Manor Musical Theatre Company – Fiddler On The Roof ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fiddler On The Roof – Manor Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Tuesday 24th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Tradition – something Manor has always been respectful of, and tradition is the main theme of this classic musical.

This the tale of Tevye, the turn-of the century Russian peasant wishing he were a rich man. Battling the wills of his five daughters and keeping the Jewish faith, as sinister forces infiltrate the peace of an historic village, and modern life starts to shift the balance of power. This production is more earthy than showy, and it was all the better for it. It was a stripped-back piece of theatre performed in a way that gave it an especially human touch and immediacy. Beautifully-textured costumes contrasted the threadbare layers of Russian winters with silky, Sabbath finery. Tam Weir a newcomer to Manor anchored the piece as conflicted Tevye (his third outing in this role) complemented by the wonderfully expressive Paula O’Hare as wife Golde, each trapped in the circumstances of changing times, their duet “Do you love me” was perfect. I’m sure we all remember Topol’s wonderful rendition of “If I Was A Rich Man” well Tam’s doesn’t disappoint.

The three older daughters played by Sasha Marsh (Tzeitel) Malaika Martin (Hodel) and Eliza Tall (Chava) play their roles wonderfully showing their struggles with what tradition dictates and what their own hearts want.

The story flows well, the cast gel superbly, and the show set as it is in 1905, resonates in today’s political landscape even more than the company must have anticipated when it was first programmed in.The importance of community is a message clearly at the heart of this production.

Directors Pam and James Garrington have done an amazing job creating a cast with a strong bond supporting each other and sharing their enjoyment at performing with the audience. The group numbers were performed beautifully and choreographed perfectly by Jennie Mason

The Addams Family Musical ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Addams Family Musical – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 5th July 2022 – Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

I was very kindly invited to the opening night of Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company’s latest production of “The Addams Family Musical” at The Garrick Theatre in Lichfield. If like me you grew up in the 60’s then I’m sure you will remember that..creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky family, the catchy theme tune and snapping fingers.

The musical is based around the main characters of the TV series with a script from a book by Brickman and Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

The story revolves around Wednesdays budding romance with normal boy Lucas and families meeting for dinner at chez Addams, obviously the course of true love never runs smoothly and the ensuing antics accompanied by some wonderful one liners it makes for a very uplifting show.

Mark Skett who plays Gomez the Father, is wonderful with an outrageous phoney Spanish accent and desperately trying keep Morticia in love with him. Kate Pilling who plays Morticia superbly reminding me of Carolyn Jones the original Morticia. Her voice is sultry and beautiful and with some alluring dancing nails the character.

Charlotte Jervis who plays Wednesday with a demonic zest, swapping between her brothers tormentor and torturer and the love struck youngster easily and confidently her voice is powerful and harmonious.

As for the rest of the cast James Fisher playing the wacky Uncle Fester gives a glorious performance even when he breaks into his ballad “The Moon and Me”. Paula Lumsden who plays Grandma is hilarious delivering a crazy witch like character with some of the best one liners. Pugsley the son is played by 2 actors depending on which performance you go to. On this occasion it was Alfie Stevens giving a energetic performance trying to send his sisters romance off the rails. Finally Lurch played by Tony Orbell wearing a pair of platforms high enough to be the envy of any 70’s glam rock band. Although his is a performance with only grunts, he makes sure that his presence is always felt and the surprises us all with a lovely rendition of “Move Towards the Darkness”

The Beineke family who are travelling to the big city to meet the Addams family are wonderfully played delivering doubt, reservations and surprise. Simon Smith as Mal and Sarah Cordin as Alice the repressed wife but not for long.. and son and Wednesday’s love Lucas played by Louis Patterson whose mellow tones work very well with Wednesday.

Finally the ensemble cast paying the Ancestors (cavemen, ballerina gladiator, sailor and so many more) absolutely fantastic the dancing so in sync Maggie Jackson choreographer has done an amazing job. Also a massive well done to the costume, make-up and set depts. Great job!

Summing up I have to say this was one of the best performances I have seen from an amateur group. Slick, professional, fantastic dance routines and perfect singing an all round mega hit, congratulations to Chris Stanley producer, and his team.

Oh and for those of you thinking someone or “Thing” is missing keep your eyes peeled!

The Addams Family Musical runs at the Lichfield Garrick Main Theatre from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 July, performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 9 July. Ticket prices start from £20 and can be purchased at the Garrick Box Office, ring 01543 412121 or book online at: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-addams-family-presented-by-sutton-coldfield-musical-theatre-company/2937#schedules

The Addams Family Musical ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Addams Family Musical – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 5th July 2022 – Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

The musical is based around the main characters of the TV series with a script from a book by Brickman and Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

Oh and for those of you thinking someone or “Thing” is missing keep your eyes peeled!

West Side Story 5⭐️

West Side Story – Trinity Players

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 6th June

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Trinity Players are back at the Town Hall with their production of one of the most memorable musical’s of all time “West Side Story” We were lucky enough to be at the Dress Rehearsal on Monday and wow are you in for a treat.

This epic love story surrounded by hatred, violence and prejudice is as popular as ever especially in the light of the recent movie re-make.

Trinity tackle this show with true professionalism, set in New York City two rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks battle it out as two young lovers get caught in the crossfire.

I don’t think you could get a better Maria and Tony ( Libby Buick and Dan Barnes). Libby portrays Maria with such softness and grace her singing voice is superb, Dan plays Tony in a plain speaking and down to earth way of someone trying to escape the ties of gang life.

