When The Lights Go On Again

Tonight‘s visit to Lowther Pavillion, Lytham for a  show I’ve never seen before - When The Lights Go On Again by St Annes Parish Operatic Society. This was an old style jukebox musical which tells the story of the stresses and strains of the Second World War and the days approaching the celebrations of all the families involved on VE Day.  It included all the main numbers that everyone knows and loves from the time and there was plenty of audience participation with the songs.  It is certainly a show that is better suited for an older audience. The script was at times a little confusing and slightly slow but that was not due to the delivery it was down to the writing style. There was some good characters throughout the show and I particularly enjoyed the break of the fourth wall and monologues from some of the characters to the audience, this was a really nice touch and done by reenacting letters sent to and from service members and loved ones.  There was certainly plenty of parts available for the show, anybody thinking to do it in the future with their society can be assured that everyone gets chance to shine.

Unfortunately I have to mention that not everything went swimmingly and again it was the technical side of the show which let the performance down.  Unfortunately there seems to be an issue with the sound at Lowther Pavilion at the moment, there were multiple microphone dropouts and low power batteries in the 2nd act.  There was also an issue with the EQ, which caused feedback and ringing throughout the show and the reverb control was just not tight enough with missed cues and some of the script sounding like it was delivered in the bathroom. The lighting was simple but it did work mostly, there were a couple of scenes that the lighting had some great ideas, the cinema being one of them but it was too short an effect to enjoy it really.  For the rest of the show, the technical aspects such as microphone pack placement rubbing against costume causing interference and the nightmare situation of an audible toilet flush halfway through the second act was a little disappointing.

The cast tried really hard to overcome the sound situation and I have to say I raise my hat to the cast for continuing and ensuring that the show did indeed go on. I personally found the script quite repetitive in places and there were a lot of innuendos round the whole show which I’m not sure why this was but again, this was not a fault of the cast or the company but the script that was given to them, unfortunately just maybe not to my taste.  It has to be said in the way this show is written for so many solo performances proves that it really is a company piece and performers of every age had the chance in the spotlight. The use of abridged versions of songs to give everybody a chance at solos throughout the different scenes of parties or celebration nights is a good idea that helps to build a team spirit.  This piece was directed by Mandy Hall and she has done a good job with what seems to be a tricky script. It is brave to try to break new ground in theatre, so well done for taking the chance Mandy.  There were a few scenes that were a little static and were quite a few straight lines when I didn’t expect them but to be honest some of the scenes with some of the best performances came from the queue scenes ironically.

Overall this was a tricky show to produce but costumes were good, the set was minimal but effective for the most part and I certainly couldn’t fault peoples enthusiasm and energy on stage. It was a large cast and choreography was difficult due to a tight stage space with the band being on stage as well, so well done Elaine Morrison for your efforts in the group numbers. The band, under the control of Cath Stevenson was a small live four piece band of two keyboards, a double bass and drum kit and they played the period songs extremely well and it had a very authentic sound. I particularly enjoyed the opening number of the show with strong vocals, which was the title song as well as Rule Britannia, We’ll Meet Again and, the Last Night Of The Proms favourite, Land Of Hope And Glory ending the show had the audience singing along at full belt!

I was warmly met at the theatre by the Chairperson - Alison Thornton and the Company Secretary - Reg Atkins as well as one of their lifetime members Una Bird and shown some lovely hospitality.  Unfortunately as such is the case on many occasions with these productions the audience was very small and I did feel for the cast and their performance in full costume on a very hot day under the stage lights. I think the cast is to be applauded for getting through the technical difficulties and to continue with the show in full costume during heat wave.

Well done for attempting a new show and introducing the audience to new writing. I look forward to returning to The Lowther Pavilion for your next production -  congratulations and enjoy your run.

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