to show different aspects.  The video screen was well used to indicate the setting for each scene.   Designed and built by members of the cast and friends, it was simple but fitted the show perfectly.

The title role of the Wedding Singer, Robbie Hart was played by Dom Newlyn.  This was an excellent performance with a range of emotions beautifully demonstrated through the show.  Dom’s characterisation was well done. 

Lindsay Carpenter-Oliver played Julia beautifully, she has a lovely voice, and her characterisation and facial expressions were a joy to watch.  She and Dom made a great pairing.

Ellie Wilkinson played Julia’s friend Holly, a lovely quirky character.  Thomas Carpenter played her erstwhile (and still hopeful) boyfriend Sammy, this was another excellent performance.  Matthew Carpenter played Glen, the ‘villain’ of the piece, and Matthew gave a very well observed performance as the rather obnoxious Wall Street banker.   Then there was George, played to great effect by Gerard Jones.   The script calls for the character to be subtly gay and Gerard nailed it.  Some of his expressions as he delivered certain, telling, lines were lovely to see.

I must congratulate Gail Carpenter for her portrayal of ‘Grandma’ Rosie, a detailed and comedic performance, which had me laughing every time she spoke.  Rachel Corbyn (Linda) and Linda Moore (Angie) completed the principal lineup and they both gave good performances.

The ensemble was excellent, they all produced good characters and, given that some of them played multiple roles, the different characters they portrayed in each of them was very good.  Their harmonies were well done, and they were a credit to MD David Charles-Howell.

The show was cleverly and empathetically choreographed by Jane Granby using all the different abilities

and strengths of the cast and some great moves.  The cast executed these dance moves well with all of them joining in enthusiastically and with style.

The 8-piece band gave the cast great support, never overpowering them, again credit to MD David.  Considering that they were right there in the wings it was a tricky balancing act to make sure that the music and the singing was equally heard.

The costumes were well put together and the cast made the extra effort to have different ‘wedding’ outfits for each wedding.

The lighting was well designed, and the cast were well drilled in being in the right spot every time.

The direction was subtle but well done, Wayne Carpenter brought out some lovely comedy moments which gave the show a lift and the pace was maintained with only a few very short blackouts for essential scene changes.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to 1985!

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