Cats (Redditch Operatic Society)
It's not often you can say that there is a performance of cat-apultic proportions and it have a double meaning, so I have to take the opportunity to describe the Redditch Operatic Society production of Cats with just that word as it launches itself full throttle at an unsuspecting audience.
Choreography by Paula Lacey is nothing short of incredible, not the largest stage, an extensive cast and yet at no point did any scene feel overcrowded, instead some visually stunning interpretations of T.S.Eliot’s poems.
So to the performers about whom there is so much to extemporise as this is by no means your average musical, it needs something that bit greater in talent to deliver successfully. Whether it’s the sheer gymnastic athleticism of Jacob Finch as Mr Mistoffelees and Kirstie Boyden as The Rumpus Cat, the velvety vocals of Sophie Hill as Demeter and Laura Woodall in the iconic role of Grizabella or the pinpoint characterisation of John Reeves as Gus, Paul Mitchell as Rum Tum Tugger, Tim Eagleton as Bustopher Jones and Jeremy Dobbins as Skimbleshanks there is something for everybody in this production.
Ryan Allen-Rose is the perfect storyteller in the narrative role of Munkustrap, Danielle Purkess taps up a storm as Jennyanydots, David Eagleton and Caitlin Moonan attract unswerving attention as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Matt Bridgwater is a commanding presence as Old Deuteronomy, Deborah Mitchell electric as Macavity (as well as the Dance Captain) with William Beldham and Kelly Mitchell providing feisty portrayals of Growltiger and Griddlebone.
I’ve always had a soft spot for one short but, powerful song in this show, that being ‘The Ballad of Billy McCaw’ and I wasn’t disappointed, I can almost hear Billy playing on his pastoral flute or moley guitar right now and that tear may appear which will no doubt cause me to order more beer, it’s inevitable !
There are some specific names that I cannot finish without giving the utmost praise to, those being the Make-up Team of Beth Hemmings, Clare Marshall, Sophie Traves and Natalija Webb alongside Wardrobe Mistress, Jean Chalk, truly outstanding contributions without which there simply wouldn’t be such a triumph to witness.
I could seriously mention each member of the cast by name and have something great to say about them but, that’s not what a review is meant to offer, suffice to say that I’m sure James Baldwin as Director and Joe George as Musical Director have found this an amazing team to work with, that certainly is what the performance suggests.
Unfortunately for those who don’t have a ticket this is a sell-out but, you might want to call the Palace Theatre in Redditch just in case there are any returns, the run finishes on Saturday 23rd November 2019.
Redditch Palace Theatre Web Site
Choreography by Paula Lacey is nothing short of incredible, not the largest stage, an extensive cast and yet at no point did any scene feel overcrowded, instead some visually stunning interpretations of T.S.Eliot’s poems.
So to the performers about whom there is so much to extemporise as this is by no means your average musical, it needs something that bit greater in talent to deliver successfully. Whether it’s the sheer gymnastic athleticism of Jacob Finch as Mr Mistoffelees and Kirstie Boyden as The Rumpus Cat, the velvety vocals of Sophie Hill as Demeter and Laura Woodall in the iconic role of Grizabella or the pinpoint characterisation of John Reeves as Gus, Paul Mitchell as Rum Tum Tugger, Tim Eagleton as Bustopher Jones and Jeremy Dobbins as Skimbleshanks there is something for everybody in this production.
Ryan Allen-Rose is the perfect storyteller in the narrative role of Munkustrap, Danielle Purkess taps up a storm as Jennyanydots, David Eagleton and Caitlin Moonan attract unswerving attention as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Matt Bridgwater is a commanding presence as Old Deuteronomy, Deborah Mitchell electric as Macavity (as well as the Dance Captain) with William Beldham and Kelly Mitchell providing feisty portrayals of Growltiger and Griddlebone.
I’ve always had a soft spot for one short but, powerful song in this show, that being ‘The Ballad of Billy McCaw’ and I wasn’t disappointed, I can almost hear Billy playing on his pastoral flute or moley guitar right now and that tear may appear which will no doubt cause me to order more beer, it’s inevitable !
There are some specific names that I cannot finish without giving the utmost praise to, those being the Make-up Team of Beth Hemmings, Clare Marshall, Sophie Traves and Natalija Webb alongside Wardrobe Mistress, Jean Chalk, truly outstanding contributions without which there simply wouldn’t be such a triumph to witness.
I could seriously mention each member of the cast by name and have something great to say about them but, that’s not what a review is meant to offer, suffice to say that I’m sure James Baldwin as Director and Joe George as Musical Director have found this an amazing team to work with, that certainly is what the performance suggests.
Unfortunately for those who don’t have a ticket this is a sell-out but, you might want to call the Palace Theatre in Redditch just in case there are any returns, the run finishes on Saturday 23rd November 2019.
Redditch Palace Theatre Web Site
Also a big well done to the HOW College students who gave up their free time to undertake make-up duties!
ReplyDelete