ACT Theatre Reviews 2021-2022

the maximum laughs out of every scene. His facial expressions alone were worth the admission fee. He and Chris worked really well together; they made a great team. Now, I have a confession to make; I wasn’t too sure about the decision to cast Will Patrick as Lord Farquaad. How wrong I was, he was absolutely brilliant! Farquaad is the most demanding of parts as you are required to spend the entire show on your knees. Will mastered it all and gave a performance that was a sheer delight. Apologies for ever doubting you, Will. Another plaudit must go to Melissa Evans for her superb vocal as the lovesick dragon. The large chorus of fairy-tale characters lit up the stage whenever they were on. It would be unfair of me to single anyone out, but I will; Pinocchio (Anthony Collins) & Gingy (Megan Bredley) excelled in their parts, and Neil Irving as big bad wolf was a vision in red. Now for my little niggle of the night. Abbey always has a large cast and is big on being a family orientated society for which they should be applauded. However, trying to fit everyone on stage is a difficult task but, to his credit director Russell Brown achieved this successfully for most of the show. The only scene I felt could have done with fewer cast members was that of Farquaad’s demise. There were so many onstage, I couldn’t see the animation at the back, and the scene was lost. Having said that I am really nit-picking on what was an excellent production. Thank you, Abbey, for a really enjoyable evening: I can’t wait for the next one.

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