Tag: SCMTC

Jesus Christ Superstar – SCMTC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jesus Christ Superstar – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday November 3rd – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography

I know this show has enduring appeal; friends had raved about various productions of the rock opera, citing its powerful score, emotion, and timeless themes. Yes, the show still feels hauntingly relevant today. Telling the story of Jesus’s last week, themes of betrayal, fame, fear, bullying, and salvation can all be interpreted through a modern lens. Add to that a soaring, emotionally charged score, and you have a musical that still resonates today.

I first saw this show in 1973, it was the original production starring Paul Nicholas and Dana Gillespie when I was a young and impressionable teenager on a school trip to London. To this day, and after seeing many different musicals since, Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of my absolute favourites. It left a lasting impression on me through the sheer power of the music, the extraordinary vocals, and its timeless themes, which still feel just as relevant half a century later.

It takes no small amount of courage to stage Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera that demands powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp musical timing, and a flair for the theatrical. Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre’s production rises to the challenge with energy, conviction, and moments of genuine brilliance.

From the opening guitar riff of “Heaven on Their Minds,” it was clear this was a group ready to give their all. Leo Foëtu-Foster’s Judas anchored the show with a strong voice and emotional intensity, navigating the character’s moral torment with a raw, human touch. Opposite him, Tom Well’s Jesus balanced serenity and anguish, delivering “Gethsemane” with a vulnerability that will hush the room. Definitely a standout moment of the evening.

Juliet Fisher’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene was another standout performance. She brought warmth and quiet strength to the role, balancing tenderness with emotional depth. Her performance of    “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” was delivered with sincerity and beautiful control, providing a gentle contrast to the intensity of the surrounding scenes. The chemistry between Mary, Jesus, and Judas was believable and added a human touch to the story’s spiritual themes.

The chorus brought strong energy to ensemble numbers like “Hosanna” and “Superstar,” and their enthusiasm, vibrant presence and commitment creating a dynamic atmosphere.

Making his debut as director Simon Smith has made imaginative use of the modest stage space, using minimal props barring some stepped section at the rear and sides of the stage and the cross in the finale. Doing so he has created a fast-paced production that never loses its sense of intimacy.

A particular highlight of this production was the choreography, which was both imaginative and dynamic. Under the direction of Maggie Jackson, the movement was tightly executed and visually striking, enhancing the storytelling without ever feeling forced. From the pulsating energy of the crowd scenes to the subtle, expressive gestures in the more reflective moments, the choreography added a layer of professionalism and polish that lifted the entire production. It was clear the cast had worked hard to master the demanding routines, and their commitment paid off beautifully.

The live band, led by Sheila Pearson, provided a solid rock backing that gave the show its essential drive. At times the volume seemed a little overpowering, but the overall sound was impressive.

Lighting by Going Dark Theatrical heightened intensity and mood, while the costuming blended traditional and contemporary elements effectively. More than the technical achievements, what shone brightest was the passion of the entire company.

This production was clearly a labour of love, and that heartfelt commitment carried right through to the final moments.

Kinky Boots – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kinky Boots – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Monday 20th May 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Ever since Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company (SCMTC) announced they were taking on the production of ‘Kinky Boots’, I have really been looking forward to it (I’ve never seen it before). Following their superb ‘Shrek’ last year, I was sure that the audience were in for something special with this feel-good story from the pen of Tim Firth – and I was definitely not disappointed.

The story tells the tale of Charlie Price who is thrust into the running and ownership of his family’s shoe business – Price and Co following the unexpected death of his father. Unbeknown to him, the company is not doing well and a chance meeting with a drag queen Lola puts the seed of an idea in Charlie’s mind about how he may revive the company’s fortunes and save the jobs of the workers.

Patrick Jervis and Daniel Surj are outstanding in the roles of Charlie Price and Lola aka Simon and they both sing the roles with heart, honesty, and warmth. The nuances that they bring to the roles is not to be underestimated, this takes significant acting skill. Charlie battles his own demons and Patrick captures this sensitively with his acting and singing performances. It is very easy to overdo the role of Lola down to the cross-dressing element – and to play it for laughs. Daniel brings the sassy, comedic warmth to the character while maintaining the sense of torment and resentment Simon carries with him from the rejection he got from his father as a younger man. Charlotte Jervis also gave a brilliant performance of Lauren, and really embodied her character and her performance of ‘Wrong Guys’ was fantastic and had the audience in stitches as the loved-up worker chased after Charlie.

Kerrie Penrice as director in her first production for SCMTC draws on her experience directing for the youth company to bring the story to the audience and the show stopping dance numbers choreographed by Maggie Jackson are superb. Land of Lola and the finale of act one are as accomplished as any professional production that I have seen.

The set, costumes and props are all appropriate and would not look out of place in a touring production.The lighting by Going DarkTheatrical Services is glitzy and glamourous as it should be when appropriate.

There is not a weak link in this performance from the two boys who played the younger incarnations of Charlie (Ewan Tall) and Simon (Joe Thomas) alongside Mr Price Sr (John Johnson) and Simon’s Dad (Mark Wright) through all the magnificent angels including all the factory workers. Particular praise goes to Paul Lumsden who performed the unenviable role of roughty toughty straight man, Don, and Sarah Jordan in her role as the equally unlikeable Nicola.

The night ended with the entire cast wearing the iconic kinky boots and strutting their stuff

The performance would not be complete without the superb orchestra who were outstanding and brilliant, Musical Director Sheila Pearson and Musical Director/Conductor Andy Timmins.

EVERYBODY SAY ‘YEAH’ AS COMEDY MUSICAL BASED ON REAL EVENTS SASHAYS TO STAFFORDSHIRE

Are you ready? Something fabulous to ‘raise you up’ is strutting its way to Lichfield – Kinky Boots, the musical!

Based on the Miramax film of the same name – which, in-turn, is based on the true story of how a drag performer helped transform the fortunes of a failing Northamptonshire shoe factory – this sparkling comedy musical comes to Lichfield Garrick Theatre for just one week next month.

With music by, 80s pop favourite, Cyndi Lauper, written by Tim Firth (The Full Monty, Calendar Girls, among others) with Geoff Deane, and book by, Tony Award winning actor and playwright, Harvey Fierstein, the show heralds Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company’s (SCMTC) return to the Garrick, following last year’s success with Shrek the Musical.

The show is directed by Kerrie Penrice who has long been a part of SCMTC taking on multiple leading roles. She also directed its youth company’s award-nominated production of Peter Pan a Musical Adventure.

Now the award-winning company – which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year – is proud to have Kerrie at the helm for this utterly glamorous, fun, and heart-warming offering.

Kerrie said: “Kinky Boots is a delight from start to finish, so I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to direct this show. From the curtain raising through to the last moment, expect glitz, glamour, larger-than-life characters with costumes to match, pathos and heartfelt human emotion, stemming from a real story of ordinary people who did something extraordinary.

“I know this show will have audiences up on their feet dancing, singing along and crying with both laughter and a little sadness before leaving feeling truly uplifted. Kinky Boots really is an all-round feel-good show that audiences will love – and it comes with a troop of dancing drag queens to ‘BOOT’! What’s not to like?”

Kerrie is joined on the production team for this show by SCMTC’s stalwart choreographer, Maggie Jackson, and musical director, Sheila Pearson; both of whom have an extensive track-record of bringing together vibrant song and dance routines for the company. Of course, Kinky Boots is no different!

So, don’t delay, get those Kinky Boots on and march on down to Lichfield Garrick to catch this uplifting and hilarious show from 21-25 May.

Tickets are available online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or via the Lichfield Garrick box office by phoning 01543 412121.

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