A Night at the Musicals

Reviews

Reaching a significant landmark, such as Blackmore Players""� 40th anniversary, is a notable achievement in its own right but to celebrate it in such fine style warrants extra credit. The effort needed to put on a compilation of numbers, never mind the backstage melee there must have been changing costumes, is far greater than that to do a straightforward show. There were at least a dozen chorus numbers, as well as a similar number of small ensembles and solos, far more than in most shows. Not only the effort but also the achievement should be applauded. There were some fine voices on display, amongst the youngsters as well as the not so young, and some of the latter showed the rest that maturity is no barrier to tap dancing or shaking a "zimmer"�. The choice of material was excellent, combining the lustily sung chorus numbers with some beautiful solos and some humorous interjections. Blackmore Players is not afraid to send itself up and did so quite wonderfully in the Grease set and the I am sixteen number from Sound of Music. The youngsters acquitted themselves well in the Oliver set and Where is love brought a lump to my throat. Summertime and When you lose your heart were also strong contenders for my favourites of the evening but perhaps the melodrama, Unhand me Squire takes the honours. Overall, this was a well balanced evening""�s entertainment. The set, consisting of flats covered in photographs and the Night of Musicals backcloth, provided just the right amount of colour without leaning towards one particular show or another. The music was never too loud and the rifle mikes generally worked well, picking up the solo voices when needed. The costumes were delightful and contributed to a colourful, varied programme and a highly enjoyable evening. I wish BP continued success for the next 40 years and beyond.

Stewart Adkins, NODA