Harlow Playhouse: Friday November 5th, 2021

HARLOW Amateur Theatre Society had not long been set up when Covid came along.

You could tell that the company was determined to get back on the stage but we wondered what the reaction from the cast was when it was suggested that they cover fifty years of musicals that had taken place at the Harlow Playhouse between 1971 and 2021.

All in under two hours!

Audience-goers were treated to a feast of theatre classics.

For a number of reasons, that wasn’t easy to do.

They were in the small studio theatre. There was only sixteen of them and they had a limited budget.

But this was a wonderful production where the good old values of great singing and acting stood firm.

Each number was very different and had a feel all of their own.

Some were faithful versions such as Luck Be A Lady from Guys and Dolls.

Some were faithful and brave (Sweet Transvestite from Rocky Horror). Well done to James Bentley in that…costume.

There was the sweet, simple and yet timeless “Over the Rainbow” showing what one spotlight and a lovely singer (Grace Dell)can do.

One thing this reviewer couldn’t get enough of was the female singers harmonies. When they came to the fore in sings, they really stood out.

Any Dream Will Do was subtle but distinct.

Part One finished with a great version of Seasons of Love from Rent. It really highlighted what a together theatre company this was.

Whichever number they did, they got the tone right. That was no easy feat as again, space and time was limited. Performers would exit one door and a few seconds alter, come out another door and into another song.

The performances had a personal touch: My Boy was very special as was an outstanding As Long As He Needs Me. What a singer Mitchell Walsh is.

The Jersey Boys had great energy, So Long Farewell was great fun whilst others were so well choreographed. The Witches comes to mind as very well executed.

The Grease finale was very energetic and was enhanced by a great turn by Marc, who many know from Bridget’s Tea Room. What a great touch.

This was a marvellous two hours in Theatre 2. Well done to director Michelle Fisher and the whole creative team.

The audience loved it and really showed their appreciation.

We look forward to Big Fish in 2022.