Some Bolton Evening News and NODA reviews of our productions:If anyone has a review from the Bolton Evening News or NODA that is not contained on this page, please feel free to forward the text to me for inclusion: jencarney@btinternet.com BEN: Fiddler on the Roof - February 2007Fiddler On The Roof
IT is quite a task to successfully tease out the sadness of this harsh story of love and life and still have the audience leaving with a collective smile on its face.
St Paul's (Astley Bridge) Amateur Operatic Society manages this with some ease on the opening night of its production of Joseph Stein's Fiddler On The Roof.
Attempting to live a traditional Jewish life in an early 20th century Russian outpost, dairyman Tevye, brilliantly played by Robert Peters, is searching for appropriate husbands for his three eldest daughters. However, as is normal in a musical, they would rather marry men that they love.
This family struggle takes place at a time when the Russians are displacing Jewish people, forcing many to leave their homes.
Eileen Powell is excellent as Tevye's wife Golde, while Rebecca McLean, Lucy Telleck and Alice Finlay are equally good as the daughters looking for love.
Special mention must also go to Gareth Cunliffe, who is hilarious as the gormless tailor Motel.
Musical director Jennie Allcock brings out the emotion from songs such as the infamous If I Were A Rich Man and the moving Little Bird and Anatevke, with lyrics skillfully interpreted by a cast who bring as much to the show in a musical sense as a dramatic one. Director and choreographer Louise Cohen copes admirably with what could have proved to be a complicated show.
Andrew Mosley BEN: 1 O'Clock From the House - September 2006This Funeral is a Laughing Matter
They say that blood is thicker than water, but for sisters Miriam, Maureen and Margaret, the thickest thing is the plot as to which of them will inherit their father's money.
As tempers flare, Julie Nappin as Miriam, Jenny Peters as Margaret and Emma Powell as Maureen put in star turns, even going as far as to reduce the , as ever perfectly timed, Ian Duckworth (playing Miriam's husband) to a supporting role.
The cast's comic timing is superb, and received spontaneous applause. And Miriam's Welsh cousin Tudor, played by Robert W Peters, and his wife Avril, played by Carol Gannon, along with friend of the family Mansell, played by Michael Rodgers, bring more than a touch of the League of Gentlemen to proceedings.
If Miriam, Margaret and Maureen are reminiscent of a coven of weird sisters, things get even weirder with the arrival of Mavis (Eileen Powell), the fourth sister who until their father's death was tucked safely away in an institution. But is she necessarily everything she seems?
One O'Clock From The House is a quick-fire, laugh-out-loud comedy that will have the audience in stitches.
Kat Dibbits BEN: Carousel - February 2006 Fun on the fair
There cannot be a more moving song contained within a musical than Rogers and Hammertein's 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
Not many songs have the distinction of appealing to everyone from lovers of the classics to pop and football fans, but this, sung with much gusto by the entire cast of Carousel does just that.
St Paul's pull off the story of bad-boy backwater carousel operator Billy Bigelow with aplumb.
Ian Barlow judges the part of Bigelow excellently, throwing in some macho cockiness when required and adding a touch of sensitivity at just the right moments.
Alison Taylor is excellent as his unlucky bride Julie with Alice Finlay as his daughter, Louise.
There is plenty to sing along to here, including the aformentioned 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and the jaunty 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over'.
Andrew Mosley What Noda said...
Carousel
St Paul's (Astley Bridge) AOS
A sound overall performance of this much loved Rogers & Hammerstein classic. Perhaps a more gradual build up to the final hustle and bustle of the fairground would have provided a little more interest but, nonetheless, this was a colourful opening which established the characters.
There were fine performances of Julie and Billy, played by Alison Taylor and Ian Barlow, who were well supported by Linda Howarth as Nettie Fowler and Eileen Powell as Mrs Mullins, although I thought Mrs Mullins' wig would probably been better suited in the Shakespeare play one doesn't mention! Ian managed the fine balance between the macho, stubborn and remorseful Billy very well whilst Alison was very good as the compassionate, dutiful Julie. Both sang extremely well, particularly Ian with the soliloquy.
