Whistle Down the Wind

MASSIVE congratulations to all concerned at Longwood Amateurs for resurrecting the Society after a couple of years when it seemed they were about to go the same way as a number of others have in recent times.
Their last major production was Annie Get Your Gun in 2016, but having staged a fund-raising concert they have left behind the cost-prohibitive confines of the Lawrence Batley Theatre, in favour of returning to their spiritual 'home' at Longwood Mechanics Hall.
Little performed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Whistle Down the Wind was the Society's choice for their 'comeback' and they were indebted to their success by two outstanding performances by Martin Stead and Charlotte Sowerby in the leading roles.
Stead was quite brilliant in the role of 'The Man' whom a group of children find hiding in a barn, and believe him to be the reincarnated Messiah.
He excels vocally, particularly in the demanding soliloquy, and was suitably secretive and sinister at the same time.
Oppsite him was Charlotte, who was excellent as Swallow, the eldest of the youngsters, who looks to be an exciting new find, destined I'm sure for both bigger and better roles in local societies.
Layla Sutcliffe and Charlie Topham lent fine support as Swallow's younger siblings Brat and Poor Baby respectively.
There was some strong Ensemble singing and Colin Harris' production certainly benefited from a super Junior Chorus.
A small band under MD Scott Kitchen gave perfectly adequate backing, while Zoe Clarkson, worked the company well on her debut as choreographer.

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