"The Sorcerer" by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

St Peter's Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Ravenshead.

Ravenshead Village Hall.

Due to a busier than usual week, Saturday afternoon is the only time I've been able to see this production; and I couldn't wait as I'd not seen "The Sorcerer" previously.

I love a good old Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, and it's been too long since I indulged myself, so thank goodness that St Peter's Gilbert & Sullivan Society invited me along to see this year's choice of Gilbert and Sullivan.

It may sound strange but Gilbert & Sullivan were, to me anyway, the 1800's equivalent of Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Their songs from their operettas are instantly recognisable as being from them. They have a style and sound of their own, which is what made Stock, Aitken & Waterman the hitmakers of the 80's and 90's; tuneful, memorable and an instantly recognisable sound.

"The Sorcerer" was the British duo's third operatic collaboration. "The Sorcerer" is based on a Christmas story, "An Elixir of Love", that Gilbert wrote for The Graphic magazine in 1876. A young man, Alexis, is obsessed with the idea of love levelling all ranks and social distinctions. To promote his beliefs, he invites the proprietor of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers, to brew a love potion. This causes everyone in the village to fall in love with the first person they see and results in the pairing of comically mismatched couples. In the end, Wells must sacrifice his life to break the spell.

There's no need for me to tell you that every performer has a fabulous voice as that goes without saying; it's not just anybody who gets taken on by a Gilbert and Sullivan Society, you know!

Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, an elderly Baronet, is played by John Carter.

Alexis, his son, is played by Andrew Rushton, who I last saw as Nanki Poo in St Peter's production of "The Mikado". 

Dr Daly, Vicar of Ploverleigh is played by Max Taylor.

The Notary is played by Chris Kenny in his first Principal role for the society.

Lady Sangazure, a Lady of Ancient Lineage, is played by George Lee.

Aline, her Daughter, betrothed to Alexis, is played by Joanne Kay, who I've known for a few years now and has the most beautiful of voices and so right for Gilbert and Sullivan's work. 

Mrs. Partlet, a Pew Opener, which by the way is someone in charge of the keys for a church and its' pew boxes, is played by Jane Stubbs. 

Constance, her Daughter is played by Helen Kirk, who is also the wardrobe mistress.

John Wellington Wells, of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers is played by James Dean. Now, I've saved James until the last Principal because, by the reaction of the audience, James was the show favourite. One of the most entertaining and comical magician was of course the legendary Tommy Cooper, so who else to channel for this titular role. James even does a quick Tommy Cooper routine for his final bow.

There's also a massive Chorus of Villagers that flood the stage and they are.....

Angela Eminson (Lady Psyche), Bev Footit (Ralph, the Gardener), Cynthia Marriott (Ruth Penzance), Dawn McGlasham (Zara dramleigh), Helen Taylor (Elsie Maynard), Honor Eldred ((Lady Isobel Stanley), Honor Grantham (Casilda), Isabel Buchan (Iolanthe), Jan Hodgetts (Gianetta), Karen Turner (Lady Blanche), Lynda Tongue (Leila Goldbury), Louisa Sparkle (Zorah), Malcolm Swift (Wilfred Shadbolt), Nona Sheriston (Lady Saphir), Par Summerfield (Lady Sophy), Peter Dowling (Willis), Ralph Tongue (Murgatroyd), Rosie Riley (Ella Grosvenor), Stephen Chaytow (Colonel Calverley), Tom Levey (Arthur Fitzbattleaxe), Tony Pinchbeck (Wilfred Fairfax) and Val Green (Lady Kate Stanley).

The three young village boys were played brilliantly by Frederick Lee, Frank Lee and Charlie Marsh.

The young dancers were Polly Napthine, Hatti Watson, Charlotte Farnie, Kacie Jepson and Jasmine Beeton.

Stephen Godward is the Stage and Musical Director, and what he doesn't know about this art form really is not worth knowing. Stephen also knows what an audience wants and how to insert that into Gilbert and Sullivan. For instance, in a scene with Alexis and Wells, there is a quick section regarding the cost of the love potion where Alexis advises that he has a Tesco Clubcard, to which The Sorcerer advises that he can get 25% reduction. I imagine that the infusion of Tommy Cooper into the character may also have been Stephen's doing, as well as the Chesterfield mention, almost making sections feel almost like a pantomime.

