Whistle Down The Wind

Well known as a 1950s black/white film, in 1996 Andrew Lloyd-Webber moved the Yorkshire-based story to America’s Deep South and set it to music. Difficult for voices and orchestra, the score was delivered expertly by musicians and singers alike. The simple Set was several double-sided trucks with a line of wooded undergrowth at the back depicting sugar-cane - brought to life by atmospheric lighting. Sound was well balanced and costumes in period.

The large chorus of Townspeople were fully committed to the action. The tent featured two real snakes – an exciting addition but I found them distracting. Edward (Rory Jeffers) and Earl (Tiarnan Daykin) made an impact – the latter a rather sinister character. Smaller roles - Sheriff (Ian Simpson), his Deputy (Samuel Milford), the Minister (Stefan McVeigh), and Snake Preacher (Connor Richardson) were covered effectively. The team of featured children headed by Patrick Glover as Poor Baby, Aimme McVeigh as Brat and Lucy Donnelly as Swallow all acted earnestly and sang well. Amos and Candy were well characterised as young rebels by James Martin and Beth McNally. Cameron Mack was Boone - a farmer struggling to cope while mourning his recently deceased wife - gave a credible performance, showing his difficulties as a lone parent.

Undoubtedly Lucy Donnelly as Swallow and Sean Harkin as the Man were the stars. Lucy touched every emotion and sang beautifully. Sean’s voice was wide-ranging and emotional, and he related well to young Swallow. His inner struggle with his past deeds was evident.

Choreography and direction combined extremely well to bring a thought-provoking piece. Ian’s ‘coup-de -theatre’ came at the end, when a piece of charred wood slowly rotated to become a cross…..

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