When the Lights Go On Again

This was my first time at this society and also seeing this show which I know is popular with Amateur Societies. It was a very snowy night outside so the audience was a little depleted but the atmosphere was set as soon as we came into the auditorium with subdued lighting and patriotic flags hanging.

The story is set against the backdrop of World War II and follows the fortunes of the Parker Family. The music (of which there is plenty) is all from the 40’s or prior to that period.

The set including the family living area worked well and good use was made of the space and the catwalk created around the band who were well conducted by the Director Brian Lawson.

It was a large cast which included all ages and my guest who is a teacher and I discussed how useful a show like this is to the younger generation who learn so much about their grand parents and great grand parent’s sacrifices and there were plenty in both the cast and the audience.

The costumes, hair and make up were great and very in keeping with the time, along with many of the props. The lighting plot worked well but there were a few issues with sound and the projector on the night I was in including projection of voices by some of the cast.

The cast (too many to mention individually) performed well. The strongest performers were Connor Guffogg as David Parker who had a lovely tone to his voice, Holly Ogden who sounded stunning both in her solos and group numbers, Bert Halliday as both Ted the ARP warden and the Sergeant Major who was very comical and Mina Kirkbright as Gran who delivered her lines beautifully with perfect comic timing.

The society delivered a lovely show with nice vocals on the company numbers and should be very proud of their achievements particularly with the age ranges and varying experience of the cast.

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