The three performances of this delightful extravaganza performed by The Other Theatre Company on the 28th, 29th and 30th April in Plumley Villlage Hall displayed the quality and enthusiasm of the whole company. The audience was given a taste of the whole range of MusicHall entertainment from the melodramatic, the saucy (not rude) humour to the flamboyant and the whole performance was smoothly linked by the severity and humour of the Chairman. This was a most professional presentation and it is hard to see how it could have been improved. Full marks must be given to everyone connected with these performances both front and back stage. ‘Oh what a night it was’ being present for one of the performances of the Victorian Music Hall! This was a show superbly presented by the individuality of all the cast, from the beautiful singing of Sheila Evans and Sarah Sherwood, the coyness of Stephanie Wattam (Penelope), the cowardice of Jonathan Lloyd (Captain Jampton), the disorganised Roger Barlow (Major General Black), Glen Godson as ‘our nurse with the candle’ (Nurse Partridge) and of course the Hottentots (where did they get ‘dem bones?) with Eric Vogel as the Prince of Timbuctoo in the melodrama ’For King and Country’. Andy Hagan and Harry Kennedy, as usual, putting up a fast moving comedy duo and Audrey Hughes with her ‘Salvation Army’ and ‘Rochdale Hunt’ monologues had the audience laughing once again. The whole chorus entertained brilliantly and the dancers, all smiling, were a great compliment to the coaching of Sophia Kennedy, with the finale of the whole company representing the Pearly Kings and Queens, in wonderful costumes, rounding off the show all looking as if they’d enjoyed it as much as the audience. Arthur Taylor, the Musical Director was, as always, indispensably in control and full marks must be given to everyone involved, whether front or backstage for a very polished and entertaining presentation.
For more information about this production, please see our Past Productions page for A Victorian Music Hall.