IT isn’t always what you do but the way that you do it that counts. This concert, sub-titled The Masks We Wear, was the company’s debut, but they gave the audience enough of ‘the old razzle-dazzle’ to make them believe they’d been doing this sort of thing all their lives.

Spectacular costumes and masks, well-planned movements, excellent use of the stage and plenty of sparkle and pzazz all helped to make this a really enjoyable evening, thanks to Sonia Gilson’s effective direction.

It was lovely to see the cast smiling and so obviously enjoying themselves, and much of the credit for this must go to musical director Sue Oldrey, who was beaming resolutely at the company throughout the whole concert.

The cleverly-devised programme, split into personality facets, consisted largely of show tunes with the occasional dramatic interlude – including the balcony scene from Private Lives and Shakespeare’s All The World’s A Stage – and the company made a fine sound. The four-part harmony of Dry Bones proved a slight problem but other chorus numbers, especially the delightful Façade, were impressive. Solos, duets, trios and quartets were also well-sung, although inexperience occasionally allowed nerves to show through.

A very worthwhile masquerade.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemout Daily Echo