The Farndale Avenue Estate Townswomen’s Guild Operatic Society’s production of “The Mikado”
Date - 30th October 2013
Society - Vane Tempest Theatre Group
Venue - Seaham School of Technology
Type of Production - Musical
Director - Keith Armitage
Musical Director - Enid Jones
Choreographer - Kathryn Burnett and Debbie Finkel
Report - Author: Peter Oliver
This was the first time in my role as Regional Representative that I have had the opportunity to be invited to a performance by Vane Tempest Theatre Group as they presented ‘The Farndale Avenue Estate Townswomen’s Guild Operatic Society’s production of “The Mikado”’, and what a wonderful evening I experienced. This series of comedies, written by the duo David McGillivary and Walter Zerlin Jnr, are wonderfully uplifting, and, whilst being very challenging, give the opportunity for totally over-the-top performances. Under the experienced direction of Keith Armitage, and aided by the talented behind the scene crew, they gave an excellent production of the show.
This off the wall interpretation of the well know operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan did not fail to please the audience from the opening scene with Suzy Wake playing the ever-confident Phoebe Reece, as well as Pooh Bah, and Maurice McShane, who played Rev Bishop and also Pitti Sing, got the show off to a hilarious start with plenty of audience participation, and held the show together throughout the evening.
Appreciation must go to the Musical Director Enid Jones, who not only conducted the orchestra competently, but was also part of the cast, playing Gwynneth Featherstonehaugh alongside other cast members who were intermingled in the pit with the band, including their props of knitting, and even the family pet in a travel cage, which was very entertaining.
Vane Tempest Theatre Group has a wealth of talented actors, and it was evident from the opening that from the youngest to the more seasoned performers that this production was going to be memorable, and brought a welcome relief from the realities of our everyday lives as well as showcasing the individual skills of the cast in role play, to hilarious effect.
Susan Antcliff gave a sterling performance as the Mikado, and Flora McGonagall led the chorus in a lovely rendition of “Let the Punishment Fit the Crime”. Carolyn Adgar played Ronnie Patterson and Ko Ko, a part she portrayed extremely well, and sang extremely well. Gemma Parnaby who played both Thelma Greenwood and Yum Yum was excellen. Her songs were delivered perfectly with lovely expressions. Her solo “The Sun, Who’s Rays Are All Ablaze” was excellently delivered. Natalie Bowmaker played Felicity Mayhem and Katisha, gave a good performance with Carolyn Adgar in the musical number “Derry Down Derry”.
Laura Geary, playing Angela Rothbotham and Nanki Poo, delivered excellent vocals “A Wandering Minstrel I” and “The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring” with good portrayal of the character, and interacted well with Yum Yum. Lynsey Southwick, playing Peep Bo and Dawn Bruce, gave an enjoyable performance alongside Gemma Maurice and the chorus in the musical number “Three Little Maids”. And finally in the principal line up were Susanne Armitage, playing Judy, Linda Thompson, playing Louise, and Richie Petrie, playing David, the ever vigilant producer
The members of the chorus are seldom mentioned in any report on a show, but in this instance I would like to add that the members of chorus were all outstanding, and complemented the principals with both their acting and singing. This production was filled with high energy and ran at a quick relaxed pace enabling the cast to milk the many gags, one liners and innuendos.
The set looked great, as did the authentic costumes. The production team worked to a high standard, the lighting and sound effects were good, and I particularly liked the audience participation, although disappointed that I didn’t win the origami contest.
Without exception the whole cast worked together, each going that extra mile to deliver a remarkable performance. Well Done Vane Tempest Theatre Group on an excellent performance and look forward to seeing your next performance of “The Bitter Tate of Coal”.
Date - 30th October 2013
Society - Vane Tempest Theatre Group
Venue - Seaham School of Technology
Type of Production - Musical
Director - Keith Armitage
Musical Director - Enid Jones
Choreographer - Kathryn Burnett and Debbie Finkel
Report - Author: Peter Oliver
This was the first time in my role as Regional Representative that I have had the opportunity to be invited to a performance by Vane Tempest Theatre Group as they presented ‘The Farndale Avenue Estate Townswomen’s Guild Operatic Society’s production of “The Mikado”’, and what a wonderful evening I experienced. This series of comedies, written by the duo David McGillivary and Walter Zerlin Jnr, are wonderfully uplifting, and, whilst being very challenging, give the opportunity for totally over-the-top performances. Under the experienced direction of Keith Armitage, and aided by the talented behind the scene crew, they gave an excellent production of the show.
This off the wall interpretation of the well know operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan did not fail to please the audience from the opening scene with Suzy Wake playing the ever-confident Phoebe Reece, as well as Pooh Bah, and Maurice McShane, who played Rev Bishop and also Pitti Sing, got the show off to a hilarious start with plenty of audience participation, and held the show together throughout the evening.
Appreciation must go to the Musical Director Enid Jones, who not only conducted the orchestra competently, but was also part of the cast, playing Gwynneth Featherstonehaugh alongside other cast members who were intermingled in the pit with the band, including their props of knitting, and even the family pet in a travel cage, which was very entertaining.
Vane Tempest Theatre Group has a wealth of talented actors, and it was evident from the opening that from the youngest to the more seasoned performers that this production was going to be memorable, and brought a welcome relief from the realities of our everyday lives as well as showcasing the individual skills of the cast in role play, to hilarious effect.
Susan Antcliff gave a sterling performance as the Mikado, and Flora McGonagall led the chorus in a lovely rendition of “Let the Punishment Fit the Crime”. Carolyn Adgar played Ronnie Patterson and Ko Ko, a part she portrayed extremely well, and sang extremely well. Gemma Parnaby who played both Thelma Greenwood and Yum Yum was excellen. Her songs were delivered perfectly with lovely expressions. Her solo “The Sun, Who’s Rays Are All Ablaze” was excellently delivered. Natalie Bowmaker played Felicity Mayhem and Katisha, gave a good performance with Carolyn Adgar in the musical number “Derry Down Derry”.
Laura Geary, playing Angela Rothbotham and Nanki Poo, delivered excellent vocals “A Wandering Minstrel I” and “The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring” with good portrayal of the character, and interacted well with Yum Yum. Lynsey Southwick, playing Peep Bo and Dawn Bruce, gave an enjoyable performance alongside Gemma Maurice and the chorus in the musical number “Three Little Maids”. And finally in the principal line up were Susanne Armitage, playing Judy, Linda Thompson, playing Louise, and Richie Petrie, playing David, the ever vigilant producer
The members of the chorus are seldom mentioned in any report on a show, but in this instance I would like to add that the members of chorus were all outstanding, and complemented the principals with both their acting and singing. This production was filled with high energy and ran at a quick relaxed pace enabling the cast to milk the many gags, one liners and innuendos.
The set looked great, as did the authentic costumes. The production team worked to a high standard, the lighting and sound effects were good, and I particularly liked the audience participation, although disappointed that I didn’t win the origami contest.
Without exception the whole cast worked together, each going that extra mile to deliver a remarkable performance. Well Done Vane Tempest Theatre Group on an excellent performance and look forward to seeing your next performance of “The Bitter Tate of Coal”.
