Whistle Down the Wind

Marking a remarkable milestone, Murton Theatre Group (MTG) celebrated their centenary with a vibrant and heartfelt production of “Whistle Down the Wind.” Directed by Elissa Hudson and Musically Directed by John Hudson, this show stood out as a testament to MTG’s enduring commitment to community theatre. The production boasted notable improvements in direction, performance, staging, and ensemble cohesion, making it a memorable anniversary celebration.

Elissa’s directorial vision was apparent from the opening moments. The pacing was tight, and the transitions between scenes flowed more smoothly, providing a seamless experience for the audience. Elissa’s attention to detail resulted in a much improved production compared to some previous years, with thoughtful staging and a clear understanding of the material’s emotional depth. The director’s ability to draw out nuanced performances from both adults and children was especially notable, and the integration of the entire cast into the fabric of the story was handled with skill and sensitivity.

A particular highlight of the evening was the outstanding performance by the children’s ensemble. Their energy, discipline, and enthusiasm were infectious, and they displayed a maturity beyond their years especially in their ensemble numbers. The ensemble worked together beautifully, providing strong vocal harmonies (well done John – you could hear the hard work that had gone into them) and engaging characterisation throughout. Their presence on stage lifted the production, providing both innocent relief and emotional weight where needed.  April Olsen was a particular stand out, as the smallest of the children her confidence and sass shone through complimenting her beautiful singing voice.  One to watch in the future!

The role of Swallow was played by Emma Conroy with remarkable poise and sensitivity. The actor brought a genuine innocence clarity and strength to the character, navigating the emotional complexities of the role with confidence. Vocally assured and emotionally resonant, Emma’s performance was a true standout.

As The Man, Liam Grahame Olsen brought an enigmatic and compelling presence to the stage. There was a tangible chemistry between The Man and Swallow, and the depth of characterisation allowed the audience to empathise with their plight. The performance was both powerful and moving, anchoring the production with gravitas. Beautifully done.

Boone played by Steven Berry whose voice is gorgeous provided beautiful strength to the character with “Whistle down the Wind” being a particular highlight, Ed played by Martyn Banks was commendable and I did particularly enjoy the line dancing though ideally a more structured choreographed number would have worked well here. Brat and Poor Baby played by Alex Robinson and Joey Howourth respectively did very well in their respective roles and their diction was clear and concise.  Candy played by Aimee Curtis was excellent, really showcasing her growth to an extremely talented young lady with real skill in her delivery, and Amos played by Nathan Johnson who is consistently excellent in all he does was a mature and deep character.  I would have liked to have seen more chemistry between the two of them but individually they were superb.  Supporting roles were also played by Lyndsey Curtis-Dawson as earl, Kenny Toal as Preacher, Lee Welch as Sheriff, Andrew Lackenby as Shopkeeper, Brett Adamson as Deputy Sheriff and Gordon Richardson as Minister.

The supporting cast worked well to create a believable and engaging community. Each member contributed to the overall success of the production, with strong character work evident throughout. The ensemble scenes, particularly those involving the villagers, were well executed with enthusiasm.

Musical direction was assured, with the orchestra providing a solid backing to the vocal performances. The balance between singers and musicians was well-judged, ensuring that lyrics were always clear and melodies carried the emotional tone of the show. Sound from Duncan Baxter of East Durham audio was well levelled and consistent with lighting complimenting and enhancing the performance from Paul Oliver of POSS Productions.

Murton Theatre Group’s centenary production of “Whistle Down the Wind” was an uplifting and impressive achievement. Under Elissa’s direction, the company delivered a show that was both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The children’s ensemble, along with standout performances from Swallow and The Man, made this a memorable event and a fitting celebration of 100 years of community theatre. 

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