Top Hat

Travelling to the Guild Theatre I was thinking to myself, how on earth are GEMS going to put on a massive musical as ‘Top Hat on such a small stage as the Guild Theatre? I need not have thought that, it was in the hands of Paula Gosnell-Diggens. This lady is a powerhouse both in Direction and Choreography. Paula took this under her wing and pulled out all the stops; even having to play the lead male and play it she did and very impressive it was too. Top Hats off to Paula! 

With an orchestra set behind the stage, Musical Director Jane Noakes and conductor Maria Penfold-Watson gave a very nice sound all-round.

The set was simple but it worked on this small stage, blue tabs all round and cast and stagehands setting the scenes swiftly with minimalistic items. That’s all we needed. Perfect.

Paula’s Jerry Travers was filled with song and dance, and this lady can do it all expertly, say no more. Paula’s love interest Dale Tremont played by Elizabeth Harold gave us good acting ability and stage presence. The bumbling fumbling Horace Hardwick played by Paul Youdan-Smith was engaging. Madge Hardwick (Alison Clinch) was a force to be reckoned with, a loverly character performance from Alison. Alberto Beddini played by Will Hawkes: what a great part to get one’s hands on, and Will’s accent and acting in this role was outstanding. Young Jack Ford as Bates and the reporter cleverly played - comedy is this man’s forte. These actors were backed up by a ensemble that sometimes are left out of praise. They were Allison, Brenda, Julie, Jenny, Nicola, Ian, Issac, Amy, Poppy, Maddy, Tony, Toni, Venessa, Rebecca and Fiona.

GEMS you should be very proud of this piece of theatre, transforming a massive musical onto such a small stage. I and your audience very much enjoyed watching you all perform. A great evening at the Theatre. Thank you.

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