September in The Rain @ Darlington Civic

Thompson and Sweeney are utterly believable and totally charming

The latest in a long line of John Godber plays to be staged at Darlington Civic, September in the Rain is a delightful memory trip back to days of pre-M62, pit weeks, the tower ballroom and, ultimately, what is there to do in Blackpool, in September, in the rain?.

Told in flashback, Liz (Claire Sweeney) and Jack (John Thomson) relive instances over the years from their annual summer trips to Blackpool; the wide eyed innocence of their first holiday together, the playful arguments as they settle into a knowing routine, the challenges of trying to keep their relationship together once the kids have grown and left and then the resigned acceptance that they really are perfect for each other.

Don't think for one moment that this is simply a love fest charting an unrealistic ideal of prefect harmony; the arguments will ring true with everyone who has ever been in a relationship and gone on holiday and provide a delicious yet sobering recognition that we've all been there, done that, said those things.  Acutely accurate in even the tiniest of details, September in the Rain is never preachy about how relationships should work, it simply provides a mirror upon which the audience can see themselves.

Claire Sweeney once again proves that she is a wonderful actress, her performance never seeks for pity or sympathy and remains, with an inner strength enough for the both of them, still obviously in love with Jack despite his seemingly lack of romance or feelings.  John Thomson has in Jack a perfect role through which he can deliver his northern 'charm', often slipping towards one of his early stand up characters of Bernard Righton but never played simply for comedic effect and always remaining truthful and believable as a hard working, hard playing guy (especially his offering of a 'oncer').

If you have ever taken a break to a British seaside resort or have family members who have a routine of doing so year after year (I have!) then you will instantly recognise Liz & Jack - depending on your age they maybe the couple who used to come on the works coach trip, they might be the couple who you see every year at the same boarding house or they just could be you, yourselves.

September in the Rain is on at Darlington Civic until Saturday 28th September.

Strictly Musicals by Darlington Operatic Society - interview with Leighton Taylor

"It's like the motion of the ocean and the sun in the sky"

There are some things in life that you just can't stop; Sun rise in the east, newspaper headlines denoting “Phew, Wot a Scorcher!” when we’ve had a reasonably warm Saturday, Sunderland’s inevitable slide down the premier league,  Christmas TV adverts in September (yes, I’ve already seen one this week).  Well now add another to the list - the momentum and excitement surrounding Darlington Operatic Society’s autumn show, Strictly Musicals.

Following on from my previous blogs, I popped down on Sunday to watch the latest rehearsals, and once again I left with a childlike impatience for opening night – one which is probably not shared yet by the cast & crew as there are still 4 full weeks of rehearsals, dress, set & tech to run through.

The first number was a duet from Phantom which halted everyone coming into the hall mid step.  Whilst many of the pieces in the show are big, stage filling show tunes, this one is as intimate as you can get in any theatrical production and yet, instead of it providing a respite from the intensity of the high octane dancing, will serve to only heighten the audiences’ involvement and embrace with the stage.  It wasn’t until after the last note had ended that I realised I had been holding my breath and that will undoubtedly be the same effect come opening night.

The second number we watched was the stage filling finale; a riotous conclusion to the
2 hours of singing and dancing worthy of closing any production.  Once again, Jo Hand has produced a number which is so very much more than the sum of its parts (and there's 47 on stage by the end) – I was lucky to be able to see it built and then ran through a few times and I needed a few watches just to catch sight of all the layers of movement, interaction and timing – this one will give the audience every opportunity and reason to get up out of their seats and will be, without doubt, a water cooler moment for the day after.

While at rehearsals I caught a quick chat with one of the Society’s newer members, Leighton Taylor who kindly answered a few questions:

AB - Firstly, when did you start with DOS and what prompted you to get involved ?

LT - I joined DOS in 2011 though due to work commitments in Cleethorpes I did not take part in a show until Titanic in 2012.  The reason I joined was due to the fact that my partner had moved back to the north east and was looking for something to fill the void left by not performing during his studies. As a performer myself I came along to tap class and chorus rehearsal and found the people very welcoming. This might be because I somehow managed to tap dance into a wall backwards.

