Just So
Fri, 01/13/2012 - 19:30 - Sat, 01/21/2012 - 19:30
WELL, it was Friday 13th and it was the first night, so I think I must forgive the company for the fact that the show -production team Lesley Lock & Lisa Miller (directors), Alastair Hume (musical director) and Claire Camble-Hutchins (choreographer) - began with a sound imbalance which meant the music drowned out the performers. Although things got considerably better in that respect as the evening progressed, it seemed all the way through that some people’s mics were on occasion not turned on – and the De La Salle is a big hall in which to make yourself heard without help. This Stiles and Drewe musical can also be vocally challenging, so all credit to the company for taking up the challenge and, by and large, succeeding so well.
The very charming story centres round the Eldest Magician (Peter Nunan), who, with the Kolokolo Bird, helps the Elephant’s Child to stop the Crab playing with the sea and causing tidal waves. There are stunning performances from youngsters Ollie Slee and Ella Josey in the roles of the Elephant’s Child and the Kolokolo Bird. Both have lashings of stage presence and smashing voices, and Ella’s costume and make-up are absolutely fantastic. Indeed, a lot of thought has clearly gone into all the costumes, which really are excellent.
This is a show that has scope for first-class characterisations and there are certainly some in this production. Tony Edwards’ Parsee Man, Martin Jones’ Rhino, Rosie Hodgkinson’s Giraffe, Jenni French and Rachel Mackrell’s Zebras, John Sivewright’s Kangaroo and especially Olly Faulkner’s Jaguar and Rob Arrowsmith’s Leopard are all mouth-wateringly delicious.
There is good chorus work too, and the choreography is extremely impressive, as are the lighting effects, set and props. The band, playing for what I believe is the first time under the stage rather than at the side (was that why their sound was tweaked up, I wonder?), also make an impressive sound.
There are more performances this week on Saturday and Sunday, and next week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
