Ushers

It is so nice to see a society that is prepared to take on new work, this show is, quite rightly, billed as a World Amateur Premier and well done to LTC for finding it.

Written by 3 former Performing Arts School Alumni, it is set in the foyer of a west end theatre.  The ushers, of the title, are almost all resting actors and actresses and the plot line emphasises all the angst of people who want to perform in this overcrowded profession.

Director Colin Bott, found the humour in every line but he also brought out the pathos and frustrations that abound in this situation.   The cast of 6 were excellent, bringing out some terrific characters and the dialogue resonated with me and, I suspect, many of the others in the audience.  The references to well known ‘theatre’ people and to current events made the show ‘up to the minute’ and the ‘in jokes’ were in abundance.

Jamie Redgate and Julian Cottee (Ben and Gary respectively) were the gay couple whose lives were due to be torn apart by the fact that Gary had got professional performing work abroad.  Their characters were not overtly gay which made the storyline much more telling and relevant.  It also gave a depth to their performances which might have been missing if they had overdone the campness.

Ian Benson played the Front of House Manager, Robin, beautifully.  Just sleazy enough to bring out the storyline.  In fact, every member of the cast played the characters just right, Laura Harper was, the totally over the top, Rosie to perfection.  Tobias Smith as the young and, as yet, not disillusioned young actor and Eleanor Softly the naïve new girl who, we discovered at the end, had hidden depths.

All six actors have strong singing voices and, just as well, because the 6 part harmonies in most of the songs was a challenge to anyone.  Well done to MD Clare Penfold, for bringing them all together.  The choreography was, of necessity in this small space, simple but absolutely fitted the story, well done to Gemma Carracher for that.

The scenery was very simple, as it has to be in the Dixon, but extremely effective and the scene changes were well done with little interruption to the pace.  A credit to the designers Colin Bott and Vancha Ayris, and to the back-stage team who are an important part of any production.

This was a great team production and I can imagine that the rehearsals were a joy as the script unfolded.  It was lovely to see a packed house in the Dixon Studio and an audience that appreciated every nuance in the script.  I wish the authors of this show good luck, it is a great ‘small’ show and worthy of more performances.  Congratulations to LTC on spotting this great opportunity.

Once again, my thanks for your ongoing hospitality, it is lovely to be able to share some of the production experiences.

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