Tommy (Third From The Right Productions)

Continuing their productions of musicals that many other societies would simply not attempt, TFTR Productions pick one of the most complex in The Who's, Tommy, this will only be the third time I have seen it in over fifty years on the planet.

I guess the reason it is rarely performed is the complicated storyline and the somewhat difficult themes, so let me try and explain in a few words (which is challenging in its own right) !

Pilot during the war and his wife have a child (Tommy), however pilot is taken as a prisoner of war but, presumed dead, she finds another lover only for her husband to return and shoot said 'lover'. Tommy is told to turn away but, witnesses shooting through a mirror and becomes ultimately traumatised (appearing deaf, dumb and blind). Many attempts are made to cure Tommy until mother smashes the mirror in a rage and he is released from his trauma. Tommy attempts to become a spiritual leader for his fans offering hospitality but, they turn on him (even his number one fan Sally). After hearing the voice of his younger selves he reunites with his family despite ignoring them since his recovery and there is a virtual 'happy ever after'.

That's is a totally abridged version of a much more twisting and turning plot and a production conjured in a magical way by Jez Luckins - Artistic Director, Gaynor Whitehouse - Assistant Director/Choreographer and Chris Corcoran - Musical Director and four years in the making to hit the stage at Halesowen Town Hall.

Joe Neale is truly outstanding in every way as Tommy, acting as a Narrator in the Act 1 as Felicity Oakley excels as Tommy aged 4 and Harry Coupland takes on some extended scenes as Tommy aged 10, it takes some stage presence to act as if many of your senses aren't working and he achieves this with apparent ease.

Adam Siviter as Captain Walker and Gillian Homer as Mrs Walker, parents to Tommy, create a maelstrom of emotions racing from love to anger via frustration in an attempt to 'cure' their child. They aren't particularly helped by Uncle Ernie (played eponymously by Keith Moon in the 1975 Movie) crafted quite scarily in many ways by John Nicholas and Cousin Kevin an obnoxiously convincing performance from James Luckins (I would love to think the 'My Perfect Cousin' by The Undertones was written after watching 'Tommy' but, I suspect not), I feel for Laura Wright and Adrian Raybould as his mother/father, the lad is obviously out of control.

Natalie Baggott's stand out rendition of 'The Acid Queen' as the character of The Gypsy is a particular highlight as are the many parts of the classic song 'Pinball Wizard', performed with particular gusto by Heather Hadley/Robyn Harding and Niamh Hadley's initially smitten 'No.1 Fan', Sally Simpson.

At times 'Tommy' can be a difficult watch for various reasons, if you are after 'easy listening theatre' this might not be for you but, if you are after something that entertains, is stimulating, thought provoking, and keeps you on the edge of your seat for an evening then Messrs Daltrey, Townshend, Entwistle and Moon have created something that is right up your street and TFTR Productions perform it to the absolute ultimate.





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