Review from The Luton News
Another good show for CSYMT - but not without its behind the scenes drama once again.
I understand that the young man due to play Don became ill and a replacment, Tim Minshull, was found with just over a week to go to the show. The Production Team (Stuart Farrar, Sarah Albert and Martin Hart), Tim himself and the rest of the cast obviously put in a lot of work in order to integrate him into the show and they all did a great job. Tim seemed a little unsure at the start of his songs, but gained confidence as he went along, although I thought the sound was a little suspect at times in some of his numbers. But his natural exuberance carried him through and everyone gave us a really fun show, with those great numbers that were a part of my youth - such happy memories!
I loved Joe Price's characterisation of Edwin - a real comedy performance which Joe kept going the whole way through. This young man has come on in leaps and bounds, while Luke Storey also gave a believable and well thought-out performance. Elly Farrar played suitably demure Barbara, unsure of herself snd what she wanted to happen in her life, with Hayley Thompson as her mother giving another well-defined performance. Difficult to believe that she is so young - she got the essence of an older person so well, although I thought when she portrayed the anger of the woman it was sometimes a little too high-pitched and we weren't always able to hear what she said. The interaction between her and Sam Gower as Barbara's long-suffering agent, was good. Sam gave a lovely comic performance, although he did tend to slip out of character from time to time. I really liked the three girls Doh, Ray & Me. They gave the impression of really being a girl group, looked the part and sang well together but were three very different characters. I particularly liked Caroline Fitch's ditzy blonde. The electronic London bus was an excellent idea which the audience found hilarious and it got a round of applause. But I think the set of the bus was a little to big and cumbersome for the stage and needed at least the impression of an upstairs (although I know height must have been a consideration). The flats with map detail were well thought out. The scene changes were accomplished fairly quickly considering the complexity, but in the main they were accompanied by super Shadows numbers, which kept the mood and interest going. Lighting was as always good and created some interesting effects. Good to see Martin Hart as MD. The band he'd put together got the feel and flavour of the era, with three good guitarists among the line-up, although I felt the electric guitar was perhaps a little loud in some of the songs which didn't do the singers any favours. Also, the underscore was too evident in some places, always a tricky balance. The main chorus numbers were well choreographed, with plenty of energy from the cast. These enthusiastic youngsters made this a show that left you with the feel-good factor.
Nova Horley
DID YOU KNOW...?
Before filming Summer Holiday Cliff Richard lost weight from 12 to 11 stone - the same weight he remains today.
In the Really Waltzing sequence, Cliff dropped co-star Lauri Peters at the end of their dance routine which can only be seen on the big screen version of the film.
Barbara Streisand was suggested for the role of Barbara but British Producers decided she wasn't well known enough!
Lauri Peters sang a duet with Cliff on A Swinging Affair but the voice actually heard was that of Grazina Fame.
Cliff was coached (sorry for the pun!) for the film by London Transport at the Chiswick depot.
Lauri Peters was married to actor Jon Voight whose real life daughter is Angelina Jolie.