top of page

West Side Story 2018 - Black Country Radio

​

REVIEW: West Side Story at Stourbridge Town Hall 

by Matt Dudley

 

Let me take you back. August 2017 to be precise - I was running around in the car making sure everyone was in place to have my three-year-old so that myself and Mrs. Matt could venture to the Birmingham Hippodrome to attend the press night of West Side Story.  

​

As a massive fan of the film and its music, I was more than excited to be seeing it on the stage for the first time. Sadly, however, it wasn’t meant to be. A HGV on the M6 put stop to my plans and the rest, as they say, is history! (I was fine by the way!)

Skip forward to March 2018 and I took my seat at Stourbridge Town hall to watch (again, for the first time!) West Side Story.  

Based on Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the story is set in the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City in the mid 1950s; an ethnic, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

​

Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang's leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. 

Bernstein's score for the musical includes some of the best known songs in theatre history, from ‘Maria’ and ‘America’ to ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Tonight’.

The original 1957 Broadway was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 1957 and the 1961 film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards - and won ten - so this is kind of a big deal!

The curtains opened and, against the superb set, the cast came out to begin their opening night of Bernstein’s and Sondheim’s tale of love, tragedy and family.

 

West Side Story is not an easy production to stage at any level, but TAB did an excellent job of using the small stage to their advantage. The whole cast gave 100% and delivered some very professional performances, in particular Beth Berwick-Lowe as Maria, Fleur Petford as Anita and Oliver Keeling as Action who gave the performance of his life as the cheeky New Yorker who stood out as the best ‘Jet’ for my money!

I should also mention that the Puerto Rico accents are very convincing and Mitchell Bastable who plays Bernardo even looks Latino!

I always like it when TAB put on a show because you get your monies worth. Most of the cast have experience and, along with Tom Porter as musical director, you always walk at the end safe in the knowledge that you haven’t wasted your hard-earned Sterling.

West Side Story BCR
West Side Story LMT

West Side Story 2018 - Love Midlands Theatre

​

'West Side Story' 

 

Having opened in New York 60 years ago, last nigh The Tab breathed wonderful life into this tragic classic. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story chronicles the forbidden love affair between Tony and Maria. The heart-wrenching plot is nothing short of tear-jerking and in the capable hands of this particular group, Bernstein’s music, Sondheim’s lyrics, Laurents’ adaptation and Robins’ choreography glowed.​

There’s no denying that this is one hell of a tricky score to execute, but under the adept musical direction of Tom Porter, the orchestra sparkled and the cast shone.

One of the standout moments of the whole show was the exuberant choreography, executed incredibly well by this talented ensemble. 
​
In the two leading (and demanding) roles were the more than competent Dan Smith (Tony) and the glorious Beth Berwick-Lowe (Maria). Berwick-Lowe’s Maria was a sheer joy as her vocals soared through the auditorium, complemented by Smith’s Tony, there was palpable onstage chemistry, with a powerfully touching performance of Tonight. A special mention also to the ensemble, as voices harmonised beautifully in the Tonight reprise. 

Talking of harmonies, the female ensemble were a force to be reckoned with their feistily brilliant performance of America. Fleur Petford’s Anita was a Puerto Rican firecracker and by the second half I was anticipating her rendition of A Boy Like That and it did not disappoint. Another much-deserved mention is for the excellent Oliver Keeling as Action. He delivered an intense, yet comic performance and the audience lapped up Gee Officer Krupke, where he was supported well by the other Jets. Special mentions also to the two rival gang leaders Mitchell Bastable as Bernardo and Grant Chapman as Riff.

Creative directors, Rachel and Leon Davies, clearly make a great team and have created a show that The Tab must be so incredibly proud of. The hard-work and determination from the whole company on and off the stage absolute shone through in this performance and the audience loved it. 

Grease 2016 - Birmingham Distict Theatre Guild 

​

'Grease' by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey

 

This year saw a new production team in the form of Rachel and Leon Davies as the creative directors whilst retaining Richard Ganner as the musical director.

This is another musical which is based on a very successful film, only this time it is set in Rydell High School as the youngsters start back after having had their 'Summer Holidays'. It is a high octane fast moving show full of songs that most of us will remember, primarily involving the fun loving and easy going 'T Birds' and 'Pink Ladies'.

