Praise for A Night at the Movies
From the moment you walked into the foyer, the contrast between the cold weather outside and the warm atmosphere in the Tivoli was obvious. With members of Wimborne Musical Theatre, wearing evening dress welcoming the audience with smiles, the while ambiance was that of a gala evening. It was clear from the start that this would be an evening to remember. And so it was. The society has an enviable reputation for the quality of its productions and whilst this was a concert rather than a show, the same high standards applied. This annual autumn production gives those members, who do not always get the chance to play main roles, a chance to shine. Even the chorus is allowed to step into the spotlight proving what talent there is throughout the society.
Sixteen out of the cast of 23 had the chance to take centre stage as they entertained the audience with 46 songs. There was something for everyone from Easter Parade and Song of the South through to Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge; the songs, happy and sad kept on coming. With live music and dancers this was far more than a concert. There was comedy, emotion and plenty of glitz and glamour with the cast having as much enthusiasm as it does for a full length musical. The show was directed by Roy Joseph, with musical director John Stringer and choreographer Suzi De Villiers.
A thoroughly enjoyable concert all round.
From the Stour and Avon Magazine
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Praise for ‘Annie Get Your Gun’
Gun-toting cowboys enlivened the Tiv last week with this story of Annie Oakley, the best shot around.
It was quite a family affair as Lisa Hopton played the sharpshooter who believed that ‘anything a man could do, she could do better’, whilst her son Bailey took the part of her brother and her other son Harrison was a member of the junior chorus.
It was a massive part for Lisa as she was on stage for most of the show, but she was simply delightful. Initially butch and edgy she became gradually more feminine as she realised ‘you can’t get a man with a gun’.
With her gutsy, wide ranging voice, she delivered all her numbers with oodles of vigour and lots of fizz.
Phil Evans is a regular with the society, and he embraces each part with total commitment.
The part of Frank Butler, the headliner in the Buffalo Bill Cody Wild West Show gave him the chance to show off his powerful voice.
Frank Holden is a big man with a big personality and he clearly enjoyed being the showman William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody.
Pam Mizon loves character parts and she sure had one in her role as the manipulative Dolly Tate.
Richard Close was fun as Pawnee Bill, Buffalo Bill’s rival with the other members of the cast really getting into the spirit of this fun musical.
This together with the professonalism of the production team, director Roy Joseph, musical director Grahame Lawrence and choreographer Suzi De Villiers added up to another winner for the company.
MB (Stour and Avon Magazine, June 2010)
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IT’S astonishing how many classic hits are tucked away inside this show – and even if you weren’t aware where they came from on the way in, be prepared to be singing them all the way home!
Read the full Daily Echo Review
Praise for Spotlight on Broadway
Take 53 popular songs from musicals, 30 excellent singers and you have the recipe for a wonderful evening’s entertainment.
This show gave everyone a chance to shine. The society has its stars who are naturally cast in the leading roles when it does major productions. They had their solo moments in this musical extravaganza but what was different was that the chorus members had the chance to show what beautiful voices they have as well. Their performance of Aquarius and Let The Sun Shine from Hair was one of the highlights of the evening.
There were plenty of traditional musicals on the programme: Barnum, An American in Paris, Hello Dolly!, 42nd Street but also more recent ones including Hairspray, Starlight Express, The Lion King and Spamalot, designed to appeal to the younger members of the audience. Special mention as to go to Duncan Sayers for his wonderful performance as cross dresser Dr Frank-N-Furter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show complete with black suspenders, tights and high heels.
There was plenty of glitz and glamour and dancing – all it needed was a few top hats and canes and the homage to Broadway would have been complete.
LT (Stour and Avon Magazine, 4th December 2009)