Jen Carney as Carrie Pipperidge sang well, was charming, got the comedy elements across and was the ideal foil for the pedantic, stoical Mr. Snow played by Steven Brennen. Mick Moran was more than acceptable as the surly, insidious Jigger Craigin. Len Powell made a serene Heavenly Friend and Robert Peters a dignified Starkeeper.
Chorus work was of a good standard as was the ballet which was well executed with Alice Finlay as Louise.
A pleasant evening's entertainment and a creditable effort by the society under the guidance of Director, Paul Cohen, Choreographer, Louise Cohen and Musical Director, Leslie M Iddon. BEN: Out of Focus - September 2005 Play is a dreadful pantomime
It is not often that the term "the worst pantomime ever performed" would be taken as a compliment.
But for the actors of St Paul's AOS in Out of Focus, the triumph lies in portraying the shambolic, hilarious mess that is the play-within-a-play, 'Super Cinders'.
An unfortunate overbooking of a church hall throws together a fabulous mix of characters - and they are all being terrorised by the brownie pack from hell.
Ian Duckworth receives the biggest belly laughs of the night as the hapless Leonard Trotter, whose obsession with slide shows causes chaos.
Carol Gannon plays Evonne Duckworth as a highly-strung, oppressed housewife of a dull-as-ditchwater vicar who gets the last laugh at the closign party.
As the characters unite to try to perform a pantomime, the action becomes manic. Rarely have amateur actors been this good at physical comedy, with Duckworth and Gannon again excelling.
Peter Gordon's play examines the minutia of local parish life, and finds that beneath the tea and scones there is backstabbing, deceit...and of course a love affair or two. And plenty of thigh slapping along the way.
Kat Dibbits What Noda said...
Out of Focus
St Paul's (Astley Bridge) AOS
The annexe to a church hall provides the backing for this hilarious Peter Gordon play. The set, well dressed with the usual church hall clutter and badly drawn notices, looked quite authentic. however, I was puzzled as to why the skirting board extended across the kitchen doorway causing the cast to step delicately over it. The lighting, with no particular dead spots, did everything asked of it whilst the sound cues, generally well handled, did suffer occasionally from feedback problems. It would also have been advantageous to have the offstage sound of a boisterous brownie pack to set the piece at the opening.
Director Cecilia Keefe should be congratulated for running a tight ship, keeping an upbeat tempo and developing the relationships between the characters. With a large cast masking can prove problematical and cast members should be encouraged to allow laughter to subside before continuing with the lib.
Eileen Powell was excellent as the pugnacious, opinionated brownie pack leader, Miss Helen Beever as was Ian Duckworth as the rather tedious 'man with a slide show for all occasions' Leonard Trotter. The pairing of Jenny Peters and Peter Smith as the acrimonious Kath and Bob Enfield worked very well as did the cause of the acrimony, the rather striking office femme fatale Linda Hammond, well played by Emma Powell.
Carol Gannon played the downtrodden vicars wife Evonne Duckworth. With all the attack of a dormant dormouse this was, as she was fond of saying, a 'super' characterisation. Jen Carney as Sue Dixon and Robert W Peters as David Wright played their parts well as their relationship developed whilst Howard Cohen made quite an impact as the Walter Mitty styled Wayne Bryant.
An excellent evenings entertainment with plenty of laughs along the way. BEN: South Pacific - February 2005 Story to warm a chilly night
This is a story of love found, lost and found again in somewhat warmer climes than Astley Bridge on a freezing late February night.
Despite the conditions outside, there's plenty in this version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic to warm the cockles.
Songs such as Some Enchanted Evening, I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair and Happy Talk are instantly recognised by one and all and each and every number is given an added kick by a lively orchestra and choir.
