This was a large scale, compilation musical evening with as you may have guessed a full programme of songs from the musicals, presented by Dukinfield Amateur Operatic And Dramatic Society. I counted 50 people on stage during the finale but the George Lawton Hall was big enough to cope and the director had made great use of the floor space in front of the stage (usually occupied by the orchestra) and also down the sides of the stage. The music was provided by excellent backing tracks and the sound was superb. Congratulations to the sound team.
Act 1 was themed around circus and cabaret and with the buzz of The Greatest Showman, the director had created a programme which tied the newer film musical to the older musical: Barnum. Costumes were jazzy and suitable to the themes and throughout the show, there was a huge amount of choreography. The choreographer, Jean Johnson had done a splendid job of somehow recreating Fosse-style movement in the Cabaret and Chicago segments without direct steals of the original movements which is so often seen. I loved her groupings and shapes. She was blessed with some excellent male dancers who were a joy to watch in the West Side Story prologue. The vocals in these sections were powerful and well sung and performed in these sections, but Sally Bowles’ flowery dress did not work for me. Rosemarie sang so well and I enjoyed the recount of ‘Elsie’ but the outfit did not match the song. I didn’t expect a full Liza Minnelli dress-up but I think something more sparkly would have worked better.
When the full ensemble came on stage it was a pleasure to listen to – amazing choral singing. Wash That Man was excellent. I counted 24 ladies singing their hearts out. It was great – hey sister! And have I mentioned the children yet? The company had a wonderful group of talented children who sang and complimented lots of numbers but also came into their own in the ‘Annie’ section. The contemporary 'Hard Knock Life' from the recent film was reworked with adult males and the children owned the scene. Yet again, there were lusty, clear vocals and mature performances from the very able children. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the ensemble singers and children was stunning and a treat to listen to and watch.
Abbie Clifford sang a power ballad from Hamilton and had the voice of a diva who would not be out of place in an X-Factor final and was beautiful to watch and listen to. Lorna Richardson is becoming an absolute must watch. Having seen her in Sister Act, earlier in the year, I knew that she has some pipes on her but boy this young girl can sing! Lorna is small in height but has a massive voice. She sang ‘This Is Me’, again from The Greatest Showman and somehow managed to make it her own. This has been in the charts and is a well-known tune now but she sang it with such beauty and individuality that she sent shivers down my spine. She is ably matched by her friend Charlotte Beale who also has the voice of an angel. Their duet of 'For Good' from Wicked in Act 2 was sensationally good and she could give Idina Menzel a run for her money. 'Send In The Clowns' however didn’t work for me as I know the show and the song and dressing the singers and watching them morph into clowns for the sake of the theme of circus didn’t work; even though it was well sung by the girls.
Act 1 ended with a run into a Barnum finale of 'Come Follow The Band' with the whole ensemble filling the auditorium, front and sides with props cut out musical instruments – they were fabulous and so effective. The final song of 'Come Alive' from Showman again starred Lorna and Charlotte and the whole ensemble in a well-dressed cast who looked and styled out the piece with aplomb.
Act 2 changed style and mood into rock and goth with an energetic switch and performance of 'Time Warp' where the cast rocked out to this and then into a mixed programme of songs from disparate musicals. You can’t go to a musical without seeing a tap number and we were treated to a large one with David Noble’s ‘Blue Skies’ – lovely singing of an Irving Berlin classic. The male singers of 'Oh What A Circus!' were impressive and showed great confidence and vocal control.
Act 2 concluded with two big medleys starting with the disco classics of Saturday Night Fever – fabulously costumed and danced by the huge group of dancers; all different, all dancing well and different movements throughout – again excellent choreography by Jean Johnson. Whilst the evening ended with a massive Abba Medley from Mamma Mia involving the whole cast of 50 and incorporating the bows, using the entire stage area, plus blocks and stairs and floor space. I was so impressed by the director’s use of space and creative movement of his cast, throughout.
I will go away from Dukinfield AODS’ shows remembering what amazing singers they have and what an impressive ensemble with terrific choral singing; delivering a fast-paced programme, full of energy and creativity. Well done. It was a pleasure to watch. Congratulations to the director, Paul Whitworth the choreographer, Jean Johnson and the vocal coach, Paul Firth. You achieved a great piece of theatre.
Reviewer - Kathryn Gorton
on - 25/10/18
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