We opened on the beach at the conclusion of summer with Sandy Dumbrowski played by Jenny Scott and Danny Zuko played by David Walters as they spent their last day of a summer romance together. Sandy asked Danny, "Is it all over?", and was reassured that their love had only started. The first big number of the show was "Grease" a lively number, as the Pink Ladies took their positions followed by the T Birds and new girl Sandy arrived. She described to the Pink Ladies: Frenchy (Naomi Plaice), Marty (Rebecca Bate), Jan (Heidi Cooper), and Betty Rizzo (Fleur Petford) how she and the leader of the T Birds, Danny Zuko, had a brief love affair. In describing the fling, Sandy focused on the romance, while Danny exaggerated to his mates Doody (Dan Smith), Sonny (Vito Scattone), Roger (Grant Chapman), and Kenickie (Mitchell Bastable) the physical aspects of their relationship. The resulting "Summer Nights" was well received by the audience.

These two teams forming the backbone of the production, performed well and sparked off each other in a way that entertained. Kenickie gave a particularly consistent portrayal and "Greased Lightning" in particular was a high. Jan also gave an overall performance of note whilst Rizzo's dancing was spectacular.

Sandy and Danny soon bumped into each other at school, and while they were mutually happy to see each other, he brushed her off due to the expectations of his companions. Sandy was heartbroken. At the party in the park Rizzo teased Danny for falling for a girl like Sandy, the song "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" summed this up and everyone joined in to make fun of Sandy, who came in just as they finished. She told Danny that she wished she'd never met him.

Later in the show, Patty Simcox, the cheerleader (Louise Griffin) told everyone that Danny had quit the track team and given the finger to the coach. At this point Sandy entered, having transformed herself into a T Bird dream date. Danny was delighted at this change and the couple expressed their mutual feelings for each other "You're the One That I Want".

These two performed throughout with style. For your reviewer, Sandy's "Hopelessly Devoted" closely followed by "It's Raining on Prom Night" with Jan were the highlights. All ended happily Sandy and Patty singing about how they would always be friends to the end "We Go Together". There were many memorable scenes particularly "Beauty School Dropout" with Teen Angel (John Nicholas), Frenchy and the choir.

In a summary this was a production which entertained, it had all the ingredients that enabled the audience to go home remembering the songs and wishing to go back for more. If criticism has to be provided then it is of the blackouts at the end of every scene these do create a slowing down of the overall pace of the show which is a shame. Nevertheless many congratulations to TAB for delivering so much enthusiasm and drive. This provided an extremely entertaining evening at the theatre.

Grease 2016 BDTG

Summer Holiday 2015 - Stourbridge News 

​

Stage stars bring 'summer holiday' feeling to Brierley Hill

30 Mar 2015 / Bev Holder

 

BLACK Country stage stars brought that 'summer holiday' feeling to Brierley Hill Civic Hall when they put on their 'dancing shoes' for their latest musical.

Tab Operatic Society members brought to life with gusto the lively musical based on the 1963 film starring Cliff Richard about a group of bus mechanics who take a converted double decker on a road trip across Europe.

Jam-packed with popular Cliff ditties including In The Country, Living Doll, Do You Wanna Dance, Bachelor Boy, I Could Easily Fall in Love With You, The Young Ones and the title track - the show was a real feel-good outing for young and old alike.

Mitchell Bastable was just the ticket as bus mechanic Don; he looked just the part with his quiff hair-do and seemed really at home in the leading role famously played by Sir Cliff Richard in the hit movie.

While Elysia Stretton was a delight as American singer Barbara Winters who stows away on the red double decker bus to get away from her overbearing mother.

She was thoroughly believable throughout and her American accent was effortlessly accurate - and the pair made a great stage couple.

Sarah Oliver-Field's US accent wasn't quite as up to scratch but nevertheless she brought a touch of humour and plenty of character to the proceedings as Barbara's tough-talking, self-centred mother Stella.

Long-serving Tab performer Louise Griffin, Rebecca Perry and Heidi Cooper all gave credible performances as British singing trio Do Ray Me.

Beautifully vibrant costumes and toe-tapping instrumentals by The Shadows played in between scenes helped to create that 1960s feel - and meticulously choreographed song and dance routines (courtesy of producer/choreographer Audree Henwood and musical director Richard Ganner) almost tempted theatregoers to get up and join in.