Tim Shorten is, as always, excellent, this time in the role of Emile de Becque, while Jennifer M Carney is brilliant as the lovestruck, upbeat subject of his desire, Ensign Nellie Forbush.
Scott Unsworth's voice and confident acting abilities are of a professional standard and his star quality shines through as Lt Joseph Cable.
Elsewhere, Martin Taylor brings a likeable comedic touch to the character of Luther Billis.
Set to a backdrop of the Second World War that will put paid to one budding relationship and allow another to flower, a trip to this South Pacific island is well recommended.
South Pacific is at the Theatre Church in Astley Bridge until Saturday.
Andy Mosley What Noda said...
South Pacific
St Paul's (Astley Bridge) AODS
A competent production by Paul Cohen of this evergreen Rogers & Hammerstein classic which was well supported by choreography from Louise Cohen and musical direction from Leslie Iddon who conjured a good sound from a small orchestra.
Tim Shorten did well enough as Emile de Beque without looking totally at ease with this debonair character whilst Jennifer Carney had everything one could have wished for as the naïve, knuckle-head Nellie Forbush — an excellent performance.
Scott Unsworth was ideal in the part of Lt. Cable. Vocally excellent and much better than others I have heard. However, uncharacteristically, the libretto was a little subdued. Liat was nicely portrayed by Nicola Jones whilst the all-American "Del Boy", Luther Billis, was played by Martin Taylor. He did well enough with the characterisation without totally carrying the authority the role can give.
Captain Brackett was played by Howard Clare, Howard Cohen made a fine Cmdr. Harbison whilst Christine Catterall somewhat underplayed the role of Bloody Mary.
The children Neneng Crossley (Ngana) and Kyle Crossley (Jerome) looked cute enough and the smaller parts were well played by Andrew Alderton (Stewpot), Stephen Brennan (Buzz Adams) and Mick Moran as the Professor.
The chorus worked well throughout what was a perfectly acceptable production. WHat NODA said about Fish out of Water
Fish out of Water
St Paul's (Astley Bridge) AODS
An amusing story of Brits abroad and particularly Agatha Hepworths single minded determination that everyone will have their days suitable organised — whether they want to or not.
Christine Catherall was very good as the aforementioned Agatha Hepworth dominating not only the other hotel residents but also the stage and the attention of the audience. Agatha's sister, her of the doleful countenance, was equally well played by Carol Gannon. Her body language was exactly right for this part giving everyone the impression that she would much prefer a wet weekend in Blackpool to a sunshine holiday on the Italian Riviera.
Ian Duckworths characterisation of the much bewhiskered Brigadier Hubbard absolutely right as he tried to evade the invasive Agatha whilst Eileen Powell was equally successful as the rather snooty Mrs Hubbard. Emma Powell also made an excellent job of the shy, lovelorn clippie Dora Cowley who falls for Len Barrett played by Brendan Higgins.
The cast was completed by Ian Collinson as the abandoned and rather tedious Mr Mallett, Leonard T Powell as the harassed holiday rep Julian Whittle and Linda Howarth as the Italian maid Marisa.
Accents, where necessary, were generally well maintained and there was attention to detail with make up which is sometimes overlooked.
Director Cecelia Keefe should be well pleased with the end result — a highly amusing and satisfying evenings entertainment.
BEN: When we Are Married - December 2003 Comedy with great marriage lines
J B Priestly's 1938 comedy shares some of the same preoccupations as An Inspector Calls a decade later - primarily how the self-satisfied bourgeoisie react when an outsider arrives to question their social foundations.
In this case, Gerald Forbes (an excellent Stephen Brennan), turns up on the silver wedding anniversary of three such couples with the bombshell that the parson who married them was not authorised to perform weddings.
Technically, these pillars of the establishment have been living in sin for a quarter of a century. This is fertile ground, liberally sown with comic seeds by Priestly and lovingly tended by director Michael Rodgers.
As the 'husbands', Ken Thompson (Helliwell), David Johnson (Soppit) and particularly Cyril Norris (Parker) are fabulous, feeding the comedy as their priorities become clear.
