Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Yeadon Town Hall, March 2011
Reviewed by Val Pennent in the Ilkley, Wharfedale and Aireborough Gazette and Observer
For anyone who might have wondered how this huge show could work on Yeadon Town Hall’s stage, keeping most importantly continuity and Disney glamour, you must go and see Beauty And The Beast.
Director David Kirk, working with the Darnbrough family, has brought about an amazing set design using the risers at the back of the stage which have not been used to such effect for quite some time.
There is a typical Disney palace, the upper staging sparkling beautifully and unusually draped. Excellent lighting by Paul Dennison also highlights this visually-stunning feature.
The on-stage set changes worked swiftly, the stage crew helped by the cast moving and covering at all times. David has done a fantastic job, and together with choreographer Rachel McGuire and the excellent 11-piece orchestra under the direction of John Webb, Yeadon Amateurs have a formidable production team.
The large company work hard throughout. The singing is excellent and scenes dazzle with some beautiful and effective costumes, some designed by Sonia Lord, others by Cherie Sharpe.
The story of Beauty And The Beast tends to be confusing and the narration at the start should not be missed.
Pippa Barton as Belle (Beauty) is outstanding, singing, acting and dancing through the part beautifully. Rob Durkin as Beast is a professional singer and his voice is perfect for this role. Pippa and Rob both have also appeared with Ilkley Amateurs.
There is a strong and thoroughly entertaining performance from Jonathan Tate as Gaston and a captivating performance from Cathy Purcell as Babette. Kath Williams makes an impressive opera-singing “wardrobe”, and how nice that her eight-year-old grandson Benjamin Miles, playing Chip, is following in her footsteps.
The other important roles are all well played, Cogsworth by Adam Gregory, Lumiere by Paul Bamber and Mrs Potts the teapot by Helen Clarke. Peter Hall as Maurice, Greg Silverwood as Lefou and John Hudson as D’Argue complete an excellent cast.
Perhaps the magic and romance which should be the final ending of the story will become more evident as the show runs.
The full company give the audience a spectacular Beauty And The Beast.
Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s 80th anniversary production of Gypsy at Yeadon Town Hall, March 2010
Reviewed by Rachel O'Connor, Wharefale and Airedale Observer.
"YEADON audiences will find their feet tapping this week as the splendid Jule Styne music cascades around the Town Hall, under the baton of MD John Webb, as a back drop to the Yeadon Amateurs’ production Gypsy.
As Director David Kirk says: “The scene is set with perhaps the best overture in musical theatre and Styne and Stephen Sondheim have provided the perfect show score.”
The opening number Some People spotlight’s Mama Rose, the leading character made famous by Ethel Merman. What a demanding role and what effort Helen Clarke put into the role of the brash broad fired by ambition for her daughters. It truly must have put her through the wringer on a nightly basis during the run.
Gemma Durkin was sweet, superb and sensuous in varying degrees as she developed the role of Louise and there were wonderful cameos from the delightful Sam Ball as the stripper Electra.
Paul Chewins gave a confident performance as Herbie while there was excellent support from Katie Garnett (June), Liam Lloyd (Tulsa), Olivia Gregson (Baby June) and Bethany Whiteley (Baby Louise).
As always though, the success of Yeadon show’s is based on the hard work of the whole cast and backroom staff. "
Yeadon Amateurs Mack and Mabel, March 2009
Reviewed by Val Pennent, Wharfedale and Airedale Observer
What a revelation this production of Mack and Mabel was. Having previously seen the show three times I was of the opinion that apart from the wonderful and popular musical score there was not a decent enough plot to keep an audience attentive for two-and-a-half hours.
With one of David Kirk’s finest productions yet, a strong cast and the most fabulous 14-piece orchestra, Tuesday’s first night audience was given a performance that had everything.
The story of Mack Sennett, the Hollywood silent movie director, and his love for Mabel is not an easy one to put across but with David’s direction, fine acting and the use of an informative and interesting film screen the story came through with depth and feeling.
Glitzy and sparkling choreography by Rachel McGuire impressed, especially in Tap Your Troubles Away with Lottie and the girls, a delightful Anna Clarke as Lottie.
The main responsibility on stage falls on the shoulders of the two leading players and what a wonderful pair the society have in Paul Chewins as Mack and Samantha Ball as Mabel. Paul, taking over the part late in rehearsals, gave a sincere and wonderfully strong performance. His narratives were excellent and with a singing voice to match.
Samantha Ball gave one of her finest performances as the lovelorn, ill-treated Mabel. The part is made for her and she savours every moment. Her voice has gained maturity and she sings with feeling. These two performers are outstanding. Adam Gregory as Fattie Arbuckle is amusing and there is strong support from Chris Bentley, David Elliott and Nick Green.
There is a wonderful backing chorus and fine singing all round and excellent costumes, lighting and sound complete the production.
When a show is put in front of an audience the company is left in the hands of one person and that is the musical director. John Webb is back as MD with the Yeadon Society after a gap of 21 years and what a fantastic orchestra he has put together. His expertise is such advantage for players on stage. The popular overture was a joy and throughout the show the playing and pace was uplifting for the company and the audience alike. The songs 'I won't send roses' and 'When Movies were Movies' were particular highlights.
A glorious sounding orchestra together with this most excellent production team gave us all an exceptional evening of entertainment.
