LET’S HEAR THE MUSIC

Lowton AO&DS

Director: Cathie Henry

Music supplied by Backing Tracks

Choreography: Cathie Henry

 

This society is to be complimented on the strength and determination of its members after its home venue was closed and then demolished. Since then, the society has been  nomadic, presenting theatre in a variety of venues at the same time as finding an audience for its various productions.

 

Lowton AO&DS is at its best when presenting non main stream musical theatre such as The Addams Family or Spamalot. This summer’s offering was a revue devised by Cathie Henry; a revue with a difference. In any revue, having linking material delivered by an expert raconteur is so important for the audience. “Let’s Hear the Music” had two narrators, Liam Thompson and Chris Holding. The cleverly written narrative, and the interplay between Liam and Chris, gave the entertainment the Lowton AO&DS signature.

 

Musical sets included “School of Rock”, “Wicked” and “A Chorus Line”, all of which were well staged. The director and choreographer was assisted by Bethan Littlewood.

 

Each number, whether delivered by a solo artist or the whole company, was dramatically lit by Steve Cheetham. The mixing of the backing tracks with the vocals by Louise Proctor was well balanced allowing the performers to bring his or her own individuality to the music. The overall presentation was simple which added to the overall look.

 

It was pleasing to see the youth members involved, Olivia, Keira, Grace, William, Eva and Charlotte. They were all disciplined and each displayed a strong stage presence particularly in, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” with Cathie Henry presenting a colourful Miss Hannigan. The soloists and ensemble making up the company all supported each other which created notable camaraderie. This came through in the “Mama Mia” close of Act One. Bernard, Rachel, Chris, Taylor, Melissa, Liam, Chris B, and Joshua all contributed to that uplifting response from the audience.

 

Highlights came Rachel’s, “Cabaret” opening, Taylor’s, “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray”, and Liam’s visit to the new territory of Oklahoma!, to name but a few.

 

Once the tabs came in on the company’s final performance, they are finding themselves back on the road looking for a new performance space.

 

LOADS deserve a permanent home where the company can continue serving their audiences with high quality theatrical entertainment.