WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND

The whimsical 1961 film based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell starring her daughter Hayley Mills and Alan Bates had Keith Waterhouse and the Willis Hall script in a Lancashire farm setting.

Today reset in 1959 Louisiana, Whistle Down the Wind is a musical by Lord Lloyd Webber and Meat Loaf’s rock opera lyricist Jim Steinman, with a combination of ballads and rock numbers. Not one of the better-known musicals but one that gave birth to a number one for Boyzone in August 1998 when the Irish boy band could have topped the charts singing  a page from the telephone directory.

The plot may be simple, though this production is where simplicity ends and entertainment of the highest quality begins in every respect imaginable featuring a creative set, imaginative stage effects, clever stagecraft, superb singing performances, dramatic interpretations, and real emotion as they all combine to support a magnificent ensemble of all ages including a magical group of children and premier principal line up to draw everything possible from every moment

Swallow (Emma Hopcroft) in the story the eldest of three children, in her first appearance with ROS vocally true and delightful gave a performance of empathy with her siblings , Brat (Millie Henderson – Purvis) and Poor Baby ( Joshua White) particularly in ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ and ‘I Always Prayed’. Real chemistry between her and motor bike riding Amos ( Ryan Allen) was evident in their duet ‘A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste’. Swallow, is left in the sole care of Boone (Laurence Sutton) after her mother died all too young. When she discovers a wounded man in the family barn, Swallow asks his name and surprised at being found in cursing pain he utters “Jesus Christ”, suggesting maybe she has found the saviour to reunite her with her mother.

Fantasy collides with reality. ‘The Man’ (David Steele) is in fact a murderer on the run and was brilliantly portrayed with a command and presence on stage that was spell binding. None more so than in the very moving Soliloquy.  In a principal line up of huge strength and character very assured performances also included those given by Candy (Suzy Hill) and the Sheriff (Alastair Butler)

Enormous credit must be paid to a much disciplined ensemble of townsfolk using the stage well and vocally secure. “Fireflies” one of two children’s groups was in the show Wednesday Friday and Saturday Matinee. The other was ‘Crickets’. Applause for a hugely talented group, smiling, natural totally committed was well deserved. They achieved a wonderfully blended sound in ‘No Matter What’ and the children’s anthem ‘When Children Ruled The World’.

In every respect this though was a great production featuring well executed freezes, effective lighting and stage effects – A moving light with appropriate sound depicting a train in the tunnel – for example, and a complex yet well delivered sequence of finely honed scene changes. The orchestra was well balanced allowing dynamics and diction from the vocalists to come through. Slick choreography and costumes with the right splash of colour just added to the enjoyment

This society has experienced a tough few months. Alan Leadbeater their Pesident passed away on 22nd August 2013 following a short illness. He was a member of the society for nearly 50 years, becoming Chairman in 1981 and then President in 1999.

Alan was part of the fabric of this society who served them with heart and soul and with great humour always striving for greater success. This production dedicated to Alan’s memory was a fitting tribute to a true gentleman who on this evidence has left a legacy of quality, talent and enthusiasm that promises to be sustained for years to come.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.