AB - Which of the shows that you have been involved with has been your favourite (and why) ?

LT - It's hard to say which show has been my favourite as they each have very special memories.  Titanic was my first show which makes it very significant. It was also a show where not only did you want to entertain the audience but honour the memory of those who you are portraying. As it was also 100 years after the actual event it made it even more special.  Footloose was an amazing experience. The atmosphere throughout the whole of rehearsals was electric. Every member of the cast was excited to be in the show and the reaction from the crowd every night was nothing I had ever experienced before. The Sound of Music was a show which I had to be a part of due to the sheer popularity of the musical. Even though it there was not much to do, I enjoyed the backstage banter with other cast members and had a chance to shine by hosting the warm up for the sing-a-long, drawing on my experience as a presenter for Haven Holidays.

AB - What do you find the biggest challenge when starting prep for a new show?

LT - The biggest challenge for any actor is perfecting the character you have been given to play. You can learn the words, harmonies, dance routines and direction, but without a convincing character, the performance can fall apart.  The support we receive over the months and weeks of rehearsal makes the learning less stressful.

AB - ‘Strictly’ is a different type of show with so many musical numbers – how are you coping with remembering the setting for such a variety of different styles ?

LT - Luckily for DOS, we have a very talented cast for Strictly Musicals. We also have a director who understands that people have different capabilities and strengths that are stronger in different areas of performance.  The only things I am having trouble with at the moment is the dance moves (ED really ? cos your freestyle in the finale looks spot on good). But hopefully they will be smoothed out in the next five weeks.

AB - Which number are you most looking forward to  (don’t worry, I won’t give any secrets away  ) ?

LT - If I tell you I would have to kill you. (ED - gulp!)

AB - What would your dream role be, and just as importantly, which leading lady would you most like to star alongside?

LT - My dream role would be the Emcee in cabaret. I wouldn't like to choose just one
leading lady as I feel it would make the others jealous.

AB - What advice can you give to someone who is interested in theatre but doesn’t feel that they can sing or dance well enough to be in a show ?

LT - If you have the passion and the willing to learn then I would always say that a society like DOS is always a good place to start. You will find people that have the same interests as you and are passionate about the same things as you are.

I have met some of my best friends through joining DOS.

Thanks to Leighton for spending time out of a hectic schedule to give an insight into life as a 'DOSser'.

This next week the cast will be performing the first full non-stop run through and also finalising their costumes.  Things are certainly moving at a pace so if you haven't got your tickets yet , don't delay - miss it, miss out !

Strictly Musicals is on at Darlington Civic theatre from October 23^rd until November 2^nd.  Tickets are available through the website www.darlingtonoperaticsociety.org.uk

Strictly Musicals by Darlington Operatic Society - interview with Joanne Hand, Director

5 weeks to go ...............

Following on from last weeks initial preview of Darlington Operatic Society's forthcoming production, Strictly Musicals, I was allowed back to watch another number being set.  This time is was an evocative and rousing piece from Evita.  Director Joanne opened the session by exclaiming that this was one of the easier numbers (!?!) but nonetheless needed absolute concentration to ensure it continued to look easy.  All I know is that after a 2 hour workout of both the mental & physical the component parts came together into another stunning and exciting number adding to the already bulging set list.

Again, I marvelled at the ability of the cast to focus on their stage positions, remember their dance moves (which for this piece have a tango/flamenco feel) and still manage to sing, in harmony and in breath.  Of course, this is only one of over 24 numbers that will be performed, proving that staging and performing a show like this is as much a test of memory & mental ability as it is of song & dance.  I couldn't help but feel a swell of excitement akin to the build up to Christmas - you know it's coming, you know it's going to be great but you still aren't sure exactly what you're going to get (well, I have a better idea than most but I'm not telling !)

As promised last week, I was able to grab a little time out of Director & Choreographer Jo's very busy diary to ask a few questions:

AB - Strictly is a full-on musical review / concert – how different is it to design & set this type of show compared to a traditional show with dialogue and a few musical numbers ?

