Walsall amateur dramatics players who are keeping Gilbert and Sullivan alive
We are six weeks into the new year and February and March brings a mixed bag of amateur theatre, with something for everyone. Operetta fans will be pleased to hear that Walsall Gilbert and Sullivan Society is presenting “Iolanthe” from March 21-22 at Pelsall Community and Art Centre. There are performances at 7.30pm nightly and also a 2pm Saturday matinee.
Let me ask you this though, do you know the story of “Iolanthe?” It is a complicated one, but nevertheless very clever political satire of its age.
In a nutshell then, this is the intriguing tale about an arcadian shepherd named Strephon, who is born half fairy and half mortal. Strephon falls in love with Phyllis, who has no idea of his mixed parentage. Sadly, she is also a Ward of the Chancery and so he has to get permission from the House of Lords to marry her. Following many plot twists and turns, Iolanthe does have a happy ending, but not before it has you laughing out loud!
It’s a treat these days to hear a live orchestra and at this production, you will be guaranteed a wonderful version of this unique musical score brought to life at the group’s new theatrical home.
Tickets are £18 each and are available by calling 07725 484549 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk
In a similar vein, from March 7-8, Tettenhall Operatic Company is presenting “A Night at the Opera”, a concert celebrating opera and operettas by composers including Wagner, Sullivan, Strauss, Verdi, Mascagni and many more, performed by guest singers and members of this award-winning company.
Tickets are £15 each and are available from ticketsource.co.uk/tettenhall-operatic or by calling 07578851524.
In contrast, but still with a musical theme, from March 25-29, The TAB operatic society is presenting “Singin’ in the Rain” at Stourbridge Town Hall.
The movie version of this outstanding musical comedy starred the incomparable Gene Kelly in the role of silent movie star, Don Lockwood, and a 19-year-old Debbie Reynolds as his love interest, Kathy Seldon. I understand that Miss Reynolds worked so hard on reaching Gene Kelly’s almost unachievable standards for the tap routines in the film that her feet bled!
Stars of the silver screen Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont have trouble adapting from silent movies to the “talkies.” Everyone believes they are a romantic couple off screen as well as on, whereas it actually couldn’t be farther from the truth.
When their latest film is unexpectedly turned into a musical, the fun really starts as Lina simply cannot sing, or even speak eloquently enough to match the character she is playing.
A real life romance begins however, when a young aspiring actress, Kathy Seldon is hired to record Lina’s voice as she and Don fall in love.
The score of the show is instantly recognisable, and includes “You Are My Lucky Star”, “Good Mornin’”, “All I Do is Dream of You”, “Fit as a Fiddle” and of course, the title song which is one of the best-loved scenes from a film in the 20th century and beyond.
In this production, Don Lockwood is played by Aaron Inman, and Kathey Seldon by George Butler.
It promises to be an evening of pure, uplifting entertainment.
For tickets, visit www.Seaty.co.uk, call 07722417962 or email tab.operatic.society@gmail.com
For those of you who prefer a drama, the Grange Players from Walsall are presenting “The Girl on the Train” a modern day, dark thriller adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Able, based on Paula Hawkins’ international bestseller and the blockbuster DreamWorks film.
It is the chilling tale of Rachel Watson, a commuter who is unhappy with her life and longs for something different and more exciting. Her only escape from her mundane existence is secretly watching a perfect couple through her train window every day, witnessing them happy and in love with each other. Or so it appears.
When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as both a witness and a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated or imagined.
Catch the play from March 13-22 at the Grange Playhouse, but please be aware that it contains references to alcoholism, child loss, emotional abuse and physical violence as well as some strong language. Therefore, be selective who you buy tickets for.
Having seen the professional version I can confirm “The Girl on the Train” is an excellent play and well worth a watch. Visit grangeplayers.co.uk to book.
Over in the Shropshire area, another drama which may set the mind racing is “Disposing of the Body” by Hugh Whitemore, which Albrighton Players are presenting at Albrighton Primary School from February 26-March 1.
With strong language and adult themes, it is the tale of recently retired Henry Preece and what follows when he unexpectedly becomes involved in a passionate affair with his neighbour, a married woman called Joanna Barley, who comes to work for him.
I won’t say more, go and discover the outcome for yourselves.
For tickets call 07391 837148, visit ticketsource.co.uk/albrightonplayers or email treasurer@albrightonplayers.org.uk
Telford and District Light Operatic Players are seeking a creative director for their forthcoming production of the Andrew Llloyd-Webber and Time Rice classic rock opera, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, which they will be performing in October at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.
The role is open to everyone. Whether it is your first time directing or you are a seasoned professional, TADLOP wants to hear your vision of this unique and highly acclaimed musical.
For more information and to register for an application pack, email info@tadlop.com. The application deadline is February 28 though, so don’t hang about.
Finally, just when you thought the pantomime season was over, “Oh No It's Not!”
Market Drayton Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is presenting “Robin Hood” at the Festival Drayton Centre, from February 19-22.
Get ready for an evening of fun and frolics, slapstick and song and the perfect way to entertain the children this half term week.
For tickets, visit festivaldraytoncentre.com or call 01630 654444.
That’s all for now, but there is plenty more am dram to come in my March article. Email me with all your news and good quality colour photos at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter.)
Break a leg!
