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23 November 2024
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4****
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Stage shows based on films are all the rage; Theatreland is laden with them; ‘The Wedding Singer’ is one of the lesser known and is based on the 1998 film of the same name, starring Adam Sandler. Robbie makes his living as a singer at weddings and, when he is jilted at the altar and falls in love with a waitress, life becomes complicated! Yes, it’s a bit cheesy and maybe the plot is a bit formulaic, but show has the benefit of a good book and some catchy tunes.
WODS Musical Theatre Company’s production ticks all the boxes that good, undemanding entertainment needs. From curtain up, the enthusiasm of the big company shines through and transmits to the audience. A large cast always gives a challenge or two to the choreographer/s and in this instance the discipline of the dancing is excellent – rightly, the routines are kept within the sphere of everyone, but that is not to say they aren’t original and fun – the standard is very high.
The stage is fairly small and sets are sensibly kept simple; at times the transitions from one scene to another are a little clumsy and (one of my bete noires) stage crew a little too visible. The lighting designer has had good fun and there is excellent use of colour and atmospheric states; the sound balance was generally good, but when there was speaking during a song it was inaudible here and there. Costumes and props were well procured and build up a good feel for the 1980s – not least the tremendous period mobile phone.
As mentioned, this is a big cast and it is lead by a tremendous performance by Harry Upton-Hurst – he is blessed with a wonderfully expressive face and a great, belting singing voice; importantly he makes the character of Robbie really likeable. A cracking piece of work! Harry is matched by Merle Harrison-Croft as the love of Robbie’s life, Julia, who also offers an incredibly warm characterisation and sings beautifully. When the two leads duet, it is a real treat.
Robbie’s fellow band members (they are called ‘Simply Wed’) create a real odd, but fun threesome; Paul Papworth is spot on as the big and slightly daft Sammy – well-meaning but not a huge amount going on up top! As George, Harri Moore (partially channelling Boy George) gives a cracking performance; the role doesn’t say a huge amount, but the characterisation is excellent and he has great comic timing; his duet with Rosie at the end of the show is hilarious.
Chloe McCallum is another excellent performer as Holly; strong in both the acting and singing departments this is more than a supporting role. The Company has such strength in depth; Ruby Jones sparkles as Robbie’s intended, Linda; Sarah Carraud is full of no-nonsense as Julia’s Mum and Jack Allan is suitably objectionable as the ghastly Alpha-male Glen. Stealing the show whenever she is onstage is Natalie Baker as Robbie’s Grandmother – oh, when she goes into her rap song – well, it stops the show! The huge ensemble give it everything throughout creating an infectious piece of theatre.
There is plenty of humour as well – genuinely funny and the laugh lines are delivered to perfection. Musical Director, Mim Cartwright, has brought out the best in the singers and they have delivered in spades. Directors Laura Curtis and Neil Stephenson as well as choreographers Carrie Curtis and Kimberley Somerton have crafted a really good production and presented the audience with a fun, pleasing entertainment performed very well – you can’t ask more than that. A huge credit to WODS Musical Theatre Company and they should be very proud of it.
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Cast
Robbie Hart – Harry Upton-Hurst
Julia Sullivan – Merle Harrison-Croft
Sammy – Paul Papworth
George – Harri Moore
Holly – Chloe McCallum
Glen – Jack Allan
Linda – Ruby Jones
Rosie – Natalie Baker
Angie – Sarah Carraud
Ensemble – Emily Fairchild, Tom Lawton, Shania Clarke, Rachel Knight, Julie Doe, Luke Burgess, Kristina Vaux, Cassie Riney, Jess Smith, Helen Robbins, Alysha Anderson, Abbie Parsons, Rose Kilbride, Hannah Richards, Ash Shipton, Chloe Palmer, Jean Bennett, Mark Bennett, Louise Statter, Tracy Wood, Beth Carey, Jess Stock, Cara Upton-Hurst
Creatives
Book – Chad Beguelin & Tim Herlihy
Music – Matthew Sklar
Lyrics – Chad Beguelin
Directors – Laura Curtis & Neil Stephenson
Musical Director – Mim Cartwright
Choreographers – Carrie Curtis & Kimberley Somerton
Lighting Design – Alex Scott
Sound Manager – James Scott
Costumes – Abbie Parsons
Photo Credit – Lewisia Photography
