Each show is reviewed by our regional representative from NODA, unless otherwise stated - we have reproduced them below with their kind permission:
Director: Stephen Hughes-Alty
Musical Director: Andrew Standeven
Choreographer: Jackie Morris
Noda Review (Colin Magenty)
This was a night when I felt totally underdressed as a large percentage of the audience members came in all their seventies gear.
Complete with a warm up man, who was excelled, this was a totally different presentation from anything this group has put on before and didn’t it do a good job!
The story line of this show is somewhat thin but that didn’t matter. What the show did was introduce some lovely characters.
Head of them all was Southport’s busiest musician, Jeff Rimmer, whose first appearance out of the pit was an outstanding success. Well done indeed. I'm not 100% sure about the dancing though, but truly entertaining. So too were the performances of Terry and Trish, played by Anthony Orme and Sophie Foulds. Sophie’s performance especially, was out of the top drawer.
Two more ladies’ performances caught the eye. Debs, played by Kerry Baratinsky, danced and acted her way through the show so well. No doubt we shall see more of her in the future. Someone we have not seen gracing the Southport stage for some time, but back with a superb performance as Lorraine, was Janine Burrows, whose singing was a joy to listen to. Leading the evening was Rob McGregor, as Roddy, and, as usual his dancing skills were strongly in evidence. They were supported well by Scott Rowan, as Spencer and Nick Tudor, as Dean.
The backstage crew deserves a mention, as the many scene changes went so well. The set was good and so was the music but this show’s biggest assets were the choreographer and the cast members who danced their hearts out.
The night was a hot one in more ways than one. Thank you so much for an enjoyable evening.
Southport Champion (Ron Ellis) : 70s show has them dancing in the aisles
There was dancing in the aisles and whoops of delight echoing around Southport’s Little Theatre as the audience sang along and waved their glow sticks in time to the incessant disco beat, provided by the band under musical director, Andrew Standeven.
It quite took me back to my early days as a DJ and was not at all what one expects to see at the Little Theatre, except in panto season.
And what a breath of fresh air it was. A pop-music musical, a million miles away from Brigadoon.
From start to finish the pace was frantic as the dances, schooled by Jackie Morris, moved effortlessly from one elaborate routine to another, the effect heightened by the wildly colourful and authentic 70s costumes. Yes, I remember wearing cowboy boots and bright yellow loons adorned with silver stars.
The plot follows the romance between club Casanova, Roddy, played by the indefatigable Rob McGregor and Debs, a great performance by Kerry Baratinsky. Sophie Foulds was the comedy turn of the evening as the hapless Trish, who ensnares Terry in the shape of Anthony Orme, boasting a haircut worthy of a place in Madame Tussauds.
Scott Rowan was in perfect character as the suave MC Spencer whilst Janine Burrows looked far too sophisticated to be dominated by him as his glamorous girlfriend, Lorraine.
The biggest hit with the first night audience was Jeff Rimmer, taking a break from his usual musical duties, as Roddy’s father, Eamon. His piece de resistance, dressed as Elvis and singing Jailhouse Rock, like Alan Green on speed, was a riot.
As the end drew near, nearly everyone in the audience was on their feet, clapping and singing along to songs like Boogie Wonderland, YMCA and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. A shame, of course, for the people behind them who were unwilling or unable to stand and therefore missed seeing the grand finale of We Are Family.
But that is the way of audiences today and if audience participation is a measure of success, then this outstanding production of Boogie Nights is a resounding hit. Stephen Hughes-Alty has once again enhanced his reputation as a skilled director.
4.5/5 a stomping hit
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
Director: Stephen Hughes-Alty
Musical Director: Andrew Standeven
This revue really was enchanting. You could say “It was what it said on the programme”
The cast of 19, all of whom were involved in both halves, let the words and music of Rodgers and Hammerstein take a story line forward to a second act that we, the audience, had been primed for during Act One.
The interplay between the groups backstage where the revue was set was done with some much panache. The Performers, The Production Team, the Crew down to the Matron and Agent, none could be faulted.
In the second half we moved to the other side of the curtain and for me the most moving number was the rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. It was good to see the young people from SONG coming through. With twenty-one numbers in the first half and twenty-five in the second half the audience certainly got its moneys worth.
This was a show this Society can be justly proud of. Well done to every single member of cast and to an imaginative director. Thank You.
MACK AND MABEL
Director: Neil Townsend
Choreographer: Phillipa Sandiford
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
This was an entertaining show, done with a minimalist set, and, as I have come to expect, an orchestra at the top of its game.
The changes to the way the story is now told, using Mack, more as a narrator, in some ways breaks the flow to me and fragments it. Have said that, the ending we saw, although different from before, was effective. This production also had some extra nice touches.
From the performance point of view the show moved at a good pace and this was held together by David Walker who played the part of Mack. Mabel was played by Deborah Bloom whose acting ability shone through.
