There Was An Old Woman - The Musical

What a fantastic idea from conception to delivery, to have a completely original family oriented musical based upon some of our favourite childhood fairy tales and a superb festive show alternative to a traditional pantomime. Conceived, written, developed and scored entirely by talented musical director, Jane Haines, this light hearted production bounced along with engaging characters and a consuming plot containing numerous twists that I would struggle to outline with justice in a brief review such as this.

The Henfield Theatre Company [HTC] must be applauded for going out on a limb to present a world premiere musical in place of their annual pantomime. However, I am delighted to report that it was a risk that paid off, not only in audience attendance but more importantly in the staged content which was vibrant, articulate and captivating. Director Di Norman had kept the staging simple but effective with versatile use of a fabulous set designed by Rosemary Nice and built in house by the HTC workshop along with the use of projection to enhance the atmosphere. This was complimented by superb costumes by Lyn Fryer and team, Props by Susie Shenston & Team, Set Decor by Ginette Roworth and stage managed effectively by Trevor Hodgson. Lighting and sound were a challenge; lighting because of the need to be mindful of the projection screen; and sound due to the fact that there were no less than 24 radio microphones to contend with, however both were managed very well indeed.

Every principal character was well cast and delivered to a high standard. Linda Jordan was a lovely Old Woman/Goodie Two Shoes and sang beautifully some demanding melodies and was complimented well in scenes with Old Mother Hubbard, Anne Stern. Love interests Belinda and Johnny made a convincing and beautiful couple with a great chemistry and some excellent vocal performances. The younger principals Lucy Walker - Curly Locks, Abigail Hearn - Bo Peep, Charlie Hanning - Boy Blue and Alice Forward as the Young Goodie gave their complete commitment resulting in accomplished performances in character, singing and dance. There was also a delightful costume and make-up job by Leslie Barns, Jane Jones and Charlotte Way for the cameo part of Humpty Dumpty, Graeme Muncer, although his bald head cap presented little hair and wigs challenge for Wendy Hoare. Paul Smith provided a stature and presence befitting the Captain and Malcolm Harrington's eloquence and colourful delivery of Dr Fell stole most of the scenes he was in. The stand out principal performances for me came from Martin Love who gave an all round excellent vocal and acting performance as Will the Knave of Hearts, Steve Law who was a hilarious comedic Duke of York/Tim complete with dancing eyebrows in the trio number 'Profile' and finally Heidi Willard as Katerina the King of Spain's Daughter who sang and harmonised delightfully throughout. However the show started and finished with the highlight performances for me which came from the junior company who, fuelled with enthusiasm and great motivation, sang, danced and acted brilliantly putting the icing on a already very tasty cake!

Jane Haines songs and Mike Saunders orchestrations were very melodic, catchy and their sensitive tempos gave Anne Atkins plenty of opportunity for some pretty choreography delivered deftly by the company.

Their contribution to a good production so often gets overlooked, but I must mention the first class welcome and hosting by Production Manager, Viv Whitton, who greeted patrons as they arrived and Rose Sharp and her front of house team who looked after us all so warmly. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.