For their first production of 2022, their Centenary year, Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society presented the tried and tested comedy by Mike Harding, Last Tango in Whitby, at the Manor Pavilion Theatre, directed by Liz Hammond.
Returning to their half-term slot at Tipton St John Community Hall, Tipton Players & Pantomime Society presented the pantomime “Cinderella”, cleverly written and directed by long-standing TIPPS members Natalie Anning and Claire Devin. In this script, the Baron was a “brainy” inventor, aided by the trusty Buttons, and ever hopeful that his inventions would bring a fruitful return as he was heavily in debt to Billy Big Bucks! Billy sends his half-baked Bailiffs, Bish and Bash, to collect the money, but things soon began to go off beam! Emilie Poultney was brilliant as Buttons and had the audience on her side from the start. Sophie Alford was a lovely Cinderella, and the transformation scene was smoothly executed. Harry Pearson and Ella Martin were suitably contrasting as the Prince and Dandini, his Highness laid back and seemingly disinterested while his valet was poised with a zest for adventure. The two ladies playing the Ugly Sisters, Di McKay and Denise Wightman, were both as different as chalk and cheese continuingly squabbling and out for the main chance, they were terrific. Becca Simmins and Mo Mylne were also excellent as the dysfunctional Bailiffs, and their banter lines between Buttons and the two Bosses, well played by Mark Reader and Brian Rice, were amazing. Alison Pearson made an elegant but unlikable Stepmother, Claire Martin a graceful Fairy Godmother, and Fleur Teissier an attractive Alice – Buttons’ love interest who was skilfully engineered into his arms at the end! John Belton and Hazel Alford completed the cast nicely as the King and Queen. The Chorus gave strong support, aided occasionally by both Directors and the MD, who was ably accompanied in the “pit” by The Nightjars – good to have a live band – who were clearly enjoying themselves. The Junior Chorus were delightful, and the twin girl robots did well. The production team had obviously worked their socks off, with a myriad of excellent props, and absolutely fabulous costumes! The opening to Act II was particularly stunning. This interesting “take” on the traditional tale with some unexpected “extras” thrown in was great fun! Oh yes it was!
Returning to the stage at the Manor Pavilion Theatre recently for their 47th production after a two-year break, Sidmouth Youth Theatre chose to present a compilation of songs from West End shows aptly named “The Show Will Go On”. Director, Producer and Founder of SYT Angela Davies put together a fast-paced and excellent show, skilfully weaving together a company of 75 students aged between 12 and 19, and 15 Alumni, graduates of past productions bringing their wealth of experience to the stage.
It was good to see an almost full house for the last performance of Cinderella, directed by Pete Davis, at the Blackmore Theatre, all waiting with eager anticipation for the show to begin. Written by Alan P Frayn whose pantomime scripts always have a strong storyline and flow smoothly from scene to scene this well-known tale was no exception. With a lovely mix of adults and youngsters in the cast, the opening number Happy certainly set the tone for the fun to come, and all the usual well-loved panto traditions were there encouraging lots of audience participation, much to everyone’s delight especially “it’s behind you!” Baron Hardhup was gently played by Paul Baxter who didn’t stand an earthly chance against the acerbic Annette Driver, stepping in with weeks to spare as his new Baroness. Les Hunt and Mark Blaber were both exceedingly unattractive as Gertrude and Grizelda the Uglies, and leaving no doubt that they were “blokes in frocks”! Martin and Audrey Moore were fun as the work-weary “desperate duo” Bodget and Leggett, Lee Haddow was definitely in command as Chambers, and Christina Bungay made an endearing Fairy Godmother.
Winter may be approaching but for “one night only” the Manor Pavilion Theatre certainly basked in some Californian sunshine when GB Promotions brought The Beach Boyz Tribute Band to Sidmouth recently. The open stage set the scene for the entertainment to come in Californian surfing style with a colourful display of surfboards, a spread of panoramic back flats showing the sea, golden sands, and palm trees, and with colourful Hawaiian garlands decorating the microphones. We were treated to a big introduction build up before the Band entered wearing classic stripey shirts of the era, and it was clear from the outset that they had a strong following amongst the audience, all ready with eager anticipation for what was to come. Lead singer Tommy engaged with everyone from the start and interspersed the musical numbers with interesting facts and humorous anecdotes about the original Beach Boys, charting their success both in the USA and the UK. The first hour included well known numbers like Don’t Worry Baby, and Then I Kissed Her, and a highlight of this section was when all five musicians gathered around an old-fashioned studio microphone to sing in “a cappella” style. After the interval, the “boys” returned in snazzy white suits complete with Hawaiian shirts and more old favourites were enthusiastically received, including Surfin USA, Lady Linda and The Sloop John B. All five were versatile and talented musicians, there were some great harmonies, some very “nifty” footwork, and the energy didn’t drop for a moment. Each band member was given an individual spot in which to shine, Graham with a great instrumental on drums, Andy on Bass Guitar complete with red Stetson for Old Cotton Fields, Cliff on Lead Guitar with another popular solo number, and the ever exuberant Tommy on vocals and additional instruments, all pulled together under the skilled leadership of Musical Director Terry who also played Keyboards and Rhythm Guitar. There was plenty of audience participation throughout and the whole evening can be summed up simply in the words of the closing Beach Boy’s number “I’m Picking up Good Vibrations”! They certainly were!
Audiences at Exmouth’s Blackmore Theatre were taken on a journey of nostalgia when the Exmouth Players presented The Titfield Thunderbolt.