JH - the main difference is that from the outset you have no set parameters to work from.  For normal 'book' shows eg 'The Sound of Music' you are provided with the libretto and associated songs and for this kind of show you are literally starting with a blank page.  For a book musical you know the songs come in a particular order, there are certain key companies who provide the set, the orchestrations demand a set number of instruments and musicians, the parts are fairly defined for the performers and the costumes need to fit a set period or look demanded by the piece.  In this kind of show none of those are in place.  You determine the songs, the order, the theme, the look, the staging and set and cast required.  In many ways its a lot more work than a book musical but provides great opportunities for large numbers of performers to be featured.  In most musicals there are a limited number of lead players whereas this kind of show allows us to showcase the breadth of talent that exists within the company.

AB - What was the process for deciding which numbers made it into the show, were there any you knew immediately to avoid, and any which you wished you could have included ?

JH -I think this was probably the hardest choice.  There are so many great songs in musical theatre and I could have easily had a show that lasted 6 hours if I wasn't careful!  I worked the concept around a loose theme of songs from shows that were nominated or had won Tony and / or Olivier awards.  If nothing else it helped me to start cutting things down.  In a show like this its important to consider the balance of content so - ballads vs upbeat numbers, dramatic pieces vs lighthearted pieces, full company numbers vs solos, duets and trios.  You also have to consider what will work for the band you have.  We wanted there to be a comfortable balance of the classics and also provide some pieces from lesser known musicals to give the audience something new as well.  You also have to consider what songs work 'out of context' of a show.  There are many shows that I adore but the songs are quite specific to the storyline and therefore don't necessarily work in a concert style setting.  There are still songs now that I wish I had been able to include but they would have had to be at the expense of another number - maybe we will have to consider 'Strictly Musicals 2' (ed - you heard it here first, folks)

AB - You’ve worked with DOS since Oliver! in 1993, what changes have you seen in the past 20 (gulp) years ?

JH - The society has changed a lot since my initial association but the constant has been the quality of productions which has always been incredibly high and something the society has prided itself on.  Like any good organisation, DarlingtonOS had had to modernise to keep up with things like technological changes.  20 years ago I am not sure we even knew what a website was - now I don't think we could do without it.  We communicate with the cast in a number of different ways as well regarding social events, changes to rehearsals etc eg SMS messages, Facebook, online surveys etc which solely relied on someone making loads of phonecalls when I first started.  I think we try to celebrate our heritage and are very proud of where the society has come from but at the same time know that we all have a duty to make sure the society is here in another 50-100 years.

AB -The ratio of girls to boys looks around 2:1 – does this have any influence when deciding on which shows to put on ?

JH - The cast for Strictly Musicals is only a selection of our full membership.  As we stage 2 musicals per year we hold auditions for each show and then select the cast to meet the specific demands of that show.  We are quite fortunate in Darlington that we have a relatively high number of young men involved in the society.  Women still outnumber men but we always get new men wanting to join us every 6 months when we hold our new members auditions.

AB - I’ve watched as you set a couple of numbers and the preparation is phenomenal - What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in getting Strictly ready for rehearsals ?

JH - I think as with most musicals 50% of the work is done before you even get to the first rehearsal.  By the time it comes to setting you have to have been able to visualise how the number will look in its finished state with the lighting, staging, performers and any other effects.  In Strictly Musicals we have a cast of 47 so the full company numbers take a lot of planning of how to move the cast from A to B ensuring the soloist is where they need to be by a specific bar of music.  I think the biggest challenge for Strictly has probably just been ensuring that the running order allows for costume changes, mic changes and balancing out the voice parts in the various numbers.  As I love a good spreadsheet once that was cracked it really is just business as usual

AB - Do you have any superstitions or lucky routines for opening night ?

JH - No - I don't believe in superstitions.  I think I am too practical.  I believe more in hard work and organisation and those things will see you right on the night.

