News - Archive - 2007

Press Review: Praise for 'Winter Wonderland'

Wimborne Community Magazine, 8th December 2007

It is usually the first panto which heralds the start of christmas, but this year it was last weekend's production of Winter Wonderland by Wimborne Musical Theatre.

The first half was warm and cosy with a setting of a spacious drawing room, and numbers such as Happy Holiday, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and When a Child is Born, sung by the 24-strong cast.

The second half was something else, giving three top-class singers the opportunity to display their impressive skills.

After such singalong numbers as It's a Lovely Day Today and Baby It's Cold Outside, the mood changed to drama with Sally Ager's wonderful rendition of Ave Maria. Heather Pretlove gave the Nun's Chorus every ounce of her vocal talent, and when the two singers were joined by Sharron Pearcy for O Holy Night, the audience were left in no doubt that they were listening to some of the best voices on the east Dorset stage.

Phil Evans provided humour in high camp mode, rendering All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, with Andy Trant.

Directed by Roy Joseph, the production succeeded in transporting the audience from a wet and windy Wimborne to an idyllic snowy festive season.

MB

Press Review: Praise for 'One Moment in Time'

Wimborne Community Magazine, 5th November 2007

La Diva Triumphs at the Tiv

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Just one of the comments made by the audience as they left the Tivoli Theatre last Saturday, following a production by Wimborne Musical Theatre.

One Moment in Time, an evening of jazz, blues and romance by La Diva, featured Heather Pretlove, Dawn Goodwin and Sharron Pearcy. Providing the music were Grahame Lawrence, Patrick Hayes, Bob McLaren and Dave Kennell and compere was Hazel Wilson.

Press Review: Praise for 'Annie'

Wimborne Community Magazine, 29th June 2007

When performed well, Annie, with its popular songs, is a musical you just can't help loving. It is therefore easy to judge how successful the show has been by the faces of the audience as they leave the theatre. And anyone walking past the Tivoli last week would have known that this production was a hit. From the opening scene in the orphanage to the rousing finale, everyone loved the show. Chloe Hughes was bubbly and confident as Annie, and impressively sang, acted and pampered Sandy the mongrel all at the same time. The role was shared with Olivia Jones. As as for the orphans... How Miss Hannigan could not love these little girls was beyond me. They stole the show with strong singing, excellent dancing and smiles that many adult performers would do well to copy. India Palmer was cheeky as the mischievous Molly and all the girls worked well together showing talent that will grace shows at the Tivoli in the future.

Heather Pretlove was adored by the audience as Miss Hannigan permanently swaying and tottering under the influence of too much drink and too much disappointment in her life. Strong performances could be expected from Philip Evans as Oliver Warbucks and Sharron Pearcy as Grace Farrell and they didn't disappoint - easily establishing a repartee and making us love them as much as Annie did. Lee Neal as Rooster and Sally Ager as Lily St. Regis gave convincing performances as they tried to claim Annie was their daughter. Who would want parents like that?

Singing and dancing, costumes and sets were all excellent. An efficient backstage team ensured smooth set changes. All this was crowned with a live band ensuring this show lived up to the high standard now expected of Wimborne Musical Theatre.

Congratulations to director Roy Joseph, musical director John Turner and choreographer Suzi DeVilliers for presenting musical theatre at its best.

LT

March 2007

We've found 'Annie' for our show at The Tivoli Theatre
from 19th to 23rd June!

Wimborne Musical Theatre has just completed the auditions for 'Annie'. For the parts of the orphans in the show we have chosen a team of 10 and the successful performers are Chloe Hughes, Olivia Jones, India Palmer, Jessica Stoddard, Summer Grant, Africa Mason, Shanice Armitage, Hermione Mason, Isabelle Ellis and Tina Carpenter.

Over 40 girls applied and 23 were auditioned. The talent of these youngsters was phenomenal, which made the final choice extremely difficult.

The adults in the show are also very experienced, with Heather Pretlove as Miss Hannigan, Sharron Pearcy as Grace Farrell, Philip Evans as Oliver Warbucks, and Ron Kite as FD Roosevelt, to name but a few.

Tickets are now available from The Tivoli (01202 885566) or phone 01202 659425 for more information.

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