The show wasn't without a few sound glitches and some of the scene changes could have been slicker but given the challenges, which included repeatedly manoeuvring the large and cumbersome stage bus, the backstage team did a worthy job. A particularly imaginative touch was a miniature red bus that chugged along the stage between scenes.

All in all, this bright and breezy outing was a credit to the society and a clear hit with the audience which seemed larger than previous productions of the last few years.

Summer Holiday 2015 SN

Summer Holiday 2015 - Black Country Bugle

​

Fun and laughter

By Black Country Bugle  |  Posted: April 05, 2015

 

WITH songs like "Living Doll", "Do you wanna dance", "The Young Ones" and "On the Beach", "Summer Holiday", the 68th annual stage production by the "tab Operatic Company, was a foot stomping sing-a-long cocktail of fun and laughter.

As a prop the big red bus dominated the stage when it was hauled on at various times during the show, and the dance scenes in a restricted space were once again extremely well choreographed. At most times it was a stage full of action, colour and the singing of well known songs made famous by Cliff Richard and the Shadows.

Don, the character played by Cliff in the film of the same name, was equally well performed by musical stalwart Mitchell Bastable, and the girl in his life Barbara, played by Elysia Stretton, displayed a wonderful, bubbly character as his sidekick. Both were more than well supported by the rest of the cast.

SUmmer Holiday BCB

Copacabana 2014 - Stourbridge News 

​

Stage stars dazzle as they bring to life Copacabana at Brierley Hill Civic Hall

10 Apr 2014 / Bev Holder

 

BLACK Country stage stars dazzled when they brought to life Barry Manilow's glitzy musical Copacabana at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

The glamorous show, presented by Cradley Heath's Tab Operatic Society, was an all-singing, all-dancing treat to watch.

Society newcomer Mitchell Bastable was on fire as leading man Tony Forte, a bartender/aspiring songwriter at the famous Copacabana nightclub - dreamed up by a struggling songwriter.

A natural on stage and with a belting voice to boot, he absolutely wowed the audience who appeared to be loving the show every bit as much as he was.

While seasoned Black Country stage regular Fleur Petford oozed star quality as showgirl Lola La Mar, a small-town girl from Tulsa who gets her big break when she auditions for a spot at the Copa in 1947.

Her singing, acting and dancing talents were mesmerisingly impressive - particularly in the scenes shared between Tony and Lola.

Newcomer John Nicholas was suitably villanous as Tropicana owner/gangster Rico Castelli, who kidnaps Lola from the Copacabana and whisks her off to Havana; and Sarah Field was commendable as ageing Cuban singer/gangster's moll Conchita Alvarez.

Grant Chapman raised giggles as hard-headed Copacabana owner Sam Silver and society regular Louise Griffin was pleasing as his roller-skating girlfriend Gladys Murphy.

Meanwhile a talented line-up of Copa girls clad in exquisite, colourful costumes ploughed through an array of imaginative dance routines - beautifully choreographed by long-time producer Audree Henwood - and belted out a host of popular Manilow hits, including title track Copacabana, under fine musical direction from Richard Ganner.

There may have been a few hitches - the odd sound glitch, a piano stool that broke during the performance and a backstage hand poking through the curtains just at the wrong time during a wonderful tender duet moment between Lola and Tony.

But none of this really detracted from what was a fabulous, feel-good musical - brought charmingly to life by the two incredible lead stars.

Copacabana 2014 SN

Copacabana 2014 - Black Country Bugle

​

A vibrant and colourful night

By Black Country Bugle  |  Posted: April 18, 2014

 

IT was a vibrant and colourful night's entertainment, as the 2014 Tab production of Copacabana trod the boards at Brierley Hill's Civic Hall.

Since 1947, and therefore over 67 consecutive years, the Tab Operatic Company have consistently rolled out an evening to remember with performances on stage that thoroughly entertain, and even after stripping away the sparkle and the glamour in this show, there was still a lot to admire.

There was song, dance, humour, an outstanding chorus, or in this case the Copa boys and girls, whose choreography was outstanding, and a lead pair of Fleur Petford as Lola La Mar the showgirl, and Mitchell Bastable as Tony, the young aspiring song writer.