"The Sorcerer" isn't that well known, but is just as humorous as any Gilbert and Sullivan production with plenty of comedy moments interspersed throughout. From the very start with the anagrams made from the word "Congratulations", through to James Dean coming on stage at the end to sweep up and perform his final homage to Tommy Cooper, this show entertains on every level. Musically, it's up there with the best of them, and what I also loved to see was that, for a lesser known Gilbert and Sullivan piece, Ravenshead Village Hall was absolutely packed, showing the incredible loyalty of their fan base.

Musical accompaniment was thanks to pianist Chris Flint.

The wonderful set design is also down to Stephen Godward.

Fantastic costumes, thanks to Helen Kirk, assisted by Cynthia Marriott, Pat Summerfield, Dawn McGlashan, Louisa Sparkle, Angela Eminson, Jane Stubbs and Carolyn Tolliday.

Lighting was by Darren Cresswell.

I attended the final performance of "The Sorcerer" on Saturday afternoon, but watch out for their next production.

 "Les Miserables School Edition by Long Eaton Operatic Society Youth Group.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

"Les Misérables - School Edition" tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who spends a lifetime seeking redemption. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and the aftermath of the French Revolution, this story of intertwined destinies reveals the power of compassion and the quiet evil of indifference to human suffering.

As Valjean’s quest for a new life carries him into Paris and to the barricades of the Student Revolution, he is hunted by Inspector Javert and the ghosts of his past. Amidst the battles, he discovers the true meaning of love and salvation.

Although this is the "School Edition", you'll find that there is very little difference between this and the full blown musical.

A while ago on TV, there was a show called "Popstar To Opera Star". This is where they took pop stars and trained them to sing in an operatic style. What this did was to show how different the training is to get a voice decent enough to sing something operatic enough to pass as an opera star. I remember that the chosen guests, some who had received formal singing training, struggled to re-train their voices.

Now, I mention this because these young performers all sing quite differently to what you may have heard them sing in other musical theatre productions, showing their versatility and strength in their voices.

I'll try not to gush too much on each actor, because there are a lot of them in this show, and all deserving of praise for their performances.

Jean Valjean was played by a young man who I've had the pleasure to see on stage several times before, Findlay Parker, who reprises his performance from playing the same role a couple of years ago. His singing now, as it was then, is packed with emotion and drama and he demonstrated a lovely controlled vibrato as well as a wonderful falsetto. He felt every word that he performed - not sung, performed, because that was what it was, a performance. Findlay's diction is also excellent.

Javert is played by Stevie Kirkham, who has a lovely deep tone to his vocals, and I love his tunnel vision performance of getting his man, Valjean, right up to his dramatic final scene.

Fantine is played by Ella Charlesworth, who, as with Findlay, reprised her role of this part from a couple of years ago. I've seen Ella perform on stage for quite a few years now, and every time she gets a role like this, you get to hear another quality to her voice, and another layer of emotion, especially in Fantine's final scene.

Eponine, the daughter of the Thenardiers, is played by Bella Syson. Bella sent shivers up my spine with her rendition of "On My Own".

Young Eponine is played by Lucy Gordon.

Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, is played by Kate Whitaker. Valjean takes her and Fantine in and becomes her guardian, eventually falling in love with Marius. there are some gorgeous musical pieces from Kate, and what a voice she has; a voice that blends so well with Marius.

Young Cosette is played by Alice Whitaker.

Marius is played by Miles Potter, who last time played Thenardier when I saw this musical. Miles voice is insanely good. It has strength and control and is a real power actor.

Thenardier, and feel free to look over past reviews of "Les Mis" by me, I've cited as being one of my favourite characters in this musical, is played by Preston Nash. This part plays to all of Preston's strengths with it being the comedy role in this musical. The accent and the comedy were both spot on, as was the vocals. I've seen Preston many, many times on stage, and this role is very different to any of his others.... but I may also say that about his upcoming role next month!!

Madame Thenardier is played by Roisin Parker, one of the trio of incredibly talented Parkers in this production. Roisin and Preston are perfectly matched with their characters and the comedy is natural, especially in their song "Master Of The House".

Gavroche is one of those feisty characters in musical theatre who you just love. Back in the day, he'd be described as "spunky", and the choice to cast Harrison Ramplin in this role is a perfect choice. In Act Two, when he breaks free from the barricades, you know what is going to happen but it still takes your breath when it does. I've not seen Harrison before, and this is his first role with LEOS Youth Group, so I was told in the interval, but what a way to debut. His confidence with this confident character is fantastic, and I really hope that he continues down this route because he is a star in the making.

