To read a review of the show by Stewart Adkins (NODA), see below**.
Behind the Scenes
Additional Choreography - Carnival Tango - Pam Sutton Poor Little Pierrette - Meryl Spinks Rehearsal Pianist - Ali Ribchester Stage Manager - Nigel Bowdidge Stage Assistants - Chris Denly, Fred Nichols, Sue & Ian Burridge Prompt - Lynn Johnson Lighting & Sound - Steve Bearpark Scenery - Paul Lazell Publicity - Jill Sowerbutts, Brenda Hennessy Props - Friends of IMOG Costumes - Costume Cool, Lilian Hunter & Margaret Tasker Make up - Friends of IMOG Front of House Manager - Norma Quarterman Front of House - Members & Friends of IMOG Tickets - Dizzy Morgan Box Office - Avrohurst Ltd, 53 High St, Ingatestone Programme & Poster Design - David Aquino |
Director and Choreographer -
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**REVIEW OF ‘THE BOYFRIEND’ BY STEWART ADKINS (NODA)
Director – James Sinclair, Musical Director – Ali Ribchester
What a delight to see so many characters of the right age. It may have been a tough decision to restrict the adult chorus to a few of the larger production numbers and avoid the temptation of squeezing adults into finishing school costumes but it was definitely the right call. The consequence was that the students and their boyfriends were all young and had all the characteristics of youth; energy and enthusiasm. Sometimes a little lack of experience showed but so what, that comes with the territory. Watching characters of the right age allowed the audience to believe and enjoy what they saw without having to readjust the mental image for age matching, which is so often the case. This meant that we laughed at the sight of the wonderfully naïve Dulcie, in the Carmen Miranda costume, unwittingly giving encouragement to the lecherous old Brocklehurst, actively seeking to escape the clutches of his battleaxe wife. Furthermore, we could contrast the youthful innocence of Polly and Tony as they fell in love with the more transparent scheming of Madame Dubonnet to reignite the fires of passion with staid Percival Browne. Madcap Maisie and Bobby van Heusen were also well cast, with the vocal and dancing demands of their roles being easily matched by their growing talents. Hortense added fun to each of her stage cues and her every appearance was a cause for audience merriment. Costumes, particularly for the girls, were great and the company numbers were all suitably toe-tapping. Good use of the stage was made, the sets were strong and the seven piece band was excellent. Congratulations to all; I hope that this golden period of having young people in the company can be extended as long as possible. Anyone for a gap year?
Reviewer - Stewart Adkins
What a delight to see so many characters of the right age. It may have been a tough decision to restrict the adult chorus to a few of the larger production numbers and avoid the temptation of squeezing adults into finishing school costumes but it was definitely the right call. The consequence was that the students and their boyfriends were all young and had all the characteristics of youth; energy and enthusiasm. Sometimes a little lack of experience showed but so what, that comes with the territory. Watching characters of the right age allowed the audience to believe and enjoy what they saw without having to readjust the mental image for age matching, which is so often the case. This meant that we laughed at the sight of the wonderfully naïve Dulcie, in the Carmen Miranda costume, unwittingly giving encouragement to the lecherous old Brocklehurst, actively seeking to escape the clutches of his battleaxe wife. Furthermore, we could contrast the youthful innocence of Polly and Tony as they fell in love with the more transparent scheming of Madame Dubonnet to reignite the fires of passion with staid Percival Browne. Madcap Maisie and Bobby van Heusen were also well cast, with the vocal and dancing demands of their roles being easily matched by their growing talents. Hortense added fun to each of her stage cues and her every appearance was a cause for audience merriment. Costumes, particularly for the girls, were great and the company numbers were all suitably toe-tapping. Good use of the stage was made, the sets were strong and the seven piece band was excellent. Congratulations to all; I hope that this golden period of having young people in the company can be extended as long as possible. Anyone for a gap year?
Reviewer - Stewart Adkins
