Reviews
Two Planks and a Passion, March 2012 - Review by Michael Hastilow
Director: John Seeley
Venue: St Edburgha's Church, Yardley
A fantastic setting for such an appropriate play. A play set at the end of the 14th century in a church built mid-15th century. They are virtually contemporaries.
With Anthony Minghella you expect to see a skilful use of words and this play is no exception and humour is to be found everywhere, but words alone are of very little benefit if badly delivered. This evening all were heard and all were delivered with a slickness and passion that made you feel you were eavesdropping on real conversations. The limited lighting and the limited sets were of no hindrance as you could concentrate on the action, what was not in front of your eyes was quickly compensated by pictures in your mind.
A superb performance by all, one of which you can be very proud. I must not omit the work of your director, putting on a production in the crossing of the church raises many problems, yet they were all overcome and the ladies in the band were just what you needed.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, October 2011 - Review by Joyce Eyre
*Winner of a NODA West Midlands award*
Director: Mark Firmstone
Musical Director: Daniel Jarvis
Choreographer: Becci Holding
Venue: Christ Church URC, Solihull
What an AMAZING production, given that this group perform at Christ Church where they have very limited space and on this occasion a large number of cast members. Based on the story of Joseph from the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Genesis. Joseph, who was played superbly by Miles Billington, gets himself into trouble with his brothers when he predicts his future, which includes ruling over the eleven of them! The supporting chorus were enthusiastic and the principal characters were all very credible.
Credit must be given to the two narrators, Kate Gilbert and Alexandra Slawinski who were both fantastic. Without wishing to list every single cast member I would like to give a special mention to Jack Bushell, Dominic Wilson, Sean Kennedy and Neville Beardsmore (Pharaoh / Elivis). Super set built by stage manager Phil Gilbert and his team and wonderful costumes especially the innovative camel. A really enjoyable show for all audience age groups, as the production was very well directed.
Congratulations to the whole company.
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, November 2010 - Review by Joyce Eyre
Directed by: Mark Firmstone
Musical Director: Daniel Jarvis
Venue: Christ Church URC, Solihull
The director made full use of the limited space available, dramatic entrances by the White Witch (Kate Gilbert) and her somewhat weird companions Grumpskin (Jackie Staite) and Gruffskin (Victoria Ellery-Jones) down the aisle through the centre of the pews. The set was very effective as Peter (Miles Billington), Susan (Charley Branson), Edmund (Jack Bushell) and Lucy (Jessica Hill & Sammy Newman) actually went into a wardrobe to exit into Narnia. Animal mannerisms added to the characterisations, the beaver family (Neville Beardsmore, Rosemary Worsley, Alex Jarvis, Gemma Queenborough, Lucy Burwood and Anna Richmond) were a delight. Superb costumes, make up and set made for a very enjoyable performance, well done all concerned.
The Merchant of Venice, July 2010 - Review by Joyce Eyre
Directed by: Lloyd Hopkins
Piano: Daniel Jarvis
Venue: Manor House Gardens, Solihull
The performance venue is beautiful and also quaint, nestled behind a car park, pub and shopping mall, almost like a secret garden. Prayers for good weather had been answered, as it was performed al fresco, let the merriment begin. Well directed and cast by Lloyd Hopkins with talented portrayals of the principal and cameo roles. With limited space, a living tree and also a period fire escape to work around I am always amazed how the stage managers are able to set the scenes. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Saint Joan, October 2009 - Review by Pat Hyams
*Winner of NODA West Midlands award for Best Dramatic Performance 2009*
Directed by: Lloyd Hopkins
Venue: St Edburgha's Church, Old Yardley
Yet another ambitious presentation by this talented company, presented in this wonderful medieval church. Victoria Ellery-Jones gave a superb, faultless performance as "Joan." There was a large cast of principals, all with extensive dialogue, but I would like to mention in particular Jackie Justham as Right Reverend Cauchon, who gave a confident performance. Minimal props and appropriate costumes helped to make a very interesting production. Kate Gilbert was the vocal soloist in the background.
Robin Hood & His Merry Men, January 2009 - Review by Pat Hyams
Directed by: Pauline Brand
Venue: Dorridge Village Hall Theatre
After the festivities of Christmas and New Year, things seem to 'go flat', so the presentation of this Pantomime was a well-timed morale booster. This company has a wealth of young, enthusiastic members. Robin Hood was played by Tom Bowkett, partnered by Victoria Ellery-Jones as Maid Marion. Sister Benedictine (John Seeley) who was the inevitable Dame, with numerous costume changes, kept the production rolling along, constantly clashing with the two 'bad men', Bad King John (Mark Firmstone) and Sheriff Slimeball Sid (Lloyd Hopkins). Supporting principals and chorus of both talented youngsters and seasoned members, contributed to a really enjoyable evening.
The Sound of Music, October 2008 - Review by Pat Hyams
Directed by: Pauline Brand
Venue: Christ Church, URC
A creditable presentation of this popular musical, opening with a Nun's chorus, led by Rosemary Worsley as the Mother Abbess, who has a strong voice. Maria was played with great sincerity by Kate Gilbert (neé Stevens), both musically and dramatically. Mark Firmstone was convincing as Captain Von Trapp, who controls his seven children with a 'rod of iron'. The seven children were a delight, singing well and executing their moves with confidence. A very good supporting principal line-up, John Seeley (Max Detweiler), Belinda Piasecki (Elsa Schraeder), Phil Damms (Rolf Gruber) and a line-up of German soldiers. The church was a good venue for this show.
