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A Slice of Saturday Night

3 - 6 April
Wilde Theatre, Bracknell

 

Director	Matthew Whitelock
Choreographer	Rachel Starling
Musical Director	Al Hodgson
Cast
Bridget	Dani McCallum
Sue	Jody Green
Sharon	Pip Tuttle
Penny / Shirl	Leanna Wigginton
Gary / Terry	Stuart Hayllor
Rick	Ben Ashton
Eddie	Stephan Boyce
Eric de Vene	Keith Lawrence
Backing Singers
Janine Coello	Nicole Jackson
Natalie Bevins	Nikki Arding

Images from the show

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National Operatic & Dramatic Association Report

London Area

Society: Starmaker Theatre Company
Production : ‘A Slice of Saturday Night’
Date: 3rd – 6th April 2001
Venue: Wilde Theatre Bracknell
Report by: Henry Hawes – NODA Representative – Area 13

Report

I have been reviewing the 'Starmaker Theatre Company since just after its inception and during this period I have reviewed some excellent productions by this company of young people and 1 have always been impressed with the talent and enthusiasm of this group. Over the years this company has improved out of all recognition and is now a 'tour de force' in the theatrical world so I was delighted to be invited to review their latest presentation of "A Slice of Saturday Night " on Friday 6 April at the Wilde Theatre, Bracknell. In fact it was 'Starmaker' that introduced me to this show when I reviewed their first presentation at the Newbury Corn Exchange in 1994, since when it had been a favourite of mine.

This is the third presentation of this show that I have reviewed for 'Starmaker' and on each and every occasion, it has come up fresh and new and says much for their talented producers and performers, and this production was no exception. It had pace, was very well staged with some new innovations brought in, and with a young, talented cast who had been well rehearsed and characterised in their various roles. This show has basically only eight characters, which, between them sing some 29 musical numbers, all of a very high standard and coupled with excellent acting. Anybody who lived through the 1960's would have been transported back to that period with no difficulty at all. This production was of such a high standard that there is nothing I can fault with each and every performer hitting the 'high spots' and at the same time working as a team. On this occasion, my wife Daphne could not be with me and I took an associate who said at the end of the performance, "That was a terrific show, you would not see better on a professional stage", a comment that I heartily endorse and congratulations to all concerned with this production.

Keith Lawrence (Eric "Rubber Legs" De Vene) As the owner of 'The Club A GO Go', Keith was absolutely right. His movements and mannerisms could not be faulted having immersed himself completely into the character. His excellent singing voice came to the fore in 'Eric's Hokey Cokey Shuftle' and he presented some 'nifty' footwork! His rapport with the cast was spot on. Here we had a character that was entirely believable, particularly if you lived through the 1960's.

Dani McCallum (Bridget)
Pip Tuttle (Sharon)
Jody Green (Sue)
Leanna Wiggington (Penny and Shirl)
Ben Ashton (Rick)
Stefan Boyce (Eddie)
Stuart Haylor (Gary and Terry)

I hope you will forgive me for combining you all together in this report as it saves me repeating myself some seven times. All of you played your various characters to perfection. Your singing was of a very high standard with excellent
diction. Movement about the stage was confident and you ensured the stage was balanced at all times. Choreographically you were excellent and your comedy timing could not be faulted with some wonderful facial expressions. Each and every one of you exhibited 'Star' quality and congratulations to you all for an outstanding performance.

Janine Coello, Nicole Jackson, Natalie Bevins, Nikki Arding (Backing Singers) As the four backing singers at the Club, these four young ladies could not be faulted. They sang well m close harmony and not once did they fall out of character, no easy task when having to stand on stage throughout the performance and only coming to life when singing.

Matthew Whitlock (Director) What a super production, you must be well pleased with it, what more can I say?

Al Hodgson (Musical Director) The orchestra consisted of just five musicians, which was just the right size, particularly as they played on stage, being part of the nightclub scene. The music was very well played and was considerate to the performers. All the cast had been well rehearsed in the music and put the many numbers over extremely well.

Rachel Starling (Choreographer) Assisted by Natalie Legg I was impressed with the choreography. The routines fitted well, not only the plot, but the 60's style music as well. The performers had been well rehearsed in their steps, which were slick and together 'Congratulations.

Tania Pratt - (Chorus Mistress) Tania had obviously worked hard with the performers and it showed with good entries and well presented voices.

Stage Manager & Crew This was a well set and well managed stage throughout

Lighting Design & Operation This was a superb lighting plot as one has come to expect from Geoff Bamford with the use of overhead spots etc. The lighting change from inside to outside was well defined giving the correct atmosphere throughout. Lighting cues were well picked up with not one late entry Congratulations.

Sound Design & Operation This aspect of the performance was excellent, a first class design and superb operation.

Spot Light Precise and well focussed

Costumes Were bright, colourful and well fitting, depicting well the young fashions of the 1960's, each and every one fitting the character displayed.

Scenery The scenery was simplistic, but most effective. The use of projected Gobo's on suspended shapes depicted well the various locations and feelings throughout the performance.

Props All props used were pertinent to the story and looked genuine.

Make up A good, all round make up for all the performers with the right coloured bases being used with the correct highlights so that they all looked authentic under the stage lighting.

Programme This was an excellent programme, interesting, informative and humorous. It was printed on good quality paper with good reproduction of photographs.

Front of House As always, Front of House Staff were well in attendance, easily identifiable, smart, Friendly and attentive to they're audience.

Thank you for inviting me to review "A Slice of Saturday Night". It was a most enjoyable theatrical experience and I look forward to your next presentations, Once Upon a Time " and "Children of Eden " and wish you all success with them, as I am sure they will be. I have been so impressed with your last three productions, "Oliver ", "Mack and Mabel " and "A Slice of Saturday Night " that I have submitted the 'Starmaker Theatre Company for the Constance Power Trophy for the Society Most Worthy of Encouragement.

Henry Hawes NODA Representative Area 13

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