The role of Lottie also seems to have changed in this production and she easily accepts Mabel when she comes into the life of Mack. Even so, Nicky Williams’ performance was one which stood out: she was spot on with both ‘Big Time, and ‘Tap Your Troubles Away’. Very well done.
This was backed by a hard working chorus and dancers especially in the ‘Cops’ number, aided and abetted and led by "The Family" - well done all. My thanks to everyone concerned.
Director /Choreographer: Karen Edge
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
This show was top quality entertainment and a perfect joy to watch. The stars of this show are the Copa Girls and each one was superb. And then there were the beautiful costumes from Costume House and choreography to blow your socks off.
The two main principals were both on top form. Rob MacGregor played Tony and sang better than I have ever heard him. Jackie Morris was a sheer delight. But they were not on their own where superb performances are concerned. Both Hilary Thompson, as Gladys, and Stephen Hughes-Alty who played Sam were with them in that they both gave quality performances. The role of Rico was in the safe hands of Steve Coghlan. We had an endearing performance from Tracey Holmes–Smith as Conchita. In addition we were given a lovely cameo from Peter Forshaw as Willie.
This was truly a company show; all the cast pulled their weight and the performance went along at a pace.
A minimal set, compensated by some superb lighting, slides, gobos and film all helped make one of the best shows of the year. Well done to the whole company.
Director: Tracy Batchelor
Musical Director: Brian Hodge
Choreographer: Jackie Morris
This was a most enjoyable show although the sound gremlins were at work where the personal mic's were concerned, but it did not spoil the enjoyment of this production. Because of the number of scene changes, a set which works without the tab line continuously coming in is needed. The director in this case did not have that luxury, however. Throughout the production we had some lovely pictures and the show moved well: it had good pace and an outstanding choreographer. This is a dance show and boy did they dance! So much so my feet were going - and I cannot tap!
Polly (Shirley Rookyard) and Bobby (Rob MacGregor) worked well together, and the latter’s split personality was done so well. But watch the buttons Rob! Jenny Rowan played the long-standing fiancée and Paul Edge did justice to the role of Lank. We had good performances from June Wilson as Bobby's mother and Stan Hagan as Polly's dad
It was a case of second time round for Tom Hornby as Bella Zangler and, as you would expect, he was definitely better this time round.
Andrea Davies and Stephen Hughes-Alty added more humour to the second half with their comical portrayal of Patrica and Eugene Fodor.
Finally, just to emphasise that there are no small parts, the roles of Patsy and Tess were very well done: it was nice to see Corrina Davies back hoofing again and Linda Millar as Tess was an extremely good cameo and did catch the eye. Well done to all the Follies girls and also to the whole cast for an enjoyable evening.
GYPSY
Director: Hilary Thompson
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
Choreographer: Nicki Denis
This is not the easiest of shows to produce because of the large number of scene changes and at the same time keep the momentum going, and in this they succeeded. The pace of the show was good, the orchestra was excellent as we have come to expect from Jeff Rimmer, and the dance numbers well conceived and executed. I only had one quibble with the way the opening scene was done but having discussed this with the director I understand the problem and I would have maybe done the same. The problem with flimsy walls!!!
This show has a cast of, I was going to say thousands but it does have 34 and many have only small scenes but when you have very experienced people playing these it makes it much easier on the main principals. Oh, and did we have some lovely cameos: David Charters as Pop, Steve Pritchard as Kringelein and Paul Edge as several well drawn portrayals including Cigar and Weber?
The three strippers have one of the most well known numbers and we were in for a treat with Katie Watkinson, Louise Webster and Stef Vérité not disappointing with their own interpretation of 'You Gotta Get a Gimmick'.
The young and older dancers were excellent and I particularly liked the performance of Jo Howarth as June as I did that of Rebecca Casey who once again gave a top drawer performance as Louise.
Although small in stature Rose was just right. June Wilson's voice may not be as strong as it might have been but she never lost the character, her acting was spot on.
With a part not as large as Rose but very important is that of Herbie and this was a superb characterisation by Don Sewell and I could not fault this man's performance, his singing was a delight.
My congratulations to all this large and talented cast.
CAROUSEL
Director: Margaret Mann
Musical Director: Brian Hodge
Choreographer: Philippa Sandiford
No matter how many times I see this show as soon as the overture begins it brings a magic that could only be Rogers and Hammerstein and I am hooked. The musical direction was good and so was the choreography. It was well directed and I liked the opening. We had a good pace throughout and back stage worked well.
Julie Jorden was played by the talented Jannie Burrows whose performance I very much enjoyed. Stephen Bennett played the role of Billy and he did well with the part. I felt, at times, his face did not reflect the moment. Mrs Mullin was in the safe hands of June Wilson and Lisa Tatler sang the role of Nettie Fowler, a powerful voice this. Tom Hornby was Enoch and although I missed the accent he sang his numbers very well. As for his wife Carrie, this was handled by Joanne Howarth with style. She never stopped acting - a lovely performance. Jigger was played by Neil Woods but needed to be a nastier character.
