Guest Reviewer - Christine Davidson
it is always a pleasure to visit Witham Amateur Operatic Society to watch one of their productions. This talented company never fail to impress with the greeting from the front of house staff giving you a very warm welcome as you enter the foyer.
Salad days is a musical with music by Julian Slade, and with book and lyrics by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade. The musical was initially performed in 1954 in the UK in Bristol and then in the West End, where it ran for 2,283 performances. With a magic piano that makes people dance, a mime artist and a spaceship with aliens, this really is adifferent musical to come and see.
This light-hearted fun show, follows the young newly graduated couple Timothy (Franky Garland) and Jane (Karla Marie). Great PR accents from both of them which was a pleasure to hear. I was able to understand every word, a treat as sometimes in shows this is not the case. These two worked well together giving us the triple threat of beautiful singing, dancing and acting. I also found out from Emma Loring the director, that Karla had made all her own fantastic fifties dresses which added to the style of the show.
Fiona and Nigel (Holly Kerwick & Fabian D’Angelo also worked well together as the second romantic couple. Holly was the airheaded, man hunting female with the high pitched voice. Just how Holly kept this up all the way through must have been quite a struggle but the audience loved her character and added a lot of laughter to the scenes.
Troppo (Avalon Lawton) was the mime artist and did an excellent job with every action clear and effective. It’s not easy acting a non-singing, non-speaking role but she came over well and was lovely to watch.. I hope this young lady carries on to more on stage as she shows real promise.
Stewart Adkins yet again shows his professionalism on stage acting as The Tramp, Uncle Clam, The Nightclub Manager, & Press. The characterisation of each was carefully crafted by him with different accents and excellent singing. His solo ‘Cleopatra’ in the Night Club scene was superb.
Fun comedy gems with the duo PC Boot (Joe Geddis) and the Inspector (Trevor Drury). This was a very hilarious scene as they danced together and the audience loved it.
Lady Raeburn (Maeve Borges) & Mrs Dawes (Anita Goold) were the mothers of Jane and Tim. Their song ‘ We don’t Understand our children’ was sung clearly and a pleasure to hear. I also loved Maeve in the Beauty Parlour scene and have to commend the Beautician Helen Dunn as Heloise who although did not talk had the most amusing variety of facial expressions and really showed what she thought of her Ladyship.
Sophie Edrupt as both Rowena and Asphynxia gave us two totally different characters. As sultry Asphynxia her song ‘Sand in my Eyes’ was beautifully sung and yes I think no one could take their eyes off of her as she looked amazing.
Richard Herring also took on five different roles as Uncle looked amazing.
Richard Herring also took on five different roles as Uncle Zed, Tim’s father, Fosyke the attaché plus theatre goer and Press. Each one was very well acted and sung. The ensemble added to the rest of the many roles.
The set for this production was simple opening with an empty stage and just a piano in the centre lit in blue. Gradually props, cloths, curtains and flats were brought in by the back stage crew who had been well drilled and never stopped the action on stage.
The costumes were accurate for the period as were the wigs by Patsy Page. Both gave a real feel to the times. Lighting was very good with no shadows and the sound was fine. Joint musical directors David Mitchell and Franky Garland with the orchestra did well and only sometimes did I think that the piano overshadowed the singing as a tad loud but I think as first night this will be rectified.
This was Emma Loring’s debut as Director, doing a good job. The show flowed, her choreography was very simple and effective and I never felt that there were too many people squashed on the stage. Emma has been involved with WAOS since 2013 and her experience in this field has given her the understanding of what is needed to make a good entertaining show. She should be so proud of her achievements and I look forward to seeing her direct again. Her Assistant Heather Davis gave Emma the knowledge and advice needed which really showed in this excellent production.
I do hope more people will attend this week as this heart-warming show is just what we all need on a cold October night. Congratulations to you all.
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