Whistle Down The Wind

Originally a film set in the North of England based on a novel by Mary Hayley Bell whose daughter Hayley Mills played the lead role of Swallow. It later became a musical set in Louisiana in the deep south of America which was the setting for this performance.  Director David Dray brought the most out of this musical well assisted by the splendid actors performing their respective roles in a highly competent and polished way. The Man (Jason McCann) whose singing and acting was of the highest order was an escaped prisoner who found refuge in the barn of a local family where the children befriended him. Swallow (Amelia Greco) the eldest daughter was charm personified in both her acting and splendid singing voice.  Her brother Poor Baby (Isaac Brocklesby) and sister Brat (Shannon Lee) also gave good support, the father Boone (Andrew Blagden) was well cast as the widower doing his best to comfort his children. Amos (Darren Coppe) the boyfriend on his Harley Davidson motorbike with his girlfriend Candy (Izzie Radley) also gave good support.  Amos also admired Swallow and wanted her to go away with him.   The Sheriff (Steve Alais) and the Snake Preacher (Dave Sillett) along with the other principal roles and ensemble, both adult and children, made for a most enjoyable evening.  Musical Director Steven Bean and his orchestra played the rock music very well and gave good support to the singing of the principals and chorus. Polly Kings drilling of the cast in the rock and roll dancing was excellent.   A simple Set designed by Roger Ness, Lighting designed by Eddie King, Stage Managed by Chris Morley and his crew, all enhanced the performance.  The couple driving away on a motor bike with a backcloth of them speeding through the countryside was very effective.  A very good interpretation of the music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber hauntingly beautiful and much appreciated by a packed audience. Very well done GTG.

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