Tony's writing of the famous Barry Manilow number "Copacabana" throughout the show kept the audience on their toes, until at last, like a cork popping on a champagne bottle, the full version was played out at the end of the night's performance to terrific applause.

Copacabana 2014 BCB

High Society 2013 - Stourbridge News 

​

Amateur stars prove sensational in High Society

20 Mar 2013 / Bev Holder

 

SEASONED Black Country stage stars put in a sensational turn when they brought to life Cole Porter’s breezy musical High Society.

Popular amateur dramatic performers Fleur Petford, Louise Griffin, Steve Fletcher and Grant Chapman held the Tab Operatic Society show together with gusto on opening night (Tuesday) at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

Regular leading lady Fleur Petford (last seen as Miss Hannigan in the Tab’s Annie) lit up the stage, as always, with her spirited depiction of wealthy Tracy Samantha Lord whose wedding plans are thrown into chaos when her ex-husband and a charming reporter covering the event vye for her affections.

Her American accent and characterisation were great and she belted out popular numbers including True Love and Well Did You Evah with ease, delighting loyal Tab fans.

Louise Griffin and Stephen Homer were credible as snooping reporters Liz Imbrie and Mike Connor, who get to sing the show’s most popular number Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Homer also particularly wowed with his rendition of It’s All Right With Me - a delightful duet between bride-to-be Tracy and love struck journalist Mike.

Steven Fletcher also showcased his commendable singing and acting talents as successful jazz musician Dexter Haven - Tracy’s still infatuated first husband.

And Grant Chapman got the laughs as drunken Uncle Willie.

But it was young Stourbridge schoolgirl Beth Henwood, starring as Tracy’s younger sister Dinah Lord, who stole every scene she was in.

The 15-year-old Redhill pupil, who trod the boards with The Young Ones in Puss in Boots a few weeks ago, displayed real star quality in a role that would be easy to overlook.

Her American accent was faultless and her lively characterisation was a delight to watch.

Elegant period costumes, creative backdrops and a sterling effort from choreographer and producer Audree Henwood and musical director Richard Ganner also helped to bring to life the delightful tale which is based on the 1956 film starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

High Society 2013 SN

Annie 2012 - Stourbridge News 

​

Amber shines as Annie in Brierley Hill show

28 Mar 2012 / Bev Holder

 

YOUNG Halesowen performer Amber May Hughes lit up the stage when she took the starring role in The Tab Operatic Society’s production of much-loved musical Annie.

The 12-year old Earls High School pupil positively charmed the audience at Brierley Hill Civic Hall with her bubbly and confident performance as fiesty, flame-haired orphan Annie who enjoys a rags to riches rise to happiness.

The young star-in-the-making, who attends Stagecoach Halesowen, made performing seem a breeze as she belted out captivating renditions of Maybe and Tomorrow with an extraordinary singing voice that belied her years.

In fact all of the youngsters starring as Annie's fellow orphans shone throughout the enjoyable show - produced and choreographed by Audree Henwood.

Seasoned stage star Fleur Petford was also absoutely fabulous as bad-tempered, alcoholic orphanage mistress Miss Hannigan.

She brought out the character’s quirks and grotesqueness perfectly and her rendition of Little Girls was a delight.

Jim Heritage and Sarah Field spiced up the proceedings further as Rooster Hannigan and his girlfriend Lily St Regis who try to con Annie into thinking they are her real parents. Their version of Easy Street, also featuring Miss Hannigan, was particularly entertaining.

John Leaman’s depiction of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who decides to lift Annie’s fortunes by adopting her, was a little less stern and snappy than I remember from the 1982 film version. Nevertheless his was a likeable and genuine characterisation.

Louise Griffin was also credible as the businessman’s amiable assisant Grace Farrell.

Suitable staging, colourful period costumes, excellent musical direction from Richard Ganner and a sterling performance by professional pooch Danny the dog (as Annie’s dog Sandy) also helped to bring the show to life.

Annie 2012 SN

Guys and Dolls 2011 - Stourbridge News 

​

Guys and Dolls wins over theatregoers

13 Apr 2011 / Bev Holder

 

ON a mission to deal out another charming show, the Tab Operatic Society didn’t disappoint with its production of Guys and Dolls.