Enjolras, the Chief of Les Amis de l'ABC at the barricades, is played by another of my favourite young actors, Abe Collishaw. There was just one time when I thought Abe may be getting a dry throat, but he pulled it back and gave another one of his solid and powerful performances; something that I am used to with Abe. This will be the final show for Abe with the LEOS Youth Group, but I know that he will be a valuable addition to Long Eaton Operatic Society, and any drama society that he would like to take part in.

Combferre, another barricade battler of Les Amis de L'ABC and second in command is played by Nathan Crookdake.

Feuilly, pronounced Few Eee, is played by Tristan Bromley.

Courfeyrac is a fighting comrade at the front of the barricades battle and played by Quillen Parker, who last played Gavroche in "Les Miserables" a couple of years ago. There is just something that makes you watch Quillen on stage, I'd call it stage presence and now that he is maturing as an actor, that is becoming even more evident.

Joly is played by  Taylen Brodsky, another barricade gunman who sadly loses their life. 

A wonderful ensemble team consisting of Ivan Hager (Grantaire), Finlay Tomlinson (Lesgles), Tom Lightbown (Prouvaire), Owain Jones (Montparnasse), Phoebe Mellor (Babet), Gabe Scott (Brujon), Finn Cliff (Claquesous), Neve Johnson, Grace Agius, Fran Squires, Niamh Lee and Maddi Woodland, Holly Brooks, Niamh Syson, Lucy Coulson-Jones, Emily Dexter, Jess Chatten and Nefeli Fryganioti (Factory Workers).

The vocals from this ensemble swelled to fill the whole of the theatre and the harmonies were heavenly.

Directed by Siobhan Parker. I don't really need to say anything at all about the Director because that standing ovation, and standing ovations every night, prove that Siobhan has succeeded with this show and her cast of stars. Eleanor Carty also needs praise as Assistant Director and for the Creative Moment on stage.

Lighting is by Stephen Greatorex, and there are some lovely lighting designs for this show which really heighten the emotion for the performers in songs like "On My Own" and "I Dreamed A Dream", and especially with the reprise of "Bring Him Home" when Valjean receives his visit from Fantine in a ghostly white glow.

Sound is by the dynamic duo of Dave Dallard and Jack Clark. I don't need to say anymore, the clue is in the word "dynamic".

Musical Director is  Giles Pettit, assisted by Becky Kirkham. This musical is by no stretch of the imagination an easy option. So many key changes - Westlife wouldn't have known if they were standing or sitting on stools. It is sung all the way through so Giles and Becky would not have had a break until the interval. They have brought out the different vocal style with this colossal cast, making them all sound superb, and giving them vocal skills that will serve them well in the future. Let's also not forget that this is the Youth Group and their voices are still developing, so if they sound this good now, wait for a few years and WOW!

This widely known lush and swelling score features such beloved musical theatre songs as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home", "Master Of the House", "Stars", "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables", "At the End Of The Day", "Red And Black", "Do You Hear The People Sing", "One Day More". The musical numbers listed in the programme did confuse me a little though because several of the above were listed under different titles, so you won't be able to spot when "Bring Him Home" is sung in the second act because it's not listed as that. Not sure why that is because even on the original double CD the songs are listed as the song titles that we know and love.

This is such a big show that I was surprised that there's only one Stage Manager, but I suppose when that one Stage Manager is Katie Bird, that is all you need to keep everything running as smooth as it is.

A team who are often unsung, and unseen heroes are the Backstage Team, so I feel that they need to be sung and seen - well in this here review anyway. Fiona McDowell, Sinead Parkin, Mo Syson, Adam Taylor and Elaine Tomlinson. The audience see the results of this team's blood, sweat and tears, so why not give them a mention, recognising their hard work.

Loads of props in this musical as well, and these are equally well managed by Becky Kirkham, who is also listed as the Stage Crew.

Set Designers and construction of the set are by Roydon Charlesworth and Katie Bird. A multi level set provides additional entrance and exit points, which when the cast is as big as this also helps in smooth scene changes.

The costumes are thanks to Carol McTernan, Suzy Thornton, Judy Watson and Janet Whyatt. Looking at these costumes you'd think that they would have been hired in because they all look so professional.

The make up is also worthy of a mention, especially Preston's and Roisin's in the second act and Ella's in the first act. Whoever that mystery person is, it was noted.

