A very brief (yeah right) review of GYPSY at ALTRINCHAM GARRICK PLAYHOUSE as it left me nearly speechless. My last review was of NKs Footloose in which I described it as perfect in timing, characterisation and setting. That may have been down to the fact that I know the show inside out but I guarantee it was also down to the amazing team behind it. The Altrincham Garrick is another award-winning society with its own theatre so it is hardly surprising that their second production of this season blew me away! Under the watchful eye of their new creative director, the team at the Garrick have new professionally printed programmes, as well as a burst of new talent - many from The Hammond, Chester where their choreographer teaches. This is the justification, if any were needed, for the outstandingly perfectly fluid and syncronised dancing (and admirable physiques). Commendation must go to Barry Purves for his ingenious workings of the set which comes out of the usual stage and gives the production the well-deserved professional glow. The shows leading lady Rose (Dawn Flint) is brilliant in the iconic role, getting the accent/dialect and movement down to a tee. Alongside her are on-stage daughters June (Bethan Jacks) and Louise (Megan-Hollie Robertson) whose talents really are admirable in that these two are certainly ones to watch. Bringing the lads into it, we see Roses charm and one-time agent Herbie (Steven Finney) who is also great, as well as the dancer June marries and starts a new show with Tulsa (Sam Jones), Angie (Jack Hales), Yonkers (Elliot Horler) and L.A. (Jon Walker), all of whom are captivating performers. No stranger to this stage - or comedy roles - Stephanie Niland and Laura Chandler play Burlesque dancers with Gimicks; Tessie Tura and Mazeppa, with Alexandra Howarth showing a park as Electra. Man of variety himself Bill Platt is a Garrick regular who never fails to entertain whilst showing his versatility playing a total of 7 characters throughout. Similarly but not to the same scale, Dance Captain Bethany-Jayne Dalton doubles up as Thelma and we also see Katie Thorpe and Megan Flanagan show off their moves as Dolores and Marjorie. Mike Shaw also made brief appearances as Uncle Jocko and Mr Kringelein. With the added bonus of seeing familiar faces and being recognised myself, I always enjoy attending the Garrick and live amateur theatre generally as each time I see a show, I am reminded why people - and I myself - stick at such a wonderful and fulfilling hobby. I much commend Neville Roby and the unsung team at the theatre for keeping the high standard of theatre so, and heres to the next incredible show and season! One gentleman stood at the stage door, as I was, commented that although a gay man, he couldnt take his eyes of the ladies! If that isnt praise I dont know what is! If you have a free night tomorrow or Saturday or even Saturday afternoon, get yourself down to the Altrincham Garrick for this FAB nights entertainment. ***** (5*s)
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:44:11 +0000
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