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Highcliffe Charity Players Regent Centre Christchurch June 2004 Director/choreographer Jane White is a former professional dancer so it is no surprise that the standard of movement is extremely high – the fight scenes between Curly and Jud, in particular, are stunning. And although this is her first attempt at directing, on this showing it is unlikely to be her last because she plainly has a real flair. Principal performances and chorus work are first-class, and from the moment the curtain rises on Laraine Moore’s delightfully expressive butter-churning Aunt Eller, there just isn’t a dull moment in this fast-moving show. And the singing, under musical director Ian Carter, goes down a treat. There is a palpable chemistry between Matthew Smith’s very likeable Curly and Yvonne Loader’s sweet, lovelorn Laurey, while Max White’s Jud strikes an excellent balance between evil and pathos. And in the comedy stakes there is a lovely, bubbly performance from Georgina Smith as Ado Annie, aided and abetted by great characterisations from Pete Whitaker (Will Parker) and Mike Young (Ali Hakim). Yep, you really are doin’ fine, Oklahoma! OK? Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo |
