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Haydn Oakley as Matthew Spenser and Laura Pitt-Pulford as Jean Smallest Show on Earth
Malvern Theatres
***** A BRAND-new musical? Well, a new
concoction at least, or cocktail, of Irving Berlin songs and lyrics
bringing to the stage a story that was first comically explored in a
film of the same name more than half a century ago. This is a wonderfully romantic, lively and
colourful piece of very British entertainment that regular theatre
audiences will love! The story is of Matthew and Jean Spenser
inheriting a small run-down cinema (or Kinema) in Sloughborough. They
decide they will try and revive its fortunes despite the opposition of
Albert and Ethel Hardcastle with their Grand Theatre dominating the film
world in their town. They gather the shambolic staff team together,
Percy Quill the alcoholic projectionist, Mrs Fazackalee, the one-time
singer with her awkward son Tom and inject a sense of purpose and
excitement as they introduce music hall style entertainment between the
reels of film. The romance between the shy Tom and the daughter
of the rival Hardcastles, Marlene, develops a real charm of its own and
all works out happily ever after. This is a delightful feel-good story from the
early 20th Century with many thoroughly entertaining features that will
give audiences a romantic and feel-good evening of escapist fun. The selection of Berlin songs chosen to create
this musical provide variety and energy. The lively numbers like ‘They
Love Me’ and ‘Shaking the Blues Away’ are balanced with romantic songs
like ‘’In Our Hideaway’ and ‘Is He the Only Man in the World?’ The choreography is wonderfully energetic and
colourfully varied. The design of the set and the lighting create the
atmosphere of that era of cinema and music hall, and provide the context
for some fine singing and acting. Laura Pitt-Pulford (Jean Spenser) and Haydn
Oakley (Matthew Spenser) are the newly-wed couple at the centre of this
story. Laura has a fantastic and very strong, clear voice and their
harmonies and their relationship are entirely convincing. The young and
awkward Tom played by Sam O’Rourke is brilliantly acted, Christina
Bennington as Marlene grows into the role and is likewise a brilliant
actor and a fabulous dancer too. Lisa Goddard as Mrs Fazackalee is another great
singer and actress and, as the play develops, her relationship with
Percy Quill (Brian Capron) has a certain charm and humour though Percy
seemed a bit limited in the first half of the show. This concept for a new musical here developed by
Thom Southerland is clever and thoroughly successful, executed by a very
strong team. The small audience last night was very responsive and
enthusiastic. This excellent team and production merit good houses
through the final week of their tour. To 28-11-15. Tim Crow
23-11-15
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