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I’m Perfect, I’ll Change You, That’s Love!
Presented by:
PEP Productions
Venue: Doncaster Playhouse
Reviewer: Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed:
Thursday 20th November 2008
As a reviewer of Amateur Theatre, we have to cover shows from a
Himalayan goat-herder busker to a 100k ‘Amateur’ production of
‘whatever has been finally released’ big scale production staring ‘resting
between gig’ professionals, and anything in between.
Should I Judge, Review or grade all of the shows starting from the
same point??
Up to a point I think we should do just that, but I hope that
reviewers of TP are experienced enough and compassionate enough to
encourage all who ask to be judged.
This production had, apart from the usual opening night nerves, some
amazingly polished performances and lovely moments within the
confines of this compilation of songs from ‘here, there and
everywhere’ in Musical theatre. The small band of excellent
musicians was well controlled by Vicki Barden and the balance with
the singers should be commended!
The program gave me very little to go by; it briefly explained it
was made up of a ‘group of songs which would take the audience on an
emotional journey, much like a relationship does!’ It named the
singer(s) of each song but the failed to acknowledge the composer or
show where each song was procured which I thought was a shame.
The acting area was flat, surrounded by black tabs and lit well by
Mark Woods. I would have liked a few more single specials with some
of the solo numbers but overall it was very good and achieved with a
small grid of lights.
The simple set was good, but more thought to whether a full bar for
a couple of references rather than a plank on a couple of chairs or
a couple of the actors not in the scene being used as furniture may
have been more impressive. The flow from song to song would have
been much smoother with pre setting behind the current action for
the next song.
The cast were well drilled and well rehearsed in their parts by
Julia Roper and there were very few mistakes that were obvious to
the audience. There is a varied talent base in this group who all
performed well with the parts they were given, some showing their
experience and talent in subtle portrayals of characters and songs
and others who were just enjoying their time on stage and giving it
their all.
My highlights of the night were: ‘Notice me, Caitlyn’ with
Glen Barnett & Krystal Shute. Glen’s voice and acting
was outstanding throughout the whole show and he certainly knows how
to get every moment out of the material he performs. Krystal made me
believe she was her character and her timing and work with Glen
shows her experience.
‘A
mixed Tape’
with Jenter Zilm & Kate Burns: Jenter was the quiet achiever of the
men in the show and his ability to portray his character’s thoughts
with his facial expression and his very relaxed manner on stage
makes him a pleasure to watch. ‘Getting Married Today’
with Felicity Eastwood-Tromp, Jenter Zilm, Kate Burns and
Company: They all gave a strong combination for the end of the first
act. Felicity has a natural style on stage and is very aware of
others around her when she performs.
‘Old fashioned Love story’
by Kate Burns was beautify and sensitively done by Kate. She was my
favourite performer of the evening she hits the stage like a tightly
wound spring and makes you sit up and take notice and I hope she
will take that energy into other show she will do in the future.
Glen Barnett & Karlie Gooding gave us the ‘I love you because’
and their interpretation of this song was outstanding and their
voices combined very well.
‘Heart
and Music’ was sung with great gusto by the whole Cast, which
ended the night on a real high!
If you want a good night out to listen to some Nice, funny and well
presented songs that deal generally with the themes of love,
relationships and other mythical animals then get along to the
Playhouse theatre this weekend and see Pep Productions show.
Wayne Motton has been appearing in shows for over 40 years. He
started his theatrical journey in the Scout Gang Shows at the Palais
Theatre. His singing teacher was June Brunning and his favourite
part to play is Mr Mushnik in Little shop of Horrors. He has
appeared in 14 companies shows over that time and has held positions
in several of them from the heights of Coffee boy to the lowly
position of Vice -President. |