Slipper and the Rose (November 2006)

WOKING AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY

 

"THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE "- NOVEMBER 2006

 

I had never seen this musical and my `bible´ doesn´t list it, so the Chairman´s letter made fascinating reading explaining the many variations and origins of the story of "Cinderella".

Under the musical direction of Paul Harris, the orchestra was secure and well balanced. On the odd occasion they were a little loud for the vocals.

Lynda Lawrence´s direction was good but the show would have been a lot more pleasing to the eye if there had been even a modicum of scenery for her to work with. The overall impression of the grey rostrum and black drapes was drab and the best scene visually was the Cathedral one, which benefited from the use of gobo´s. I appreciate that it´s a constant battle to keep the cost down and sell enough seats to even cover costs, but the production deserved a little more help in the way of set and props.

The stepmother and sisters played by Gillian Freeman, Jenni Briggs and Samantha Bottle started the show off strongly with excellent diction and good portrayal of their spiteful characters.

I understand that Roger Thomas stepped into the role of the King at very short notice and he did well to cope with the dialogue, but a more upper class accent and demeanour would have helped his characterisation.

His Queen, Vanore Severs acted well and was suitably regal.

As Prince Edward, Mike Bartlett was not quite dashing enough but his singing voice was pleasant.

Nicola Sinclair gave a very good performance, made an endearing Cinderella, and her vocals were excellent.

Cousin Montague managed to `out-dash´ the Prince and in this role Geoff Morris gave a first rate performance.

A lovely Fairy Godmother from Harriet Graves whose Joyce Grenfel interpretation was super. She brought out the comedy and lifted the show, as did Joan Ireland in her smaller part of the Dowager Queen.

Rob Tickner goes from strength to strength in his supporting roles and it´s good that the Directors always manage to incorporate his acrobatic skills. He is a relaxed and confident performer.

In the role of the Lord Chamberlain, Tony Bushell played the part splendidly

and made a most superior member of the royal household.

The Susan Robinson dancers are superbly trained and were without doubt a great asset to the production. Such professionalism from young people is a delight to behold. Their business with the screen for Cinderella, the ball gowns for the step-sisters, and the horses and coach, were super.

Act two started attractively with the ball scene, and the absence of the black drapes made the stage look so much better. Good positioning and the simple dance moves made this a very pleasing scene.

The costumes were attractive and colourful, although the ladies would have benefited from petticoats to boost the skirts, but some of the men´s trousers were totally wrong, such as the beige slacks worn by the King in act one. He should have worn breeches with long socks.

The remainder of the parts taken by the cast and the chorus were nicely done and the chorus singing was of good volume.

Lighting was good but some of the cues were a little late which left the performers in the dark.

Your programme is as always nicely set out and the cast profiles plus the Chairman´s letter make it most interesting.

I felt that this was not one of your better productions, which is partly due to the previously mentioned lack of scenery/properties, but all those involved were undoubtedly giving their best for the company and provided an enjoyable evening´s entertainment.

Thank you for inviting me to review "The Slipper and The Rose" and for your hospitality on the night. It was good to see Roger again and to meet Lynda, and I enjoyed coming on stage to meet the cast after curtain down.

I wish all at WAOS a Very Happy Christmas.

E. Gloria Smith

NODA Area Representative