Fatfield Musical Stage Society
Date: 19 February 2016
Venue: St.Robert of Newminster School
Type of Production: Musical
Producer / Director: Helen Abraham
Musical Director: Peter Forster
Choreographer: Carole Chadwick
Review Author: Foster Johnson
Fatfield’s 66th Annual Production proved to be another success in the long history of this popular Theatre Company. This year’s offering of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes provided a joyous and rewarding evening’s entertainment for a full and appreciative audience.
There are many elements that combine to ensure that a show is successful from an artistic point of view, and any slight deviation from any of these can make for a bad theatre experience. Well, I am pleased to say that this show had none, and every part of the production came together. Obviously to make this happen someone has to be at the helm, (excuse the pun) and this year the Society made the brave decision to put their faith in someone who was making a directorial debut. How well this was rewarded. Step forward Helen Abraham, and many congratulations for a wonderful start on what I am sure will be a successful career.
It was not just a one-person show, however, and Helen had great support from Musical Director Peter Forster and his Orchestra, whilst Choreographer Carole Chadwick was innovative in the interpretation of all the dance and chorus movements throughout. These were ably assisted once again by the fine backstage crew.
Before moving on to the cast of the show I would like to make a special mention of the costuming. In many instances, no matter how good a show is, it can be let down by a tatty and out-of-period wardrobe. It certainly was not in this case. Foregoing the usual costumier route the Society enlisted the skills and expert eye of Karen Barnes, and what a wonderful job she did. Every costume was in pristine condition, colourful, fitted into the period of the show, and most importantly, fitted the cast. We all know that if you feel good you tend to perform better.
The show has a strong principal line-up who need to work and bounce off each other in what is a fast-paced production. Any weakness in the casting will therefore be highlighted. Well, there were none Of these Sarah Alcock (Reno) James Forster (Billy Crocker) Peter Brack (Moonface Martin) Stephanie Corbett (Bonnie) Bethan Waller (Hope Harcourt) Gordon Richardson (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh) David Jackson (Elisha Whitney) Anna Maria McCloskey (Mrs Harcourt) Anthony Heslop (Purser) and Steve White (Captain) all put their own individual stamp on their roles.
They were well supported by Phil Mezzo and Ron Monaghan who provided the comedy element (Ling and Ching). A fine and hard-working Ensemble, Dance Troupe, and last, but by no means least, the talented Reno’s Angels.