The 'wives' similarly excel, Christine Catherall and Jenny Peters drawing lovely portraits of lives inverted in a moment. Carol Gannon's quiet demolition of her husband's 25 years of disinterested stinginess was a joy to watch.
Rob Peters as Omornroyd, the couples' unlikely saviour, is a lovely comic delivery, and Eileen Powell adds striking colour as she torpedoes Helliwell's attempt at damage limitation.
With sterling support from Jen Carney and Cecilia Keefe as the domestics from hell, and Linda Howarth (Nancy), Ernie Bottomly (Dyson) and Phil Goodman (Rev. Mercer), this is a terrific comedy of manners that it would be rude to overlook.
Nigel McFarland BEN: High Society - April 2003 High Society was Top Class
Cole Porter's famouis musical comedy High Society was taken to the stage with both visual and musical flair last night.
The show follows the story of Tracy Lord (Jen Carney) on the day before she is due to marry George (Stephen Brennan).
With all the wedding plans in place, Tracy's ex-husband arrives at the house - and events take a turn for the worse.
Those on stage were excellent, from Carney and Brennan in the lead roles, to the chorus line of servants in the upper-crust Lord household.
A special mention goes to Robert Peters' Uncle Willie, who sways through many of the scenes fuelled by gin but manages to keep the action and the laught going.
The musical numbers, directed by Nicola Worrall, hit the right note. And even with a few difficult numbers, the cast made all 32 songs work, including Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
There should also be a mention for the set design which evoked the 1940s convincingly. With each of the servants dressed for the period, the show looked as good as it sounded.
Alison Barton BEN: My Fair Lady - February 2000 My Fair Lady
A few airs and graces can make all the difference in how you get on in the world - as Eliza Doolittle knows all too well.
The typical Cockney flower girl with an 'apples and pears' accent to match decides she wants to better herself by perfecting the Queen's English.
My Fair Lady is based on Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. He belived that both written and spoken English were in need of reform. He hated regional accents as he thought they branded people uneducated.
Lerner & Loewe got hold of the script after the film version in 1939.
And they injected their own ideas to write a musical score that would capture the hearts of everyone. My Fair Lady was born.
St. Paul's take you through the famous numbers including I Could Have Danced All Night, On The Street Where You Live and Get Me To The Church On Time as stuffy Colonel Pickering does his best to teach Eliza how to prnounce her vowels correctly.
Susan Commelly puts in an excellent performance as the youthful Eliza, as does Michael Rogers in the role of Pickering.
But the strength of the show lies in the chorus. When the entire cast gets on stage to back-up the musical numbers like the Ascot Gavotte, the talent of the group shines through backed by students from St. James' High School, Farnworth.
Louise Tansey BEN: Brush With A Body - September 2000 Brush with a Body
'Brush With A Body' might not be a well-known drama, but the black comedy was an excellent choice for St Paul's AOS.
This is the first time the well-established group in Astley Bridge has produced a play instead of a musical and Maurice McLoughlin's hilarious comedy must have been a joy to perform.
The drama revolves around a stuffy middle-class family in the 60s and the grusome discovery made by their Irish chimney sweep.
The discovery in the chimney and consequent cover-up attemps to avoid involving the police makes for plenty of comic moments.
McLoughlin's comedy verges on farce in many places and the inclusion of the French windows in a drawing room always creates a perfect excuse for lots of confusion and hilarity as charachters dash in and out while the other characters' back are turned.
Stars of the show were undoubtedly Joe Marsden who played Mr Flaherty the chimney sweep and Carol Gannon as Mrs D'Arcy the housekeeper.
Joe Marsden also deserves praise for producing the show.
Carol Gannon was simply outstanding as the housekeeper with the biggest nose in the country who is desperate to use her late husband's life insurance on plastic surgery.
Both Jennifer Carney and Julie Nappin gave solid performances as the two Walling sisters.
