Show: Cats
Society: Abbey Musical Society
Venue: The Forum Theatre, Barrow in Furness
Credits: An amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Company, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on 'Old Possum's Book Of Practical Cats' by T S Eliot
Type: Sardines
Performance Date: 19/03/2018
Cats
Graham Whalan | 21 Mar 2018 01:53am
CATS is surely a musical production that would test the limits of any amateur society. With a ‘good luck’ letter from Andrew Lloyd-Webber himself, and record-breaking advance ticket sales, expectations were clearly running high on the opening night of Abbey Musical Theatre’s run at the Forum, Barrow-in-Furness. But there was no need to fret – we were all treated to a production of stunning quality.
Contained in an impressive moon-lit set, the initial entry of the cats with their vast array of colours and costumes made it clear that something magical was about to happen. All of the costumes were Abbey’s own creations and, when complemented by Joanne Grainger and Coco’s hair and make-up, the overall effect was really quite dazzling, even before they had started to sing and dance. When they did, the stage may have looked a little over-crowded at times, but this did not detract as the choreography had been deftly managed (by the experienced Sarah Powell) to ensure maximum use of the available space. She had clearly worked hard, along with Russ Brown, the Director, to harness the infectious enthusiasm and energy of their predominantly young cast. The results were at times mesmerising and always very impressive.
CATS is essentially an ensemble piece and, with such a large group of mixed ability, the singing can sometimes come across as rough and unpolished. Not so with this group! The blend of voices, particularly in their performance of ‘Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats’ was of a very professional standard. And as the various cat-characters emerged to reveal themselves, each performance was both competent, sure-footed and, most importantly, entertaining. It therefore seems unfair to single out individual performers but, even so, I feel drawn to mention at least three: firstly there was veteran Abbey performer Bill Calvert, surely perfectly cast as Gus, the ageing Theatre Cat, who delivered his piece with heart-breaking poignancy; then there was Jake Grainger as Magical Mr Mistoffelees, who displayed a masterful command of his choreography, whilst spreading fairy dust and shooting laser beams from his hands (paws); and finally, Ailsa McIntosh as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, displayed both her class and professionalism with a show-stopping performance of the climactic ‘Memory’.
Of course any piece of musical theatre is also dependent on the quality of the musical accompaniment. In this respect, it is important to acknowledge the contribution of the group of talented musicians, led by Musical Director Angela Guntrip, who made up the 12-piece orchestra. They dealt with the varying musical styles of Lloyd-Webber’s complex score with great skill and added that extra dimension to a show that only a live orchestra can.
Overall this was a production of both charm, spectacle, talent and skill – and a credit to all involved. I enjoyed it immensely. It is said that, when CATS first appeared, it raised musical theatre to new heights of creativity and success. With this production Abbey Musical Theatre has similarly been raised to those very same heights.
- : admin
- : 19/03/2018