Pirates of Penzance

Spargo spearheads 'Pirates'
Review from The Advertiser 16 March 1999
Louise NUNN

The Pirates of Penzance marks Northern Light Theatre Company's first foray into the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. In short, this highly energetic production sparkles, showing just what can be achieved in the theatre with a true team effort.

Ceri Hutton-Horner, in her first solo directing role, wonderfully handles a cast of 50 with help from effervescent musical director Matthew S. Barrowman and some fine choreography from Kerreane Wilkinson.

The trio demonstrates serious stage flair and savvy, stretching the actors but never forcing them beyond their abilities. Individually, some are stronger (and clearer) singers but the chorus work is a knockout.

Mark Homer displays talent and leader-ship as the Pirate King, Mandi Hill is a sweet-voiced Mabel, Megan Hendy an endearing nurse Ruth, while Paula Cooney--Williams stands out for her charm and restraint as one of the sisters.

As Major General Stanley multi-talented Damon Hill could perhaps follow the example of his fellow actors and rein things in a bit but his sets for the show are terrific.

Finally, I have not seen James Spargo before but his performance in the lead role of Frederic is outstanding. The star of the show, Spargo shines in the spotlight and is an invaluable ensemble member.

Still, The Pirates of Penzance is worth seeing for the pirates, daughters, chaperones and policemen all, as well as the spectacular finale, despite a hitch with the sound on opening night.

Mandi Hill and James Spargo

Mark Horner, Megan Hendy, and James Spargo

Damon Hill(Major General) and Pirates

Pirates in with cat like tread

The Police

Paula Cooney, Rebecca Vallen, & Donna Rojas

Borrowed Pirate ship stays afloat

Review from Messenger Press 17 March 1999

Reviewed by Rod Lewis

To be the very model of a modern major musical, the Northern Light Theatre Company has anchored itself firmly in farce for the nautical high jinks of The Pirates of Penzance.

The classic operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan - perhaps their best loved and most oft performed work - is the story of Frederic, mistakenly apprenticed to pirates at an early age and now free from his duty to find love and oppose the tyranny of those who raised him.

It's a comedy turned parody: Ceri Hutton-Horner's modern adaptation of the show borrows heavily from the highly successful Essgee production of recent years in an attempt to relive Simon Gallagher's high camp romp.

But without the status of Jon English to lead the cast, this production teeters on sinking at times, saved by the addition of some original humour and high-energy performances all round.

Even Kerreane Wilkinson's lively choreography borrows from the earlier production at times, but the execution of the well-rehearsed routines makes the stage come alive.

As a night of entertainment, this show is a riot and the energetic actors and musicians can be thrilled at surfing their way to relative victory.

More original humour and less mimicking of another's work, however, would have lessened the occasional need for a lifeboat.

Leading the cast as the Pirate King, Mark Homer tries in vain to be Jon English, but manages to camp up the character just enough in his own right to avoid walking the plank.

Actor James Spargo as the young Frederic is an all-round treasure chest, filled with the boyish charms needed for the character, a stunning singing voice and an energy that matches the rest of the ensemble.

Equally notable are Megan Hendy as nursemaid Ruth, and Damon Hill as the aged Major General. Both excel in their characters and in their musical numbers.

As Frederic's love interest, Mabel, Mandi Hill tackles some of the more operatic numbers delightfully but fishtails into a sea of disappointment when it comes to lending herself to the full range of her talents for characterisation.

The Major General and Daughters

Vaughan Harmer and Mandi Hill

Mark Horner and Kurtys Dolman

Vaughan Harmer breaks the physical stereotype of the Sergeant of Police and offers perhaps the most original characterisation in the play with great success. 

The chorus is strong on diction, which is something individual performers lack despite singing beautifully to most of the adapted musical score.

Is that something musical director Matthew Barrowman should have seen to?

From the Disney inspired set of the second act to the Titanic finale The Pirates of Penzance is a most ingenious paradox.