Staged at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, the energetic and colourful production was another hit for the Cradley Heath based society.

The much-loved, old-fashioned musical was served up with gusto and was brimming with imaginatively choreographed routines, good musical accompaniment and a solid cast.

Award-winning seasoned choreographer Audree Henwood proved she still knows how to keep the audience enthralled with her precisely planned, colourful song and dance routines.

While musical director Richard Ganner and his orchestra in the pit did a commendable job of keeping the action flowing with fine renditions of popular numbers including Bushel and a Peck, I’ve Never Been in Love Before, Luck Be a Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.

David Williams was perfect as New York gambler Sky Masterson, who takes on the challenge of taking a cold female missionary to Havana.

Commanding, smooth and blessed with a fine vocals, he belted out the musical numbers effortlessly. He also pulled off a superb New York accent and his timing and characterisation were spot on.

Matthew Beard as betting man Nathan Detroit was also a treat to watch. He threw every bit of his energy into his depiction of the larger than life chronic gambler and it wasn’t lost on the appreciative audience.

Sarah Field and Louise Griffin were a little out of their depth next to their engaging male leads but both managed to stay afloat.

TAB regular Louise did her best to make the quirky role of gangster’s moll Adelaide her own.

A little stilted and superficial at first, she grew into the part as the show wore on and her bubbly characterisation offset her rather phony New York accent.

Sarah Field also struggled to shine brightly as love interest Sarah Brown who is short on sinners at the mission she runs.

She pulled off the musical numbers and looked the part but her accent and acting was a little half-hearted and at times tended to leave her in the shadows more than a leading lady should have been.

Guys and Dolls SN

Annie Get Your Gun 2010 - Stourbridge News 

​

Annie Get You Gun goes with a bang

24 Mar 2010 / Bev Holder

 

THE Tab Operatic Society’s lively version of heart-warming musical Annie Get Your Gun sure went with a bang.

Irving Berlin’s classic cowboy tale was charmingly brought to life at Brierley Hill Civic Hall by the society - which has been going strong since 1947.

Imaginative direction and choreography by award-winning producer Audree Henwood ensured another excellent outing; there was also worthy musical direction from Craig Sproston and commendable performances from the ensemble cast.

But it was without doubt the effervescent multi-talented Fleur Petford who illuminated the stage as gutsy gun-slinger Annie Oakley who is signed up by legendary cowboy Buffalo Bill to join his Wild West Show.

The breezy Kingswinford mum was a treat to watch in the role of the sparky sharp-shooting tomboy who wins herself a new career and a new beau thanks to her unbeatable rifle skills and unaffected charm.

Her singing voice was fabulous, her delivery delightful and her characterisation one of the most impressive on the Black Country stage in recent years.

David Williams was praiseworthy as Wild West star Frank Butler - who falls for Annie’s simple charisma.

Louise Griffin brought to life showman’s assistant Dolly Tate with her usual gusto - and Grant Chapman, starring opposite her as Charlie Davenport, was also credible.

Kennedy Bloomer oozed stage presence as Dolly’s younger sister Winnie Tate, who falls for showman Tommy Keeler...as did youngsters Beth Henwood Ethan Bate, Amelia Jones and Esther Turner as Annie’s young siblings.

Edwin Hanke and Clive Southall were also well cast as Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull.

Beautiful, sparkling costumes, intricately painted backdrops and a huge cast of dancers and chorus members also added to the appeal of the show - which featured favourite songs including There’s No Business Like Showbusiness, You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun and Anything You Can Do.

Scene changes in the first half could have been a little smoother and there were a few sound hiccups on opening night.

But none of this really detracted from what was another splendid outing for the Tab - which, like last year’s Thoroughly Modern Millie, ought to win the society another clutch of awards.

Annie Get Your Gun 2010 SN

Thoroughly Modern Millie 2009 - Stourbridge News 

​

Thoroughly charming!

1 Apr 2009 / Bev Holder

​

THE Tab Operatic Society’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie was thoroughly charming.

Based on the 1967 Universal Pictures film starring Julie Andrews - this lovely musical comedy proved an ideal choice to show off the award-winning operatic society’s all-singing all-dancing performers of all ages.

It may not be as popular as some of the old favourites - as indicated by the number of empty seats on opening night on Tuesday.