Two super cameos I wish to note; the performance of Roy Godfrey in his two roles and the sweet and very energetic performance of Corinna Davies as Louise, backed by a strong chorus which did justice to the Liverpool anthem at the end. To the cast, dancers, backstage, front of house, thank you all for a very enjoyable evening.
Director: Brenda Whelan
Musical Director: Jeff Rimmer
Choreographer: Rob Macgregor
This Cole Porter musical is one you love or hate and, although this is not the best version I have seen, they did it so well they even changed my mind about it to a certain degree: extremely good production, good sound from the pit, even if it was a little too loud at times, and wonderful choreography.
We had some outstanding performances from actors from whom I would expect nothing less. Leading them was Shirley Rookyard who gave a superb performance as Tracy Lord, as did Jackie Morris who played Liz. Her partner in crime, Mike, was played by David Walker who sang ‘You're Sensational’ very well indeed.
We also had excellent performances from Mother Lord, played just right by Jacquie Wade, Les Gommersall wallowing in the role of Uncle Willie and Dexter Haven played by Peter Forshaw who gave a performance which was at the level we have come to expect from this talented actor.
Tom Hornby gave a sound performance as Father Lord and Tim Brittain's performance as George Kittredge was just right. But what a wonderful performance we had from Corinna Davies as Dinah; it was very enjoyable, as was the whole show. My congratulations also must go to a well-drilled chorus of servants .My thanks to all.
Director: Neil Townsend
Musical Director: John Boydell
Choreography: Karen Medows
It's so nice to see a new show and one which lifts your spirits, has no sub plots and that is just funny with a jazzy musical score.
Even more so when the show in question so well done as this was. It was a super production though I would expect nothing less from this director and with two leads who were so spot on. Not what you might call Curtis and Lemon but more of a Forshaw and MacGregor, for Peter and Rob both were so good. This musical version of Some Like It Hot needs to have two performers of their calibre to make it work.
Not to be outdone we had another extremely good performance from Sugar herself, played by Shirley Rookyard, who befriends Joe and Jerry or should I say Josephine and Daphne. They were supported by Neil Woods as Knuckles and Spats Palazzo played by David Walker did well tapping his way through the show.
The poor road manager was in the safe hands of Tom Hornby. It was good to see Don Sewell back on stage and his lovely cameo as Sir Osgood Fielding. On top of this, we had the very attractive Society Syncopaters lead by Sweet Sue, well played by June Wilson.
Top marks for the choreography and a superb sound from the pit made this a smashing night in Southport. Congratulations to all.
Director: Richard Woodward
Musical Director: Paul Williams
Choreography: Rob MacGregor
Having seen this Richard Harris play on several occasions and enjoyed the play very much, even the professional version, I was intrigued to see how it could become a musical. But my fears were unnecessary as, if anything, the musical rounded off the main sub plot for me — that of the battered wife and Geoffrey — and in this show all ends happily and we, the audience, are not left up in the air.
As the only man I will start with Geoffrey, played superbly by Peter Forshaw — his total involvement in his character plus his comedy timing, not to mention his facial expressions, were a delight and in total a wonderful performance.
This was truly a very good cast and Jackie Morris gave her usual strong performance as Mavis the dance teacher.
I liked Lynne, played with sincerity by Karen Meadows, also Vera who caught the annoying personality of this character and Mrs Fraser played so well by Jean Flinn.
Sylvia, played by Mandy Evans, was extremely funny, a well-rounded performance, no pun intended. Nice performances also came from Jan Hale as Dorothy and Freida Kelly who has not given a bad performance as long as I have been visiting Southport and this was no different.
That leaves just the part of Andy and for me was the gem in a truly exceptional cast. The best I have seen so far from the talented Shirley Rookyard.
And my congratulations to both Director and Choreographer for a good job done and, except for once or twice when the music was a touch too loud, I would also include the musicians in the pit.
A smashing show, and one they can be proud of.
Director: Margaret Mann
Musical Director: Brian Hodge
Choreographer: Sandra Bevan
Good production and good set it would have been nice to see Eliza coming down the stairs to the ball but maybe it was not practical? A production full of nice pictures throughout. My only quibble was the opening scene had too many clean people and clean white ironed aprons, and in the case of Eliza she was not dirty enough to match the lines that Higgins says. I enjoyed the choreography and the dancers looked just right backed by a well conducted orchestra it was a very pleasant evening at Southport.
There was a mature performance from the experienced Ray Mann as Professor Higgins and a super cameo by Celia Pope as his mother. Lisa Tatler sang her way through the leading role as Eliza and looked just right once we had the transformation. Tom Hornby did well with the role of Colonel Pickering and as did Pat Simpkin as Mrs Pearce. I particularly enjoyed the singing of David Noble, whose Freddie was very well executed also a nice little cameo by David Walker as Zolton.
What can I say other than, Doolittle was played by Don Sewell, I started this report with the performance of one experienced player and finish with another, both executed with panache and add to this a good chorus and the result a very good production.
My congratulations to all concerned.