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THE DESERT SONG (OCTOBER 1961) |
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It may seem quite simple to sit down and write about something you have just taken part in, but how much more difficult to set down an anecdotal fragment of our Society's history which in years to come will convey the hard work and happy memories of a really grand show. |
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The men had a wealth of good musical numbers which they practised with remarkable volume and enthusiasm each Wednesday night, rallentandoing and diminuendoing like squeezy accordions. But their finished performances were worthy of the applause they received from the audiences. The contrast in scenes of drab desert clothing with the brilliant colouring and unexpected beauty of the Spanish scene, was not only due to the gorgeous (and often scanty) costumes, mantillas and castanets. Our electrician Michael Bartlett did an excellent job of superbly lighting the Harem scene, and then dimming the Riffs on the very edge of the desert in such a way that the whole theme of the story was captured in a realistic and exciting manner. At one time a long single line of Riffs right across the stage was blacked out and stood in silhouette against a background of rocks and caves, as they sang an impressive chorus. |
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The ladies too had some very attractive numbers, most memorable perhaps being the chorus: |
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Life is dull and life is weary |
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The smartness and precision of the Marching Chorus in the first Act was joy of achievement as we marched in formation across and up-and-down stage, and then nipped briskly into the wings. How many times we had to rehearse that to Ken's insistence on keeping in step and co-ordination. The girls drilling in soldiers' borrowed uniforms, the soldiers' wives parading in attractive dresses (we provided our own for the first and last Acts) made a colourful and praise-worthy scene. |
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“The Desert Song” called for a rather large cast, and we were fortunate in enrolling a few new members who added much to the status of our Society. Norma Evans as 'Margot' in the principal lead, and Robin Aldworth as the Captain having amorous affairs with both Norma and Gerry, fully justified our faith in their talents. Another newcomer to our cast was Jennifer Ridout who played 'Susan' to Geoff Brooker's 'Benny' with a great deal of youthful vigour and gaiety - a very entertaining pair they made*. Geraldine Hearson (our Gerry) has been in the Society for over twelve years and this is the first time she has taken a principal role. As Azuri, a dusky, sinuous native dancer (she is really golden!) she gave a wonderful performance of jealousy and passion, proving that even the passing of years did not dull the grace and vitality of her dancing. |
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How disappointing it is not to be able to mention in detail everyone who helped to make this a delightful show, but if I mention Frankie's role as 'Clementina' and Cyril's fine figure as the 'Red Shadow' then I have left out the good chorus and all those who took individual parts, and helped to make this, our twenty-third show, one of our best. |
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DORIS SEAMAN |
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* Other Hatton stalwarts who made their debut in this show were John Connor and George Hilbert - ED |
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This show received glowing reviews in the local papers. The reviewer in the Richmond & Twickenham Times wrote that “it was a memorable experience to see the entire cast really bubbling with enthusiasm ... this superlative amateur production by Kenneth Newell leaves one anxious to see the society's Christmas pantomime “Aladdin”. |
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The author of this review was Barry Makin. I am sure that when he wrote it, he little dreamt that in ten years' time he would become Musical Director of the Society! |