White Christmas
Date - 24th November 2023
Society - Vane Tempest Theatre Group
Venue - Seaham Town Hall
Type of Production - Musical
Director - Nick Thompson
Musical Director - Ben Wardropper
Choreographer - Debbie Finkel
Report - Author: Helen Abraham
Always a pleasure and continuing the run up to the festive (and panto) season was a visit to Vane Tempest Theatre Group who produced “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” at Seaham Town Hall. The town hall is a very difficult venue to stage a musical in, being really just an open hall, with low ceilings and a very small working area but Vane Tempest under direction of newly appointed director, Nick Thompson, did very well indeed to bring this musical to the people of Seaham. I’d forgotten what a lovely musical this really is having not seen it for a number of years.
It's a story of love, loyalty, camaraderie and hope and was done very well indeed. Vane tempest also always support a local charity in their endeavours, truly admirable indeed and this years was the East Durham veterans whom the audience were happy to support with the refreshments and collection available at the close of the show.
Nick Thompson did well with his debut, ably assisted by Ben Wardropper as Musical Director, both also taking on the lead toles of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis – no mean feat. Arrangements were as always noticeable under Ben’s eye, he really is a superb MD. Choreographer Debbie Finkel delivered some wonderful simple and effective numbers, ably assisted by Helen Southwick, all of which seemed very well rehearsed and lovely to watch. Lots of “eyes and teeth”, lovely smiles from the dancers which really does make all the difference, especially during the “Blue Skies” tap number and “I love a piano” which I really enjoyed.
Laura Geary, with her beautiful singing voice played the role of Betty Haynes, and Gemma Parnaby playing the beautiful Judy Haynes. Laura’s rendition of “Love you didn’t do right by me” was really lovely. The ever dependable to be fabulous on stage, Suzy Wake played Martha Watson the ever suffering and well-meaning concierge and a wonderful Jessica Geary playing Susan Waverly the generals niece. Keith Armitage played General Henry Waverly with a wonderful softness that the audience really enjoyed. Supporting cats included the gorgeous Debbie Finkel and Laura Collinson as Rita and Rhoda whose costumes were brilliant and Ian Dodd as Ralph and Ezekiel. Matthew Finkel as Mike had the audience in the palm of his hand with his flamboyance as Mike and there was more beautiful dancing from Daniel Davies whom I really do enjoy seeing on stage.
“Sisters reprise” with Nick and Ben was absolutely hilarious and I really enjoyed it.
The stage space although limited was used well, with appropriate scenery and props especially noticed during “Happy Holiday”. The moving camera really was an effective tool used during scenes to give a real feel to the studio.
Tracks were used very well and suitably provided by Right on Cue services though I would probably recommend fading them down rather than a sharp “stop” just to give a softer finish.
Audience participation was encouraged during the rendition of “White Christmas” which we really did appreciate and put us in the mood for the upcoming festive season. Well done Vane Tempest, can’t wait to see what you do with Sister Act next year!
Date - 24th November 2023
Society - Vane Tempest Theatre Group
Venue - Seaham Town Hall
Type of Production - Musical
Director - Nick Thompson
Musical Director - Ben Wardropper
Choreographer - Debbie Finkel
Report - Author: Helen Abraham
Always a pleasure and continuing the run up to the festive (and panto) season was a visit to Vane Tempest Theatre Group who produced “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” at Seaham Town Hall. The town hall is a very difficult venue to stage a musical in, being really just an open hall, with low ceilings and a very small working area but Vane Tempest under direction of newly appointed director, Nick Thompson, did very well indeed to bring this musical to the people of Seaham. I’d forgotten what a lovely musical this really is having not seen it for a number of years.
It's a story of love, loyalty, camaraderie and hope and was done very well indeed. Vane tempest also always support a local charity in their endeavours, truly admirable indeed and this years was the East Durham veterans whom the audience were happy to support with the refreshments and collection available at the close of the show.
Nick Thompson did well with his debut, ably assisted by Ben Wardropper as Musical Director, both also taking on the lead toles of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis – no mean feat. Arrangements were as always noticeable under Ben’s eye, he really is a superb MD. Choreographer Debbie Finkel delivered some wonderful simple and effective numbers, ably assisted by Helen Southwick, all of which seemed very well rehearsed and lovely to watch. Lots of “eyes and teeth”, lovely smiles from the dancers which really does make all the difference, especially during the “Blue Skies” tap number and “I love a piano” which I really enjoyed.
Laura Geary, with her beautiful singing voice played the role of Betty Haynes, and Gemma Parnaby playing the beautiful Judy Haynes. Laura’s rendition of “Love you didn’t do right by me” was really lovely. The ever dependable to be fabulous on stage, Suzy Wake played Martha Watson the ever suffering and well-meaning concierge and a wonderful Jessica Geary playing Susan Waverly the generals niece. Keith Armitage played General Henry Waverly with a wonderful softness that the audience really enjoyed. Supporting cats included the gorgeous Debbie Finkel and Laura Collinson as Rita and Rhoda whose costumes were brilliant and Ian Dodd as Ralph and Ezekiel. Matthew Finkel as Mike had the audience in the palm of his hand with his flamboyance as Mike and there was more beautiful dancing from Daniel Davies whom I really do enjoy seeing on stage.
“Sisters reprise” with Nick and Ben was absolutely hilarious and I really enjoyed it.
The stage space although limited was used well, with appropriate scenery and props especially noticed during “Happy Holiday”. The moving camera really was an effective tool used during scenes to give a real feel to the studio.
Tracks were used very well and suitably provided by Right on Cue services though I would probably recommend fading them down rather than a sharp “stop” just to give a softer finish.
Audience participation was encouraged during the rendition of “White Christmas” which we really did appreciate and put us in the mood for the upcoming festive season. Well done Vane Tempest, can’t wait to see what you do with Sister Act next year!
