Based at St Herbert’s Parish Centre in Chadderton, S.H.A.D.E.S have performed a festive show for over 30 years but it is the first time I have had the pleasure to both see one of their shows and experience the gem that is their venue. Their presentation of the extremely well-executed witty and well-written script for the timeless story of Wind in the Willows was the cherry on top!
Local shows are the lifeblood of communities. For those who cannot necessarily afford to see a professional show, or have a passion to get involved with their community or the arts, groups and societies like this bring people together and improve wellbeing whilst creating a beautiful piece of entertainment for the masses to enjoy - those in it, behind the scenes and in the audience - and, from what I hear, it has almost sold out for Friday and Saturday.
Along with the script, and brilliant acting from the cast, the costumes, make-up, dancing and music make this show a success, as does the innovative way of providing the set and the huge amount of effort put in by the whole production team. With a soundtrack including songs by One Direction {Live While We’re Young}, Bette Midler {Together Wherever We Go}, High School Musical, The Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang {Hushabye Mountain}, Kool and the Gang {Celebration} and even The Greatest Showman {Million Dreams} (which the audience sang), before the phenomenon that is Baby Shark, the cast have great musicality, especially Nathan Simpson who plays Ratty. Whilst some of the ensemble singing lacked the open-mouthed volume, the confidence of the whole cast is inspiring. We even experienced a cameo from David Bowie, or one of his songs at least. We also heard/saw a song that I suspect to be adapted from its original by Ernest Borgnine and George Hearn (from the films All Dogs Go To Heaven II) {It Feels So Good To Be Bad}.
You will know the story already of Mr Toad (Tony Cenci) and his friends’ - Ratty and Mole (Maureen Copp) - trip through the Wicked Wild Wood for a picnic, picking up wise old Badger (Tony Mooney) on the way. Meanwhile, The Enchantress of the Willow (Samantha Martin) is playing heroine by battling The Weasel Queen (Jane Pearson) and her minions, Knawbone (Lauren Copp) and Knashfang (Michelle Butler), and preventing them from succeeding in their plot to get Toad arrested for speeding in his new motorcar and taking over Toad Hall. Mr Toad’s friends, with the extremely witty and lovable Mrs Otter (Carole Griffiths) - who proves herself to be far more than a chambermaid -regain control of the Hall and, whilst they don’t have their picnic, have quite an adventure and a lot of fun along the way - as did we.
Overall, this talented bunch are a pleasure to behold and I can’t wait to return to see their offering of another comedy - what they do so well - The Vicar of Dibley, in June. All that’s left to say - with the same enthusiastic audience participation that this show received, is…book your tickets and support this amazing group.
Tickets are available from their ticketsource.co.uk/shades but be quick!
Reviewer - John Kristof
on - 4/12/18
We had a fantastic time last night, all the cast looked fantastic and the dancers was amazing. Lots of laughs to be had along the way a great family show. Well done to everyone inc the people back stage.we can not wait to see next year's show.
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