The Zoo and Other Animals

Thank you for the lovely, warm welcome at Stantonbury Theatre yesterday. Your front of house team (John Bailes, Beth Stone and Barry Bates,) were excited for my visit and under the lead of Vivienne Harman I was invited to share my evening with Jackie and Gill avid fans of Wolverton G&S. I had enjoyed your clever publicity in the weeks leading up to my visit, (Sophie Elliott, Graham Mitchell, Ann Skelly, John Bailes, David Male),  but I missed seeing the charming smile from Angela Bowen your president, and wish her a speedy recovery.

Act 1 - The Zoo, a one-act "musical folly" by B.C. Stephenson (writing as Bolton Rowe), with music by Arthur Sullivan, is a light-hearted operetta about two romantic entanglements at the London Zoological Gardens. One involves an impoverished chemist, Carboy, who tries to commit suicide because his father-in-law rejects him, only to be saved by a vendor at the refreshment stall named Eliza Smith. The other involves a nobleman, disguised as Thomas Brown, who wins Eliza's heart by pretending to be a wealthy customer at the zoo.

Aesculapius Carboy: Dave Anstice-Pim, an apothecary who attempts to hang himself after his love Laetitia's father rejects him, played with warm charm, delightful actions, and stage presence. I particularly noticed the tiny actions, for instance, licking his pencil before writing, and playful energy around the stage.

Laetitia: Laura Jamie Anstice played Carboy's beloved and was perfect in the role. Her vocals and diction were excellent, and I enjoyed her physical comedy moments and delicate characterisation, which kept us chuckling even in the more chaotic moments for instance, when Thomas faints and when saying goodbye to Carboy.  Eliza Smith: played by Paula Fraser, a virtuous young lady who runs the refreshment stall at the zoo with huge fun and energy. I enjoyed her actions and vocals, especially her facial expressions, which truly added depth to her character.  Thomas Brown (The Duke of Islington), played by the ever-charming Davis Mills, is a nobleman who is disguised as a commoner and is trying to find virtue in a woman to marry. He utilised clever characterisation, and used his delightful voice well, and he had that charismatic twinkle in his eye throughout.  Mike Gray as Grinder gave a forthright performance, lovely harmony work and gentle energy on stage. Sophie Elliot as Patricia, made her character stand out. There were some lovely moments between the sisters, and you had the audience chuckling along with your antics.

Ladies of the cast, Karen Jones, Margot Make, Linda Davy, Alison Statham, Kim Philips, Ann Skelly, Jenny Tygrys, Karen Elliott. With gentleman Steve Corcoran, Graham Mitchell, David Male, Michael Spours, all participated really well with good energy and movements throughout. Lots of clever choreography which matched the energy of each number.

Director Paula Fraser, Producer Karen Jones, and MD Kim Bennet are a stupendous trio who seemed to wring every last drop of mirth and merriment from The Zoo. Lovely costumes and clever use of props.  (Wardrobe – Paula Fraser), I enjoyed the set, including zoo enclosures, a tea area with tables, chairs, and a food stall, which were used creatively. With the addition of a bench and street lamp, the whole stage was well utilised. I think it was Alison Statham who made me giggle as the ‘older’ waitress. She reminded me of Julie Walters in the ‘two soups sketch’. Great lighting and good sound effects, including incidental animal sounds and incidental music from technical director Martin Pulman and his crew, which were managed skilfully, adding depth to the action on stage. Well done stage manager Emily Giddins, who supported the cast and kept up the pace for the whole evening.

In Act 2 we were entertained by a plethora of musical numbers and readings from many of the cast. The highlights for me were Ascot Gavotte from My Fair Lady (something I would love to see you do in the future!), Poisoning Pigeons in the Park sung by Kim Bennett and Paula Fraser, a brilliant interpretation of one of my favourites. The rendition of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, was spectacular; the harmonies and vocals were wonderful. Betty Blue Eyes, sang by Steve Corcarana and Paula Fraser, was cleverly choreographed and magnificently acted. I enjoyed all the poems from various members of the cast, each with pictures and projections to emphasise the different themes.  The whole catalogue was ingeniously put together and flowed really well. Another highlight was Paula Fraser’s Green Finch and Linnet Bird from Sweeney Todd, just delightful! A truly wonderful night of entertainment, rounded off with an audience participation version of the Hippopotamus Song.

Thank you for all your hard work in putting the whole show together. Your rehearsal repetiteurs were Rowena Ginns and Prajna Indrawati, and it was Prajna who provided the musical accompaniment for the entire show. I noticed you list the delightful rehearsal refreshment ladies as Jean Bates and Katie Thomas, whom I am sure you appreciate greatly. Kim Bennet was a powerhouse, keeping you all moving through the songs with good pace clever light and shade demonstrated over the evening. Kim was MD but also appeared on stage, thank you for bringing your tremendous energy to the show.

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