A Musical by Rupert Holmes

 

NODA Review by Ralph Thomas

 

The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens was not to be missed! A Music Hall Musical that tests the calibre and stamina of any company with a choice of 7 potential endings cleverly scripted in a chaotic engagement of the audience! Concept was yet again up to the challenge.

A new Director Richard Thomas gave us a pre-show cornucopia of entertainment which was outstanding. The set was imaginative, clever and totally appropriate for this show.

Ellie Hoare played Drood and provided a polished performance an apt foil for the beautifully melodramatic Lewis Cook (a striking resemblance to Mr Clive Paget the great classical actor) who as evil uncle John Jasper was terrific. I don't think I have ever seen a moustache to GO COMPARE it with! As Nick Cricker the director was effervescent and unlikely romantic ending between Princess Puffer (Helen Rose) and Neville Landless (James Osbourne) did have the audience in stitches. The Murderer on the night I went was Reverend Crisparkle (Keith Ingram), secretly I was hoping it was Helen Landless played and sung superbly by Claire Couldridge, a tour de force of stage presence well played!

Under Dave Thompson the pit was well in control of a taxing score. Our Chairman Mr William Cartwright was played magnificently by Paul Buckle who once again turned in an extremely professional performance; however I must congratulate the entire ensemble for the execution of a truly enjoyable night. Thank you and God Bless Queen Victoria, now off to the races! 

 

This review appeared in the Penarth Times on Thursday 6th March 2014

Some years ago The Concept Players seemed to be one of Penarth's best kept secrets as audiences were often less than expected. Recently however this amateur theatrical society, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, seem to be playing to almost full houses. This satisfying state of affairs is no doubt due to the high quality productions staged by this enthusiastic and talented company. Direction is always innovative and exciting, costumes are lavish and exact as are hair, make-up, lighting and sound.

As the programme for their latest production tells us, they are a company who are not afraid to stage challenging material. Last week's production was a dramatisation of the last, unfinished, play Charles Dickens wrote The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

We were quickly made aware that we were in the Victorian Music Hall Royale and were encouraged to participate fully in the proceedings.

The fantastic atmosphere started with a rousing sing song of old time tunes, we booed the villain, cheered the goodies, clapped and cat called as instructed until in the second act we were asked to vote on the identity of the murderer - if indeed there had been a murder. All great fun and very entertaining.

Our Chairman for the evening was the irrepressible Paul Buckle - a great all rounder who can sing, dance and is a comic actor of great talent. His personality and stage presence kept the thoroughly enjoyable evening moving along at a fine pace.

The villain of the evening was the superb Lewis Cook, a young man with darkly brooding good looks and a fine singing voice, who thrilled us all, even the innocent young ingenue Cat Bartley seemed to be under his spell by the end of the evening.

The chorus performed with the energy and enthusiasm that we have come to expect from this high performing group, and I for one, look forward to seeing their next concert Die Fledermaus and their September production of A Little Night Music.