As should be the hairdresser as well, Carol McTernan, who aged Findlay's hair from a dark haired hero to a silver fox within a couple of hours.

I really was blown away by the immense talent on the Duchess Theatre stage tonight. These young actors have incredible talent, and they are really lovely people off stage as well, some I am sure don't

realise the talent they have, so I have to keep reminding them. One day I'll be able to sit in my bath chair and watch them receive their Baftas, Tonys, Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes and say that I knew them as their talents started to flourish. I was there. And then I'll start to dribble and nurse will wheel me back to my box........

"Les Miserables" is being performed at The Duchess Theatre until Saturday 22 February, but tickets have been sold out for a while so it may be worth checking for returns, but who'd want to return tickets for a show of this calibre? Come on!!

Photos by Martin Holtom.

 "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz - The Pantomime" by The Watson Players.

Landau Forte College, Derby.

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" sees Dorothy and her little dog Toto joined in The Land of Oz, by her Aunt Em, which is where the story starts.

Unfortunately, Aunt Em’s house lands right on top of Zelda, the wicked witch of the East, crushing her flat. Her sister Olga, the wicked Witch of the West arrives and threatens Dorothy and Aunt Em with dire consequences, if they don’t hand over her deceased sister’s magic ruby slippers which are now on Dorothy’s feet.

Dorothy and her friends set off for the mysterious Emerald City, and are joined by Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion, to meet the Wonderful Wizard Of Oz to ask for his help.

I was wondering if a pantomime version of such an iconic musical would work; after all there are no songs from the original musical and, as it's pantomime, the songs are all relatively well known. The main characters also take on a new feel while still keeping to the original storyline.

Dorothy is played by Ciara Beighton, who has managed to get that Dorothy voice and accent sounding just right. There's an instant likeability to Ciara which grows throughout this show. A lovely voice and a character that comes across as more modern than the film and musical version of Dorothy.

Mik Horvath plays Aunt Em. It's not the first time that I've seen Mik in a frock and he is a very natural Dame character. The double entendres and saucy comments are what you look for in a Dame, something that you would not associate with the Aunt Em character, but the script lends it self very naturally to the other characters like the tinman, who needs oiling because of him being stiff, and the Scarecrow and stuffing. So many of these jokes are new to me and, while delivered well, didn't seem to hit home with the audience... until the second act, which shows that the majority of the audience needed a bit of oiling themselves! Mik is a class act and worked hard to nail those saucy comments.

Scarecrow is played by Wayne Perry. There's a nice feeling of character infusion with Scarecrow, as well as an enhanced fun element. The teasing of Ugg and Lee on their first meeting straight away made you feel that this Scarecrow was different to any other Wizard Of Oz Scarecrows seen in the past.

Tin Man is played by Gary Rowley. No stiff performances from Gary and his chopper. Visually Tin Man shone, literally shone, and I love the costume - I had one very similar back in the Eighties, during my single life clubbing days, but I just looked like a walking glitterball.

Jake Perry plays The Cowardly Lion. I don't think that I have ever made it a secret that The Cowardly Lion has always been my favourite Wizard Of Oz character. I loved the character that Bert Lahr, the actor who played the role in the original musical film, gave to this king of the jungle, and Jake completely encapsulates those characteristics and adds more to this pantomime version.

Jack Woolley plays The Wizard. Typically we don't see the Wizard until the second act and is shown initially as quite a scary ogre character with a menacing roaring voice. This panto version is very child friendly and is first seen as a green muppet type character covered in green fur. Jack's voice acting comes to the fore in this role as the little green fellow. When we see Jack as The Wizard, he reminded me slightly of a friendly leprechaun in the costume that has been made for The Wizard, and as much fun as a mischievous little Irish fellow.

Ugg is played by Lou Jenkins and Lee is played by Karen Jones, the comedy double act that every pantomime needs. They are great fun to watch and have that comedy pairing chemistry as well as the boundless energy that is needed to keep this fast moving production whizzing along.

The Wicked Witch of the West is played by Angela Swift. I love panto baddies - I've even had the joy of playing one myself - and Angela is brilliant as this nasty character. Angela, who I first saw as Marge in The Watson Players production of "Caramba's Revenge" last year, shows a very different side to her acting as this evil witch, and I loved every second of stage time that she had as this character. Angela really throws herself into this role and easily gets the biggest reaction from the audience every time she stepped on stage. I bet that Angela is having an absolute ball as The Wicked Witch.

