Well, last night I went to Manderley again, no wait, hang on, wrong text! I saw Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society's annual show at the Solihull Arts Complex. Last year, I took part in their Thoroughly Modern Millie, which was an absolute blast. It was lovely to have the opportunity to watch what they had produced this year, and to catch up with friends. The following is hardly a review, just the sharing of my enjoyment of a really fun show.
Rather than the usual brought-in show, they invented a story to link in with the Diamond Jubilee, which followed 60 years in a family's lives. Diamond Decades included many many show songs from each decade that linked in with the story. I wonder if you can guess what songs were featured, when I write that two of the main characters were called Maria and Janet?!
The concept worked really well and there were some stand-out performances, amongst a cast that shared the main few roles. This was a great way of allowing more people a share of the spotlight, than the norm of just a few principal roles. I really enjoyed their version of 'Aquarius' from Hair, fully clothed, but with some excellent wig choices for the gents - utterly hilarious. Sit down, you're rocking the boat was very funny too. Jill and Lucy had the song of the show - they always sing well together. There was a young boy who performed a solo piece early on - what a star! Lovely to see children some welcomed and included in many of the chorus pieces. A song performed in accapella style was superb - a great way to showcase performers. It certainly made me homesick for performing!
Curiously, we were sat by a gent who had evidently never been to a theatrical show before. His lack of theatre etiquette made a few people sat by us a bit fidgety and cross (opening and eating a packet of crisps just as the show began, fiddling with his mobile phone, commenting during and after each song, and clapping before songs had finished) but when the lights went up for the interval, he asked if that was the end of the show. After that, I felt a bit more well disposed to treat him well - don't put people off live theatre! It was really quite shocking to meet someone who clearly has never been to a theatre show before, particularly as he wasn't very young. The best bit about this anecdote is that although his behaviour was that of the most annoying variety, he genuinely loved the show. Indeed, he supplied his own standing ovation! He was really impressed with the quality of the performance - what a fantastic experience for your first time!
The show is on TODAY only, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are about £10 and can be purchased at the door, at Solihull Arts Complex. This is located out the doors of Touchwood shopping centre, between Druckers and Subway! Do go along if you can.
Links from today
Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society website
Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society Twitter account
Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society facebook page
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