On the one hand, it's notable for the non-stop fun and dynamism of the sea-faring felons, and on the other, for the disappointingly uninspired adaptation of the tale.

The Rhythm of Life

"Rhythm of Life rates a 10 on the 'happy to be alive' scale"
Review
Rod LEWIS

The Northern Light Theatre Company has both rhythm and life in its must-see revue, Rhythm of Life.

Titled after the show stopping song from the musical Sweet Charity, the show is perhaps the best amateur review to hit this side of the 21st Century under the tight direction of Fran Edwards.

It's a punchy, wisecracking celebration of life, love and the pursuit of merriment, moving from birth to death and back again as the cast of 24 takes a new look at life and what it's all about.

Theresa Dolman steals the show hands down with her outrageous comedy as the evening's master of ceremonies, using characterisations, quips and observations to keep the audience rolling in the aisles.

The performers keep the action flowing from musical number to musical number offering tributes to rock'n'roll, Glen Miller, film and musical shows such as 'Les Miserables', 'Chicago' and 'Sweet Charity'.

From the high-energy opening featuring the theme to the television sitcom Friends - I'll Be There For You - the energy never ceases and the quality never slips. The musical direction, by Matthew Barrowman, Mark Horner and others, is as sharp as a knife. And with Mark Horner conducting, the five-piece orchestra is as fine-tuned as the best of them.

Highlights of the 2 1/2 hour show include both of Phil Lamb's solo numbers, a magnificent rendition of Cell Block Tango from the hit play Chicago, and a '70's disco medley incorporating the Village People, ABBA and three drag queens lip-syncing I Will Survive.

Great choreography, costumes and sound, and the best selection of songs you're likely to find in one show make Rhythm of Life a Bo Derek 10 that makes you happy to be alive!

Bugsy Malone

"Bugsy' delivers a talent night for pint-size gangsters"
Review
Matt BYRNE

If more kids knew how much fun theatre was, what a wonderful world it would be!

No such problem for Northern Light's Bugsy Malone which features at least 60 kids generally having the time of their lives in this underage prohibition era gangsters poof that began life as a film and made it to the legitimate stage with tongue firmly in cheek.

This riotous show - with music and lyrics from Paul Williams and book by Alan Parker - is a very good excuse to let kids loose on stage.

Director Richard Trengove delivers a clever, if disjointed, production that has plenty of laughs and loads of style and a cast that goes right over the top with enthusiasm and a real joy for being out there.

Musical Director Megan Hendy gets plenty of voice out of the big cast and choreographer Kerreane Wilkinson does a grand job with the big '20s nightclub numbers, like Fat Sam's Grand Slam.

Kurtys Dolman conducts the speakeasy orchestra, which needs a bit more oomph to match the energy on stage.

Jason Artis has the right laid-back approach to the title role of Bugsy, narrating the show and keeping the plot bubbling. Rachel Rai blossoms as the nightclub hopeful Blousey Brown, particularly in her solo, Ordinary Fool, and Teagan Gully is a class act of the future as the club's star attraction Tallulah, grabbing the spotlight in My Name is Tallulah.

David York makes a mighty meal of the plum role of Fat Sam, Scott Godfrey puts plenty of punch into the the role of the pugilistic Leroy and there are plenty of other good contributions and some delightful cameos, like Andrew Nunn as Baby Face - Micky Rooney eat your heart out!

One of the real surprise packets is Phillip Wolfendale who, as the ambitious janitor Fizzy, captures a rare patch of pathos in his soulful solo, Tommorow.

Dandy Dan and his gang's splurge guns string the action along, Ann Humphries' costumes add plenty of atmosphere and Damon Hill's nightclub stage design works a treat.

Its great to see Northern tackling a new family show and it should pick up pace and precision as the season progresses.

I've never seen the film version but I am glad to have seen the stage show - just watch out for the cream pies and the gangster's constant urge to splurge!

From Left: Mim, Cathy, Teegan, Peta, Donna, Ellyanne, Ceri, And Paula 

Peta Neivelstein and Ceri Horner are Going to the Chappell