Director: John Seeley
Venue: St Edburgha's Church, Yardley
A fantastic setting for such an appropriate play. A play set at the end of the 14th century in a church built mid-15th century. They are virtually contemporaries.
With Anthony Minghella you expect to see a skilful use of words and this play is no exception and humour is to be found everywhere, but words alone are of very little benefit if badly delivered. This evening all were heard and all were delivered with a slickness and passion that made you feel you were eavesdropping on real conversations. The limited lighting and the limited sets were of no hindrance as you could concentrate on the action, what was not in front of your eyes was quickly compensated by pictures in your mind.
A superb performance by all, one of which you can be very proud. I must not omit the work of your director, putting on a production in the crossing of the church raises many problems, yet they were all overcome and the ladies in the band were just what you needed.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, October 2011 - Review by Joyce Eyre
*Winner of a NODA West Midlands award*
Director: Mark Firmstone
Musical Director: Daniel Jarvis
Choreographer: Becci Holding
Venue: Christ Church URC, Solihull
What an AMAZING production, given that this group perform at Christ Church where they have very limited space and on this occasion a large number of cast members. Based on the story of Joseph from the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Genesis. Joseph, who was played superbly by Miles Billington, gets himself into trouble with his brothers when he predicts his future, which includes ruling over the eleven of them! The supporting chorus were enthusiastic and the principal characters were all very credible.
Credit must be given to the two narrators, Kate Gilbert and Alexandra Slawinski who were both fantastic. Without wishing to list every single cast member I would like to give a special mention to Jack Bushell, Dominic Wilson, Sean Kennedy and Neville Beardsmore (Pharaoh / Elivis). Super set built by stage manager Phil Gilbert and his team and wonderful costumes especially the innovative camel. A really enjoyable show for all audience age groups, as the production was very well directed.
Congratulations to the whole company.
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, November 2010 - Review by Joyce Eyre
Directed by: Mark Firmstone
Musical Director: Daniel Jarvis
Venue: Christ Church URC, Solihull
The director made full use of the limited space available, dramatic entrances by the White Witch (Kate Gilbert) and her somewhat weird companions Grumpskin (Jackie Staite) and Gruffskin (Victoria Ellery-Jones) down the aisle through the centre of the pews. The set was very effective as Peter (Miles Billington), Susan (Charley Branson), Edmund (Jack Bushell) and Lucy (Jessica Hill & Sammy Newman) actually went into a wardrobe to exit into Narnia. Animal mannerisms added to the characterisations, the beaver family (Neville Beardsmore, Rosemary Worsley, Alex Jarvis, Gemma Queenborough, Lucy Burwood and Anna Richmond) were a delight. Superb costumes, make up and set made for a very enjoyable performance, well done all concerned.
The Merchant of Venice, July 2010 - Review by Joyce Eyre
Directed by: Lloyd Hopkins
Piano: Daniel Jarvis
Venue: Manor House Gardens, Solihull
The performance venue is beautiful and also quaint, nestled behind a car park, pub and shopping mall, almost like a secret garden. Prayers for good weather had been answered, as it was performed al fresco, let the merriment begin. Well directed and cast by Lloyd Hopkins with talented portrayals of the principal and cameo roles. With limited space, a living tree and also a period fire escape to work around I am always amazed how the stage managers are able to set the scenes. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Saint Joan, October 2009 - Review by Pat Hyams
*Winner of NODA West Midlands award for Best Dramatic Performance 2009*
Directed by: Lloyd Hopkins
Venue: St Edburgha's Church, Old Yardley
Yet another ambitious presentation by this talented company, presented in this wonderful medieval church. Victoria Ellery-Jones gave a superb, faultless performance as "Joan." There was a large cast of principals, all with extensive dialogue, but I would like to mention in particular Jackie Justham as Right Reverend Cauchon, who gave a confident performance. Minimal props and appropriate costumes helped to make a very interesting production. Kate Gilbert was the vocal soloist in the background.
Robin Hood & His Merry Men, January 2009 - Review by Pat Hyams
Directed by: Pauline Brand
Venue: Dorridge Village Hall Theatre
After the festivities of Christmas and New Year, things seem to 'go flat', so the presentation of this Pantomime was a well-timed morale booster. This company has a wealth of young, enthusiastic members. Robin Hood was played by Tom Bowkett, partnered by Victoria Ellery-Jones as Maid Marion. Sister Benedictine (John Seeley) who was the inevitable Dame, with numerous costume changes, kept the production rolling along, constantly clashing with the two 'bad men', Bad King John (Mark Firmstone) and Sheriff Slimeball Sid (Lloyd Hopkins). Supporting principals and chorus of both talented youngsters and seasoned members, contributed to a really enjoyable evening.
The Sound of Music, October 2008 - Review by Pat Hyams
Directed by: Pauline Brand
Venue: Christ Church, URC
A creditable presentation of this popular musical, opening with a Nun's chorus, led by Rosemary Worsley as the Mother Abbess, who has a strong voice. Maria was played with great sincerity by Kate Gilbert (neé Stevens), both musically and dramatically. Mark Firmstone was convincing as Captain Von Trapp, who controls his seven children with a 'rod of iron'. The seven children were a delight, singing well and executing their moves with confidence. A very good supporting principal line-up, John Seeley (Max Detweiler), Belinda Piasecki (Elsa Schraeder), Phil Damms (Rolf Gruber) and a line-up of German soldiers. The church was a good venue for this show.