AB - If you could stage & direct one show (regardless of cost, venue needed, production etc) which would it be ?

JH - Probably a few different ones for different reasons so its difficult to tie it down to one.  Les Mis as a 'biggie'  - its the show that really turned me onto musical theatre and I love the various interweaving storylines and the music and of course to stage this with a fantastic full working set and large company would be fantastic.  On the other extreme I would love to direct 'Parade' in a black box with a small cast or 'Drowsy Chaperone' which is a fantastic show within a show.

AB - Have you any advice for someone who is interested in theatre but feels that they could never sing, dance, act well enough to take a part ?

JH - There are so many ways to be involved other than being on stage which are just as rewarding if not more so.  As well as the people taking part on stage, DarlingtonOS has a range of backstage helpers ranging from props and costume departments to crew, lighting and sound.  All of these departments are vital to the final production that the audience sees and we are always on the look out for willing volunteers.

AB - Which number are you most excited about

JH - Gosh - not really sure.  I think I am looking forward to just in general seeing all the bits coming together so when you get the choreography on stage with the lighting, costume and LED screen and it looks somewhat like it did in your head then thats always exciting.  I liked xxxxxxxxx when I was setting it and am pleased with how that is turning out as I have a solid group of really good girls.  I also like how the xxxxx number is coming along from a dance perspective.  Of course the sheer power of 47 people singing 'xxxxxxxx' always brings a tingle to my spine. (ED - you really didn't think I was going to let you know which ones Jo chose - you'll just have to come and see for yourself !!)

Well folks, that wraps it up for this blog, the excitement is definitely building and we have yet to see costumes, set and the use of some very clever tech - look out for the next preview blog where I will have caught up with some of the society's members & cast to get their thoughts on preparing for autumn spectacular.

Strictly Musicals is on at Darlington Civic from 23rd October to the 2nd November - check out the website for more details and to purchase tickets (better hurry, they are selling like the proverbial cakes of heat)  http://www.darlingtonoperaticsociety.org.uk/

Dreamboats and Petticoats @ Darlington Civic

A fun filled show packed with the songs of yester-year and starring Mr Fabulous, Mark Wynter.

Dreamboats has been around for quite a few years and doesn't show any signs of slowing down - I'm not sure by now how many new fans it will be attracting, but it has very loyal patronage , many of whom go to relive their youth to the soundtrack of over 50 all time classics (Apologies if I sound like the adverts from Shopping TV that play continuously from 2am till breakfast news). The story is the usual fare of teenagers in love, rivals, unrequited attraction, new kid rebel and of course the big happy ending.

The script and the story are reminiscent of a game we used to play - see how many song titles you can get into your English essay.  I'm not knocking it, in fact, given the current economic and political climate there is need for more escapism, so whether you remember how life was when these songs were first penned or have come to know them from film scores, adverts and parents (grand parents ?) there is no denying that you will leave this show feeling like you've had a few hours without a care in the world.

Songs in the 60's were written and performed with radio and jukebox in mind and had to compete with thousands of others; as such they needed an instant hook and, often only lasting 3 minutes,  were hi octane, hi energy - easy to perform one at a time, but when there's over 50 to do a test of stamina which those running the Great North Run this weekend would probably avoid.  As expected for a teen-based story, most of the cast are clearly in their late teens, early twenties but they were totally eclipsed by the star of the show, the ever young Mark Wynter.  Although Mr Wynter has a very impressive resume covering nearly 50 years of theatre and TV roles, it is his singing career, started back in the early 60's, that the majority of the audience remember him for - 9 top 40 hits including Venus in Blue Jeans, Go Away Little Girl and It's Almost Tomorrow.  Still as silky smooth as ever and demonstrating energy and athleticism which puts the younger cast to shame, my only regret last night was not taking my Mum to see it - Mark was one of her all-time favourites and still is.

There are some who disparagingly refer to these type of shows as 'Jukebox Operas' - shame really as the term is quite fitting in a complimentary way - operas were always seen as a clever way to set a story to music (sometimes popular, sometimes eclectic) and carried quite a reverence bordering on snobbery;  Dreamboats is no less of a show than Carmen or La Boheme or Aida, it's just set in a different time, plays to a different audience and it's easier to remember the words.

