St Nicolas Players
Reviews of 'Disposing of the Body'
Reviews of 'Ladies Day'
Review by Ann Key-Huckerby, NODA
This was a delightful production of one of the Lloyd-Webber/Rice musicals from their student days and only released recently for a limited period for amateurs to stage. The story of Dr. Barnardo's struggle to help destitute children was told by a series of narrators with a variety of musical numbers in between.
The six main characters were well portrayed. We saw Berverley Moore as the vivacious Rose; Karl Constable and Natalie Stafford were a young couple and Nick Fletcher was an auctioneer. Barnardo himself (Rob Callaby) and Rebecca Jones as Syrie who became his wife were nicely matched. There was also a cockney chorus of adults and children who all sang and danced well.
For me the highlight of the evening was the song 'Man of the World' sung most charmingly by a couple of the children. The set was a work of art which enabled scene changes to take place easily, the lighting was good and the costumes were excellent. Occasionally I felt the voices were over-amplified, but the orchestra's accompaniment was very pleasing. I was delighted to have the chance to this interesting show. Well done!
Review by John Baker,The Spalding Guardian, 19 March 2009
Ladies' Day by St Nicolas Players attracted an impressive turnout of runners and riders to Spalding, including "Donington Fillies", chosen as audience members with the best outfit.
The performance, featuring eight actors and actresses, was funny and compelling. The play, written by Amanda Whittington, tells the tale of four jaded fish filleters who decide to treat themselves for once to a day at the races. As the day unravels so do secrets the group has been keeping from one another.
Retiring Pearl (Arline Evenden) has been having a seven-year affair and goes to the races to find lover Barry, who has disappeared. Jan (Jackie Stone) has fallen for her work supervisor, who is leaving for Australia. Catty Shelley (Cathy Mellor) is up to her high heels in debt and Linda (Samantha Hunt) has brought her ill-mannered mother back to live with her.
The foursome enjoy meeting jockeys, television crews and high-powered aristocrats as the day hots up, with a multiple bet they have placed on the races promising half a million pounds.
The four main stars complement each other well with some hilarious exchanges and a great musical piece where they get changed from fish stained overalls into glad rags to the song "Is This The Way to Amarillo".
One scene was particularly poignant as Barry (Peter Breach) returned to reassure Pearl about their relationship, which could never come to fruition, to enjoy a last dance which faded into darkness.
It was a heart-warming story played to an appreciative audience who got involved as well as any I have seen at the centre in quite some time.
Credit must go to everyone involved.
The next St Nics show is The Likes of Us in October, by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice, which until recently had never been performed.
Not to be missed!