But it was great to see this breezy, romantic and glamorous tale getting a rare airing on the Black Country stage.

Fleur Petford was divine as Millie Dillmount, a fearless young woman from Kansas – who, determined to experience life, sets off for 1920s New York.

Her subtle yet confident characterisation was a delight - and she really came into her own in the second act, pulling off a fantastic rendition of ballad, Gimme Gimme.

Fellow cast members - Edwin Hanke as Trevor Graydon; Louise Griffin as Dorothy Brown; and Sarah Field as Muzzy Van Hossmere - provided credible support.

But it was Chris Passey as Millie’s love interest Jimmy Smith who stole the show.

The 22-year-old last appeared on stage with the Tab around ten years ago - and he’s come a long way since then.

Now a professional actor, singer and vocal coach - Chris from Wordsley oozed theatricality and lit up every scene he was in; with the highlight being a beautiful sequence in which Millie and Jimmy dance on a New York window ledge.

It was obvious at times during the chorus routines that some of the society’s strong regulars were missing from this outing; scene changes could have been slicker and some of the comedy roles could have been exaggerated a little more.

But nevertheless there was imaginative choreography sprinkled throughout and new musical director Craig Sproston stepped up to the challenge of his new job; and it was nice to see Tara Rose stepping forward from the chorus to take on the role of battle-axe office supervisor Miss Flannery.

Thoroughly Modern Millie 2009 SN

Carousel 2008 - Stourbridge News 

​

Simply charming ride aboard the Carousel

23 Apr 2008 / Bev Holder

​

Simply charming is the best way to describe the Tab Operatic Society's version of classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel.

The company's rendition of the poignant play, staged at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, was delightful - thanks to strong characterisations, the super singing talents of the leading men and ladies and beautiful costumes.

Richard Cope shone as carousel worker Billy Bigelow - who after an untimely death gets chance to return to earth for a day to make amends for mistakes he made in life.

The seasoned performer gets better and stronger year on year and in this outing he really had the chance to flex his incredible vocal talents.

Louise Griffin was also likeable as his co-star, sweetheart Julie Jordan.

Having shared the stage together so many times, the pair were right at home as leading man and lady.

Meanwhile Sarah Field was credible and sweet as Carrie Pipperidge.

While David Williams lit up the stage in every scene he was in as rough and ready crook Jigger Craigin.

Likewise Simon Goff as Enoch Snow was very suitably cast. His American accent was authentic and smooth, and he melted into the role.

Keleigh Wood was also a delight as Billy's teenaged daughter Louise.

Musical direction by Brian Cox was on fine form as ever, while intricate choreography by Audree Henwood was mesmerising and full of fun.

Despite low audience numbers on opening night, it proved another wonderfully well put together outing for the Tab, and it's great to see the tradition of the good old fashioned musical being kept well and truly alive.

Carousel 2008 SN

Carousel 2008 - Black Country Bugle

​

Some Carousel reflections

By Black Country Bugle User  |  Posted: April 24, 2008

 

IT'S not often the Bugle gets the chance to review a musical stage performance, but for the TAB Operatic Society's 2008 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Carousel', show producer Audree Henwood invited us along to the Brierley Hill Civic Hall to enjoy what turned out to be an evening of supreme entertainment.

They say the best showbiz performances are live showbiz performances, and with the auditorium full there appears to be plenty of people around the Black Country who agree with that sentiment. The opening scene revealed a stunning set and a colourful array of costumes which depicted perfectly all the fun and excitement of an amusement park on the New England coast of America in 1873. For those in the audience, their eyes had to be everywhere to capture all that was going on; the carousel in motion; the vendor selling his ice-cream; the juggler and clown; and the principal characters beginning to establish their presence on the stage, without the need for song, dance or script, just pure acting of a very high quality during the playing of 'The Carousel Waltz', under the musical direction of Brian Cox.

The singing throughout was tremendous, with 'If I Loved You' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in particular, bringing a tear to the eye, and every performance, even that of the youngsters who played the part of Enoch and Carrie Snow's children, was of a high standard.

The success of any stage performance and the quality of production is down to team work, and from the producer of the show Audree Henwood to the Tab Ladies who provided refreshments during the interval, all at the TAB Operatic Society deserve credit.

Carousel 2008 BCB
bottom of page