High calibre show hits Goole stage
Published on 25th October 2007 in News
This year's Goole Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's production fulfilled every expectation of the high calibre of performance its annual audiences have grown used to.
Featuring songs from modern and classical musicals and operettas, the show boasted a strong line-up of numbers, with a talented cast and wonderful visual presentation.
The show opened with a bang - a whole company number of this year's Show Business. The costumes and presentation's splendour matched the song's powerful delivery, and gave the audience a taste of what was to come.
Whole company performances provided many highlights, including "Joseph" led by a talented Matthew Clarke, and "Dakota", featuring most of the cast. Dakota was a truly stunning number, with the cast carrying multi-coloured lanterns in a darkened auditorium.
Every performer on the stage gave it their all, and every harmony was sung so beautifully that it could not help but touch the audience.
Although for this reviewer the whole-company numbers were the most enjoyable to watch, there were many notable solo efforts.
Gareth Smith gave several brilliant performances with his bold voice, which could easily have been sung by someone twenty years his senior. Annual favourites such as Judith Turner, Phillip Sharp and Jane Saunders all delivered strong performances and much entertainment, especially in "Let's Do it", "Fox's Lair" and "Gimmick".
Indeed, "Fox's Lair" had the gentleman in the next seat to me crying with laughter. Some slightly newer faces also gave brilliant performances, including Amy Goddard, Michael Cowling and Joe Cox.
One of the most remarkable features of the Amateurs is the range of the ages of the performers. Taken from a wide cross-section of the community, the youngsters shine as well as the more experienced members. "Supercalafragalistic" showed the potential of the children; whilst "Vilia" demonstrated the stunning vocal power of the more mature female "Evergreens", as they are affectionally known.
The cast of young adults also stole the spotlight, especially in numbers like "Entertain You" and the marvellous "One".
This year's performance, as ever produced and directed by the indefatigable Doreen Chappell, MBE, was every bit as enchanting, entertaining and moving as those of previous years.
The Goole Amateurs are something that Goole can be really proud of, a true reflection of the community of our town and the show is the result of all their hard work.
That is why it is so surprising that the Amateurs' future in Goole is so uncertain, especially in view of how much pleasure and pride they bring to both themselves and the audiences who have watched their performances over the years.
I just hope that more can be done by the people who have the power to protect the Vermuyden School stage, and therefore the group's future.