As if we were really watching the movies throughout

Reviewed by Brenda Gower NODA Regional Representative

We were treated to a lovely afternoon of songs and sketches – it certainly brightened up a weather-wise miserable June day. Many movies were included, old and new, some very well-known and some less known – to me anyway!
Also included was some excellent dancing from Bond School of Dance by some charming little ones and some very athletic dancing from the older girls.
Joint Directors Tony Garwood and Judith Foot, together with the team of choreographers certainly put together an enjoyable programme.
We were seated in cabaret style and drinks and snacks were readily available. There was no actual scenery which wasn’t needed as good use was made of the screen at the back of the stage displaying images depicting where we needed to be to make the music even more enjoyable.
The programme (well designed and enjoyable to read) listed the different scenes as Reels – eg Reel 1 was called “Howdy Partn” and included Wild West items and Reel 2 was “They Wanted Entertainment” right up to Reel 7 “Love in the Wind” and then Reel 8 was “And Finally” so we were really watching the movies throughout with the help of the different screens as mentioned above.
The cast of thirteen were in good voice, working well with the recorded music and the well-planned choreography.
The costumes were ideal, mainly black in the first half and white after the interval with additions to go with the appropriate songs, the cast providing their own basic costumes as well as the additions.
The planning of something like this must have taken time, together with learning the words of the many songs.
As always, so much goes on behind the scenes (Samantha Dixon as Stage Crew) and the many working front of house so thanks to the volunteers who make this sort of performance possible.