When Tony Austin asked me if I could cover for him as NODA rep for this production I was delighted to accept. Firstly because it is sadly several years since I last saw a HLOC show at the Watersmeet, and secondly because Salad Days is a perennial favourite and always worth a revisit, especially in this the year of the maestro's passing.
As ever the smartly dressed and efficient Front of House staff greeted me at the theatre and I sat to peruse your programme.
Ooverture begins, great keyboard/piano playing from your MD Rob Alderton (aka Bart Noodler), good lighting and an interesting set as tabs open, so all bodes well.
Lighting was spot on (sorry) throughout and I particularly liked the saturated coloured cyc cloth and overlaid slide images. The green backing for the Oz reference was very clever.
Sound however was less impressive with a poor vocal/pit mix in the centre where I sat. Hopefully this will also have been rectified after opening night debrief. Principal mics were well handled however and all sound cues appropriately and efficiently executed.
Costumes were fully appropriate throughout and brought much colour to the open settings.
The seemingly ever youthful Zena Wigram took the role of Jane and her bell like singing and crystal clear diction brought all of her numbers to life. Nifty feet and a wicked smile when delivering ever so slightly risqué dialogue rounded off a classy performance.
Opposite her was David Rees as the rather shy Timothy whose patriarchal family prove both hindrance and resolution to the ludicrous plot line. David sang well but occasionally looked a little uncomfortable in the romantic scenes.
Tim Minshull burst on stage like a small cyclone as the upper class twit Nigel. His professional training marked him out as a quality performer yet occasionally he teetered on the edge of caricature. A fine performance none-the-less from a talented actor.
Jane's best friend Fiona was endearingly played by Nicola Wallbank whose terpsichorean talents were put to good use in the dance routines.
Bill Northover made a delightfully understated Tramp, a role often over exaggerated in amateur productions, with good timing and confident delivery giving just the right hint of mystery to the character.
Equally masterful was Chris Garner in the Marcel Marceau role of Troppo. This type of mime is not always easily achieved in amateur performance, yet here was completely believable from first sight.
The wonderfully leggy Karen Wells exuded great sensuality as Asphynxia opposite the equally rambunctious Uncle Gus cleverly & convincingly acted by Jevan Morris.
Andy Taylor worked overtime at the dual roles of Uncles Clamsby & Zed coping manfully with a rather awkward scene change into the flying cup & saucer.
A veritable plethora of other minor roles were all well handled by the more than competent cast. Particular mention for an amusing Bishop - Maurice Ray and an excellent duet between Aunt Prue - Chrissy Pike, and Lady Raebum - Sue Reynolds.
Overall then, a pleasant evening, revisiting an old friend in good company.
My thanks to you for inviting me to report on your production, and I look forward to visiting you again in the future.