Ross Gilby who plays Bernardo, Maria’s over bearing and very protective brother hits the mark perfectly portrayed with subtle arrogance and aggression.

The singing and dancing of the supporting cast is fantastic full of life, enthusiasm and energy.

For me the highlight scene has to be the one on the fire escape, at this point I have to mention the amazing set. It has to be one of the best I have seen at the Town Hall and perfectly portrays the rundown feel of the New York tenements. Tony climbs to Marias window where she is singing Tonight, picked out perfectly by a soft spotlight, as Tony joins in and we get a beautiful duet.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the “Rumble” expertly choreographed by Natalie Haslam with the fight scene seeming specially realistic.

Congratulations to directors Matthew Collins on his directorial debut and to Jennifer Holyhead for bringing this show to life. Its spectacular yes we all know most of the songs but here they are performed with passion and energy by a totally amazing cast.

If you have not already then get your tickets now there are a few remaining so hurry.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/trinity-players

West Side Story 5⭐️

West Side Story – Trinity Players

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 6th June

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

This epic love story surrounded by hatred, violence and prejudice is as popular as ever especially in the light of the recent movie re-make.

Trinity tackle this show with true professionalism, set in New York City two rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks battle it out as two young lovers get caught in the crossfire.

Ross Gilby who plays Bernardo, Maria’s over bearing and very protective brother hits the mark perfectly portrayed with subtle arrogance and aggression.

The singing and dancing of the supporting cast is fantastic full of life, enthusiasm and energy.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the “Rumble” expertly choreographed by Natalie Haslam with the fight scene seeming specially realistic.

If you have not already then get your tickets now there are a few remaining so hurry.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/trinity-players

Sound Of Music ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had the pleasure to be invited to the Dress Rehearsal of Manor Musical Theatre company’s new production “The Sound Of Music” being performed at Sutton Coldfield’s Town Hall from Wednesday 27th April to Sunday 1st May you haven’t got tickets hurry there are only a very few left, if you have you are in for a treat. This is a superb production and also a welcome return for the company after the recent pandemic. The cast are truly magnificent Paula O’Hare playing Maria has a wonderful voice and performs with such joy and enthusiasm, Richard Parry playing Captain von Trapp is portrayed with military precision and the children are played with such maturity and fully embraced their roles I have to say that for me Sophie John playing Gretl is a star in the making. All your favourite songs are here and I will be very surprised if the audiences are not singing along such is the enthusiasm of the cast. The Town hall is certainly going to be alive with the sound of music

Sound Of Music ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The cast are truly magnificent Paula O’Hare playing Maria has a wonderful voice and performs with such joy and enthusiasm, Richard Parry playing Captain von Trapp is portrayed with military precision and the children are played with such maturity and fully embraced their roles I have to say that for me Sophie John playing Gretl is a star in the making.

All your favourite songs are here and I will be very surprised if the audiences are not singing along such is the enthusiasm of the cast.

The Town hall is certainly going to be alive with the sound of music

Shrek ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shrek The Musical – Script Youth Musical Theatre

Highbury Theatre

Monday 13th December (Dress Rehearsal)

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

After a delay of some 18 months due to the pandemic we are finally ready to be taken to the Kingdom of Duloc and a nearby “Stinky Swamp”. Yes its’s time to meet up with your friendly neighbourhood ogre and his friend donkey along with Princess Fiona and Lord Farquaaad, played by Harry R, Beth, Louisa and Finlay.

In a nutshell the story pretty much follows that of the film, Shrek’s swamp home is invaded by fairytale refugees banished from Duloc after being persuaded by them to visit Farquaad and regain his swamp. On the way he meets up with a very talkative donkey once there Farquaad demands that he rescues Princess Fiona from a dragon protected keep

Harry R plays Shrek perfectly and seems very at home with the role, Beth is superb as donkey her voice and acting excellent, but to me Finlay stole the show as the manipulative Farquaad his portrayal being slight manic with a camp edge also spending the whole performance on his knees “this had me wishing that I could manage a couple of minutes.” Louisa played a spirited Fiona. They were all supported by an excellent and enthusiastic cast with Sophia’s Pinocchio and Josef’s Big Bad wolf leading them.

This is a young cast who all performed with enthusiasm with on the whole strong and clear vocals.

I would recommend you grab the chance to see this lovely show and support this youth company. The show runs until Saturday with some tickets still available via 👇

https://www.script-ymtc.org.uk

Legally Blonde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Legally Blonde – Tudor Musical Comedy Society

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 8th November (Dress Rehearsal)

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles

The shows are back and the Town Hall is in full swing again. Legally Blonde is the first Am Dram show to be performed at the Town Hall since the outbreak of the pandemic when everything was cancelled.

This is a wonderful production by Tudor based on the hit films staring Reece Witherspoon as Elle Woods, it seems as if she has been transported into the persona of our lead played by Katie Milligan

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law. At school, she struggles with peers, professors and Warner. With the help of Paulette and Emmett though, Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. (Warner – Alan Rowe, Paulette – Natasha Cartwright, Emmett – Ben Foulds, Elle – Katie Milligan)

There is so much joy and enthusiasm on the stage the routines are slick and well performed, vocals strong and clear and a superb supporting ensemble. I have to admit to have never seen the film or show before and I throughly enjoyed it, during some of the musical numbers it makes you feel like joining in.

The show runs until Saturday 13th November

Some tickets are still available 👇

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tmcs