1:49pm Saturday 25th October 2008
By Stephanie Tye
THROUGHLY Modern Millie was never going to be an easy show for an amateur company to put on.
For a start certain members of the cast have to speak in Cantonese, there are several different dialects to tackle, huge set changes that need to happen instantly and that’s all before you even look at the music itself.
But the Salos cast and crew deserve a standing ovation for their efforts in bringing 1920s New York to Swindon.
Director Russell Langdown has done a sterling job and gotten the best out of both the score and his cast.
Heather Reynolds, who took the lead role of Millie Dillmount, set the standard from her flawless opening number and the show only got better as it went on.
The stenographers pool choreography was an impressive feat, which saw Millie and co at their desks on wheels, tapping away at the keys before wheeling their way around the stage in time to the music - no easy task.
Margaret Price as Mrs Meers brought out the panto villian in the character and there were even a few boo, hisses from the back of the auditorium, while Martin Read, James Canning and Sarah Covey all brought their own unique qualities to their roles.
There were a few technical hitches with the screen that translated the Cantonese lyrics into English for the audience, but I doubt many members of the audience noticed as whenever they were on stage Kevin Dawkins and Ed Le Coyte stole the show.
Everyone from the principals, to the orchestra, to the set designers deseve a round of applause.
The only downside of the show for me were some rather noisy set changes that took place during other numbers. It pulled focus away from what were some superbly performed songs by the principals.
This production of Throughly Modern Millie is throughly enjoyable and a must-see for anyone who likes their musicals - and even those who don’t.
Throughly Modern Millie runs until Saturday. Tickets cost from £11 and are available from the box office or by calling 01793 524481.
In response to this review, we received this from Amy Francome...
I went to see the SALOS production of TMM last Friday and read the review on the internet on Saturday.
Although the review was fine I felt it did not fully articulate just how good some of the performances are in this show. Heather Reynolds is truly outstanding, with her awesome dancing, beautiful singing and very characterful acting she makes the part of "Millie" all her own.
Sarah Covey also shows why she has won the Swindon fesitival twice with stunning vocals and a delightfully dippy characterisation.
With James and Alison Canning you have some great experience to back them up - again great singing and acting.
Margaret Price, together with Ed Le Coyte and Kevin Dawkins are hillarious as the villains of the piece and Martin Read shows he can be a smooth operator.
Unlike many amateur shows there is not even a weak "bit part" in this performance. Many congratulations to all involved.
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