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Please note that annual members and patrons subscriptions are now overdue. If you want to remain a member/patron of the Society please forward your cheque to Ruth or Cheryl, or see Ruth at the panto. Please note that after a year’s  lapse of membership your name will be taken off the mailing list.

 

MUSIC HALL MAGIC Review - Ron Ellis

MUSIC HALL MAGIC
PRESTON MUSICAL COMEDY SOCIETY
PRESTON PLAYHOUSE,  9-12 June 2010

I feared the worst, It was the first production by this company that I had ever attended and this is the type of show that can be the last resort when all attempts to cast a play fail and someone says, ‘we’ll have to do a revue’.

But this was different. This was a magnificent, fast-moving show, a tribute to everyone concerned with Preston Musical Comedy Society. The costumes were glamorous, the singing superb, especially the harmonies, and the dancing first rate.

The band, led by MD Jim Thomas and featuring Chris Hodder on bass, Tony Harrison on drums and some brilliant keyboard playing by Brendan Gardner, were so good they could have carried the night on their own in any dance hall in Britain.

The audience joined in all the familiar tunes like ‘Burlington Bertie’, ‘Sunshine of your Smile’, ‘The Lambeth Walk’, etc. My favourite was Donatella Banks as Marie Lloyd with ‘My old man.’ And people think the Sixties had all the best songs!

There was a breathtaking Can Can scene and some nifty hoofing in a tap dance routine to ’Get happy’, both choreographed by Lorna Cookson.

There was even a hilarious send-up of a Victorian melodrama, ‘Pretty Pansy’s Sacrifice’, with Eddie Regan booed enthusiastically as the dastardly wicked landowner, and Alan Almond showed his ‘Good Old Days’ credentials as the Chairman.

The sets representing the seaside and an East End pub added to the carnival atmosphere and all the cast, too many to mention, looked like they were enjoying it as much as the audience.

I rarely get so enthusiastic about shows, reviewers can become very blasé, but this was so good I would urge every reader to get down to the Playhouse before it ends on Saturday. Director Marilyn Brandwood-Spencer deserves every credit. No professional company could have done it better.

I can’t wait for the company’s production of Sondheim’s ‘Side by Side’ at the end of the month.

Star Rating 9 out of 10. A real happy, feel-good show

 

REVIEW By RON ELLIS

Last Updated (Thursday, 10 June 2010 10:31)

 
Lowther Pavilion

Lowther Pavilion Theatre, LythamFriends of Lowther Pavilion

Lowther Pavilion is Fylde’s only multi-purpose performance and exhibition space. Currently the theatre is run and managed by Fylde Borough Council. A group of users consisting of theatre and musical groups have joined forces and created ‘Friends of Lowther Pavilion’. The aim of the group is to raise money to be re-invested in the theatre's facilities. The group also aims to enhance the experience of those people visiting the theatre.

The Society has two representatives (Brian and Ruth) on the Committee of this new group which has two aims – to help safeguard the future of the Pavilion Theatre and to provide a networking group for local societies. You will find more details on their website. All the member groups have agreed to help support each other so please visit the website and attend any shows/events you can - please mention PMCS if you do attend so they are aware of our support!

You too can play a very special part in this by becoming a ‘Friend of Lowther Pavilion’.