From the moment you entered the theatre, you were swept back to a bygone age, with ladies in bonnets and friendly staff in striped livery. And what a theatre. The Silves Mascarenhas Gregorio seemed to be waiting for such a production, to show off its apt and glorious splendour.
The show was introduced by its garrulous Chairman, Chris Winstanley in the outrageous lexicographical, tortuously, tautological manner, as was traditional with old time variety shows. Having been supplied with song sheets and Union flags, with little encouragement audience participation was taken to a new realm.
The show opened with Les Girls doing a wonderful rendition of the Can Can. Having dealt with the robust beat of the opening set Musical Director, Ian Carfrae, then relaxed as the Company came on stage in spectacular costumes to lead the audience with “Down at the Old Bull and Bush” and many old favourites.
The sheer variety of acts was displayed with pieces performed by Karen Barroso and Jan Sheppeard as a “Couple of Swells”, Colin Burgess as George Formby plus David Butler-Cole, Gloria and Lara Costa giving the hysterical tale of “The Molecatcher”.
Space prevents a full listing of the performers, but standouts include a clever group of actors presenting the “Pheasant Plucking” routine, Karen Carfrae as Burlington Bertie and the wonderful Gloria Costa who “Wanted to sing in opera” as she fought Ian on keyboard with every note off key, rendering the audience helpless with laughter.
With a volte-face change of scene we were then introduced to David Butler-Cole’s sinister melodrama, with plenty of corny one liners and humorous innuendos, but which had the whole audience on the edge of their seats, whilst marvelling at the tram sets designed and built by B J Boulter and Dick Purcell.
We were brought back down to earth by the final assembly of the Company leading us through more familiar songs and ending with a rousing rendition of “The Lambeth Walk”.
Jan Sheppeard has done an outstanding job in putting together this production, and directing it all the way through from concept to opening night.
Leaving the theatre the whole audience was in joyful mood, particularly the lady who won the best-dressed hat competition, judged by Peter Morley who presented each evening’s winner with a suitable prize.
By Ray Bentley
Photographs by BJ Boulter
