Last Night of Strictly Musicals by Darlington Operatic Society

"One Day More......"

So, here we are, heading into the last show of the run, a show which has given so many people a fabulous night out, revisited old favourites and introduced new shows.  For those who have been following these blogs, you will know by now that Strictly Musicals is a smorgasbord of musical theatre barely letting the audience settle from one great number before hitting them again with another.  Chatting to some of last nights visitors, they were particularly impressed by the youthfulness of the cast, one wag stating that there's no way anyone over 30 could perform in this as it's too energetic.... well, I'll let you make your own minds up, but I think there may be a few on stage tonight who will be quite delighted to be grouped into that age demographic.

It's true that Strictly does showcase the younger members more than usual, but, with so many opportunities to share the spotlight, Joanne Hand and Michael Trotter were able to explore everyone's talents and give them a chance to shine.  There is actually a wonderful blend across the cast which, even in the short numbers is essential to give depth to the production, as an example Fran Hague gives a hard-worn belief to "Living on the Never Never" which wouldn't be there if sung by a teenager.

What is very encouraging is the way that the younger members have tackled the traditional songs with just as much vigour as the more modern numbers; Naomi Potts, as Nettie Folwer sings "June is busting out all over" and gives the audience a real sense that indeed, warm weather is just outside; Andrew Hamilton and Laura Rowlands duet on "Shall we Dance" is a magical blend of voices and a great example of their ranges - Andrew also takes a lead in both Barnum and Les Mis, Laura is a delightful Mary Poppins in Spoonful of Sugar, while Natasha Magee continues the King & I theme with a brilliantly acted cameo of a nervous Anna in "Whenever I Feel Afraid".

Continuing with the conversation about the age of the cast at full time, one number, above all others, stood out and really summed up the current DarlingtonOS - 'Our Time' from Merrily We Roll Along.  Female leads Megan Robson and Georgina Cornelius, together with a host of other younger members, left us in no uncertainty "We're the movers, we're the shapers, we're the names in tomorrow's papers".  A true insight into the future of DOS, and what a very healthy future it is,  Megan and Georgina are perfect examples of the depth of talent throughout the society.  With future leading men Hamish Sams and Ethan Hurworth both keeping the current top boys on their toes,the competition for future shows will be intense and that can only be good for everyone.

So, that brings me to the last number of the last show - for those of you who have been and seen you will know what a breathtaking spectacular it is, audiences have been on the edge of their seats desperate to get up and join in.  As the cast demand of Joanne Harker and Joanne Mason "Come on you Vantussles go and shake your fanny muscles" (and, after 10 shows, the two Jo's have the best fanny muscles on stage) so if you're going tonight then take your cue from the cast and give it everything you've got - after all "You Can't Stop the Beat!"

http://www.darlingtonoperaticsociety.org.uk/