Dreamboats and Petticoats is on at Darlington Civic until Saturday 14th September, tickets from the Darlington Civic website, so dig out your winkle pickers, bobby socks and Brillcream and bob till you drop

Rehearsals & Behind the scenes of Strictly Musicals by Darlington Operatic Society

Let the countdown begin .....

With only 6 weeks to go before curtain up, this is the first of a series of blogs giving a peek behind the scenes as Darlington Operatic Society prepare for their Autumn show - Strictly Musicals, all your favourite musicals in one spectacular show - and to meet some of the stars of what is undoubtedly going to be yet another mega smash hit in their long line of fab productions.

For some, Sunday mornings are all about having a lie in, lazily reading the papers, perhaps a leisurely walk to the pub or catching up on the weeks Sky+, but not for the dedicated cast & crew of 'DOS';  they are working mighty hard to ensure that their latest musical extravaganza is practically perfect in every way, and on today's showing it's going to be breathtaking from curtain up to their last encore.  Many had been up well before Dawn*, stretching, flexing and readying themselves for the physical and mental tests ahead.

The task of taking some of the biggest West End and Broadway show tunes from the past 80 years and moulding them into a unique song and dance review full of energy, passion and excitement lies on the slender, but no less strong shoulders of Director and Choreographer Joanne Hand .  Make no bones about it, such a review is far more demanding than any usual production - each number needs to capture its essence, emotion and purpose but has to do so without the preamble of the original production from which it is taken.  Song choice is therefore uber important to ensure that there remains a flow throughout and Joanne has styled a show which will not only bring hit after hit to the Civic stage, but will serve to showcase the depth of talent which the Society has in its ranks.

I was unaware just how hard it is for adult 'amateur' production companies to get permission to stage some of our most famous musicals; schools and youth theatres have relatively easy access to them, but as Julian Cound, marketing manager and one of the leading men at DOS explained, once you move into adult production the performing rights owners are very guarded about who & what they allow; so much so that even recognisable dance steps and costumes are often prohibited from being 'copied'.  All this adds to the challenge faced by Joanne, but on today's showing, it's a challenge which she not only relishes, but overcomes with aplomb.

Today's rehearsals focused on running through 4 key numbers (I could tell you which ones, but then I risk being shot) plus the 'setting' for two more (I'm already learning the terms).  The cast already know their singing parts so this was very much focused on the dance & stage routines; at over 4 hours rehearsal today covering approximately a 5th of the overall show, and being only one of 3 rehearsal sessions this week,  it was a clear demonstration of the amount of time and effort everyone puts into ensuring the show will be ready for first night.  Lest we forget, this is an amateur production company but with dedication and passion that would put many professional groups to shame.

What was very evident is the genuine enthusiasm with which everyone approaches their parts; forget any preconceived ideas of rehearsals being a quick watch from the front and then everybody is step perfect;  these numbers need the utmost concentration coupled with precision timing (and knowing your left from right - and whose left & whose right) while singing, acting and being aware of the audience.  With up to 40 people on stage, many of the numbers are multi-layered with multiple cues,  harmonies and counter points so it is testament to the dedication of the cast that they very quickly grasped their directions for each number and did so while still smiling - after all , it is meant to be fun.

I left today's rehearsals with a head full of tunes (which no doubt I will be humming in my  sleep), a greater insight into the complexities of choreographing (it's all done with numbers and letters, like A level maths, only much harder)  plus I now know the difference between my Dozy Doe, my Grapevine and a Shadows Step, just don't ask me to show you.

"Strictly Musicals" will be a night filled with music & dance from the nations favourite shows including Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Chicago, Beauty & The Beast, Matilda, Blood Brothers and many, many more.  

The show runs from 23rd October to the 2nd November at Darlington Civic and tickets are available from the website http://www.darlingtonoperaticsociety.org.uk/tickets/