Tasker Milward V.C School presents... Little Shop of Horrors
Tasker Milward School's long awaited production of The Little Shop of Horrors in March went down a storm with packed out halls on each performance.
The the popular motown inspired musical depicting the disastrous set of consequences which unfold as a carnivorous plant is introduces to a flower shop on Skid Row.
From the moment the curtains opened, the months of hard work, creativity and rehearsing were immediately evident in a strong, colourful chorus line-up as the school's performers belted out their opening number.
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Every base was covered in this large scale school production; with the extensive use of technology and space, their fifties-style costume and scenery and the sixties motown inspired band adding to its very professional overall effect.
The carefully picked out main cast used clip-on microphones for better voice projection, which proved slightly unpredictable at times but nevertheless enhanced performance.
The microphones were also used on the Ronnettes, a group of shoop shoop girls who appear on scenes throughout the musical performing the all-important narrative in song. One or two of the Ronnettes were let down at times by faults in the sound system, as were one or two other members of the cast, particularly in musical items where vocal harmonies were concerned.
The cast compensated for these occasional problems with sparkling and energetic performances. Ian Harvey gave a convincing performance as the shy and geeky shop boy-Seymour, Josh Britton fell into the role of Mr Mushnik with considerable ease- although perhaps wasn't quite so accustomed to the singing aspect of the role.
Rebecca Phillips put on a fantastic squeaky American accent to complement her damsel in distress' interpretation of battered beauty, Audrey. Like the Ronnettes Rebecca excelled in her vocal performance hitting all the notes with plenty of soul.
However, the biggest voice of the night had to be that to the deadly plant, Audrey II. Natalie Gunner warbled some brilliantly funky and charismatic solo numbers with the use of what has to be well developed set of lungs by anyone's standards.
Matthew Jones stole the show as the vile, sadistic dentist/ Elvis wannabe- Orin- who, despite playing Audrey's arrogant, abusive boyfriend, managed to endear himself to the audience with his excellent stage prowess and humour that evoked side-splitting laughter from the audience.
There was evidence of good attention to detail throughout show. The set and props were well thought out and the puppeteers for Audrey II were on the ball throughout.
One inventive scene conveyed the passing of time with the loud ticking of a clock coupled with freeze frames on stage and there were special effects including the use of strobe lighting to depict a storm.
A captivating and professional musical performance that left a lasting impression was the end result of Tasker Milward School's hard work and preparation over the months prior to its staging.
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