The North Witch is played by Patricia Church and The South Witch is played by Rai Robinson, distinguished by accents and both wonderful fun as they help Dorothy and her troupe on their journey through Oz.

Prince Smarmy is played by Jessica Baird-Swinburn. Another brilliant twist on the panto Prince, and another of my favourite characters in this production. In my head I had images of Lance Percival (ask your parents) and Kenneth Williams (ask them again) when I closed my eyes to place that voice for Prince Smarmy. The duet with the Princess Porlain on "The Song That Goes Like This", originally from the musical "Spamalot", was performed wonderfully and Jessica and Abbi really brought out that brilliant comedy element needed to extract the maximum reaction. 

Princess Porlain is played by Abbi Pritchard, who as far as I can remember, I have not seen before. With that flowing blonde wig, she actually reminded me of a very young Sue Nicholls (ask your parents or watch Coronation Street as Sue is Audrey on the cobbles). The Princess is just a bit ditzy, but there is a reason for that, which is given in the storyline, and is a nice twist to the standard Princess character in pantomimes.

Munchkin-Cong, the leader of the Munchkins, is played by Lauren Wells. There is a nice subtle joke in there when Munchkin-Cong reveals her name, whcih I won't spoil, but it took me a few minutes for the cleverness of the joke to sink in.  

Guardian of the City is played by James Ash. James brings out the complete "jobsworth" attitude in this character as well as the character's self importance perfectly.

Radio Announcer's Voice is by Graham Swift right at the start of the show. Thank Goodness that Graham is too busy acting to present his own radio show as that would be a big rival for me!!

Dancers Melissa Pugh and Georgia Barkes double as Flying Monkeys, and the most glittery of Flying Monkeys I have ever seen in The Wizard Of Oz. Love those costumes.

The Munchkins/Ozians are played by James Ash, Georgia Barkes, Mel Pugh and Lauren Wells.

Stage Managers are John Woolley and Brian Hartshorn who made sure that, with the stage crew Mike Moss and Percy Hartshorn, everything was rolled on and off in a timely fashion, keeping everything flowing with great pace.

Director Liz Woolley and Assistant Director Jack Woolley have managed to combine both art forms of pantomime and musical theatre together in one smooth blending.

Musical Director Joy Gravestock with Assistant Musical Director Jo Baird-Swinburn and lead the very musical band with Joy on violin and Jo on keyboards, plus Clive Jones (guitar), Ryan Latham (saxophone) and Mick Oxley (percussion). A great sound from this little band who were tucked away but on show, downstage left. Their sound was as smart as their appearance. 

I mentioned that the majority of the songs used are well known, as well as very catchy. "Everything Is Awesome" set the tone right at the start and if this cast's version of The Proclaimers "500 Miles" don't get your feet going, nothing will. Also loved hearing "Friendship", from the musical "Anything Goes" again which slipped into the storyline so well and sung by Dorothy, Aunt Em, The Cowardly Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow.

Choreographer Sharon Stringer has created a nice, simple (probably not as simple as these actors made it look), choreography which kept that fun feeling flowing.

The costumes are mainly created by the very talented group of people known as The Crafty Ladies. I should call them sewists - a blend of sewers and artists - because those costumes are incredible. Just take a look at the photographs. There are several costume changes for many of the actors, which shows just how many different costumes these ladies have to create. The costumes are designed by Patricia Church.

Lighting design and operation is by Liz Woolley and Lee Hartshorn, providing a lovely colourful area for these actors to be illuminated on.

Sound design is by the Landau Forte Technical Staff.

The Scenic design that we see as the backdrop to the set is by John Woolley and Brian Hartshorn, with the Scenic Artist being Alison Hartshorn.

Construction for the stage set by John Woolley, Brian Hartshorn, Lee Hartshorn and Mike Moss. A simple design that served the cast well.

As I said at the start, I was not sure quite what to expect from a panto version of such an iconic musical film, but the Watson Players have produced a fresh and funny, as well as very entertaining version of Nigel Holmes' panto script. The story does not stray far from the original, but what it does do is cut out chunks of the story to streamline it, and then add all the elements of pantomime, and still comes in at just a little under three hours long, including interval. You get a load of bang for your buck here, and carries on the tradition for a very entertaining evening with the Watson Players.

The Watson Players, via this pantomime, are raising money for Treetops Hospice and "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz" will be at Landau Forte College until Sunday 23 February. Perfect for your half term entertainment.