Whistle Down the Wind

Whistle Down the Wind with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Jim Steinman was the 35th anniversary production by the talented Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section. Based on the book written by Mary Hayley Bell and the film starring Hayley Mills and produced by Richard Attenborough the musical takes place in Louisiana in 1959.

The story is simple. We hear a radio broadcast warning of an escaped convict. Meanwhile three youngsters find a man in a barn. He is injured and on answering ‘Jesus Christ’ to them they are convinced this is the second coming spoken about by the local minister. Could he therefore bring back their deceased mother?   

Comprising of 57 youngsters ranging from eight to 18 years of age WODYS once again pulled off a well-rehearsed performance which the entire company can rightfully be proud of. With such a large cast, many of whom had solo pieces it is not possible to name each person individually. 

Hana Copestake as Swallow the oldest of the three children gave an outstanding performance. The dialog and singing were both very clear and I could hear every word whether spoken or sang. Hana was well supported by Rebecca Hitchings as Brat and William Fall- Taylor as Poor Baby in his first show – one to look out for in the future. The relationship between The Man played by Harry Jobson, who needs to be congratulated for his portrayal for meeting the challenges of difficult songs to deliver, and Swallow grow throughout the show.   The scene towards the end of act two involving Swallow and The Man was particularly well acted.

Jamie Berryman as Boone (the children’s widowed Dad) played the part well as well as singing the title song Whistle Down the Wind. There was a good relationship between Harry Collins as Amos and Ella Cleary as Candy. Other principals included George Fall – Taylor as Edward, Bertie Semczyszyn as Minister, Harry Hopkins as Earl, Isiah Martin as Snake Preacher and George Baylis as Sheriff – well done to you all.

The chorus sang their numbers with feeling and enthusiasm. They all most certainly seemed to take on board the direction and added to this was good choreography. The band under the control of Harriet Amos were well balanced and rarely overpowered any of the cast singing. The music in this show is not easy and these youngsters managed the challenges presented to them. I was particularly impressed with the finale of act one ‘No Matter What’ and ‘When Children Rule the World’.

The finale of the show is very powerful. We could understand what happened although maybe the barn fire could have been more dramatic. Nevertheless, the whole show was believable and had sensitive scenes. The set changes were carried out well although there were a couple of occasions when the set caused a few minor problems. The cast managed these well even when having to start prior to the stage lighting coming up.

Thank you for inviting me and I look forward to seeing you again for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers next August. Congratulations on a difficult show done well and on your 35th Anniversary.  All the best for the future. 

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