Although just a fleeting performance, Lucy Entwistle was excellent as the crazed South American psychiatric patient on the loose.
'Brush With A Body' runs at the Theatre Church on Seymour Road until tomorrw and starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets from 847866.
Jane Bullock BEN: The Pajama Game - February 1999 Always time for bit of love interest
In these days of economic uncertainty stresses and strains at the workplace are commonplace. And that sems to have been the case in the 1950s at the Sleep-Tite Pajama factory. But here the workers labour relations gripes, industrial disputes and dealings with crooked bosses are interspersed with song and dance routines.
But between all the union meetings and time to study exercises, there is still time for the love interest to develop between grievance committee member 'Babe' Williams (Jennifer Carney) and company superintendent Syd Sorokin (Joe Marsden).
The two main characters' relationship is well portrayed by both cast members who displayed good stage presence and vocal ability.
But, Babe's union involvement, and Syd's management position, soon puts a strain on things.
Paul Cohen as womanising union boss Prez and Alice Bowmer as the secretary Galdys, also stood out in a large, hard working cast.
Good costumes and scenery evoke a vibrant colourful 1950s atmosphere, and the accompaniment from musicians Helen and Michael Walker under the direction of Peter Barnett was excellent.
It is an ambitios production with bags of effort from all the cast. But it is an unusual choice of musical to stage, and few songs stuck in the memory once the final curtain had closed.
And is often the case, a microphone would have helped to amplify even the more stronger singing voices at certain times in this production.
Dave Roberts BEN: Calamity Jane - February 1998 Worthy Western
This colourful production, which has everyone quietly singing along to old favourites, has been particularly well cast.
Charismatic Louise Williams is accomplished in the lead role of Calamity Jane.
She plays a tomboy who thinks she is in love with Lt Danny Gilmartin, well played by Stephen Brennan.
But she makes friends with singer Katie, alias the capable Louise Cohen, who shows her how to be more feminine.
While Calamity's trying to win over Danny, she falls for Wild Bill Hickock, played by the ample voiced Joe Marsden.
As is usually the case in these romantic western musicals, confusion reigns and there is much comedy, but everyone gets the girl in the end.
The show was not without a few first night hitches with set and lighting. Having said that, there was never a dull moment and the show had a refreshingly fast pace.
Musical high points were the harmonies in The Black Hills of Dakota and the powerful Secret Love performed by Louise Williams.
Paul Cohen was superb as a dance hall floosy, Derek Manuell shone as Henry Miller, proprietor of the Golden Garter, and the chorus and dancers threw themselves into their performances magnificently and the orchestra never missed a note.
Y'all could do a whole lot worse than to mosey on down to the Theatre Church to catch a piece of this highly entertaining show.
Nick Jackson BEN: The Sound of Music - February 1995 The stage is alive at Astley Bridge
This delightful production staged by St Paul's (Astley Bridge) AOS is a credit to all concerned.
But Michael Rodgers must take the lion's share of praise for the way he has brought out the best in a talented cast and achieved a polished and smooth-running show.
He is fortunate in having a leading lady of the calibre of Julie Johnson who combines acting talent with a beautiful singing voice. Her scenes with the children - a charming group of scene stealers - were a joy.
Dignified
Chris Higson was a suitably dignified as Captain Von Trapp and he gave a moving delivery of Edelweiss.
Christine Catherall deservedly received rapturous applaus for her solo Climb Every Mountain and Sharon Knott was effective in her role as Sister Berthe.
Also worthy of mention are Jennifer Carney (Liesl) and Gareth Bolton (Rolf) who made a touching pair of young lovers.
The ladies of the Nuns Chorus were well rehearsed and particularly stirring in their singing of the Nuns' Processional.
Clearly much thought has gone into wardrobe. The wedding scene, in particular, was beautifully costumed. Musical directoe Joe Marsden ensured the accompaniment was excellent and not intrusive.
Altogether a show that's well worth seeing.
Doreen Crowther
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