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Spring 2010 production 'Jekyll & Hyde'

Now that the dust has settled from the recent production of Jekyll & Hyde I felt I must write to you and say how I felt.
Firstly it was an extraordinary production by any account, the look of the piece, the temperament, delivery of speech was immaculate, the musical interpretation undeniably clear and each persons character played to the full extent with understanding. The lyrics in particular were displayed vocally and emotionally to the hilt and was a real credit to John Johnson’s musical direction skills. The Leslie Bricusse lyrics I found particularly interesting, he is such a well crafted writer. The performances by every one was outstanding with very little cliché to be found anywhere. Credit must go to Simon and Mike the directors, for their understanding and interpretation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s book. What can I say about Ed Creswick's performance, it was a real tour de force controlling the character both through the good and evil, there was no doubt here who the character was and he handled it with great professionalism and skill. His singing was of a professional standard to be remembered for a long time. The splendid cast knew what they were doing and proved to the audience they could do it well. Congratulations to Carl Atkinson and his team for their first big set construction.
What else can I say, except it was an extraordinary piece of theatre that I watched that night, a credit to everybody who worked so hard to make Simon Duffill’s vision a reality. Sitting in the auditorium I felt so proud to be a part of what the audience was experiencing that night. A standing ovation was no more than you deserved.
BB

LAST Wednesday I attended the opening night of Weston Operatic Society's production of 'Jekyll and Hyde' at the Playhouse Theatre, and was so impressed that I went to see it again on Saturday evening!
Everything about the show was totally professional - costumes, sets, choreography, the orchestra, and most of all the amazing acting and singing. It was hard to believe that this was an amateur production as it was perfect.
The performance of Edward Creswick in the dual role of Dr Jekyll and his evil alter ego was breathtaking - one could almost believe an actual transformation was taking place as he changed from one character to the other, even altering the depth and tone of his superb singing voice.
The two leading ladies were also excellent in their very contrasting roles, while the I supporting actors perfectly complemented the leads.
I have enjoyed musical theatre for more than 50 years, both local productions and in the West End, and I can honestly say that this show was one of the best I have ever seen. I was delighted that the audiences were so enthusiastic and gave well-deserved standing ovations at both performances I attended, and only wish that this production could be seen by more than just the people of the Weston area.
Many thanks to Weston Operatic Society for two evenings of superb entertainment. How about putting on the show again later, for all those who missed it?
GB

My wife and I went to see the show Jekyll and Hyde last Saturday afternoon with some concern about the theme.
The whole show was electrifying and very professional.
We have seen various productions in London and this was certainly on a par with the best. Ed Creswick was incredible as the leading man/men and all the rest of the cast were brilliant.
The story made shivers run down our spines.
It was a brave decision to put on such a show in Weston and it certainly paid off.
Anyone who missed it really did miss out on a special treat. Congratulations to all concerned with this show.
Every aspect of the production was first class. Well done.
R & V H

We would like to congratulate the cast and crew of Jekyll and Hyde on a superb evenings entertainment. We came to see the show on the Thursday night and thought that the whole event was as close as you can get to a professional performance without being professional. My wife and I have been involved in and watching amateur performances for the past 35 years+ and we both agreed that this was the best performance that we had ever seen. Blown away.!! We are hooked and am joining your mailing list to make sure that we do not miss anything in the future.
D & MG

My wife and I were fortunate enough to attend your production of Jekyll and Hyde yesterday afternoon. I have loved the music for many years and having heard your 'break a leg' on Elaine Page, my wife decided it was high time I actually saw the musical. I was so not disappointed.

EVERYTHING about the production was fantastic, the costumes, chorus, choreography - everything. I am actively involved in amdram / musicals in South Wales being a member of Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS), Concept and Everyman but I must say I do not think I have ever seen (or been involved in) anything better than your production.
Every member of the cast and supporters are to be congratulated ESPECIALLY the lead who I thought was head and shoulders above anything I have ever seen, as good if not better than the 1997 Broadway lead - and that is saying something!
My wife and I, having now discovered you, will try and make the trip across the water from Penarth to see your future productions, starting with My Fair Lady in October, I only wish it was more commutable as I would love to be involved in such a 'professional' amateur company.
Many thanks for a brilliant afternoon yesterday, the hairs are still standing up on the back of my neck just thinking about it
NP. (Penarth)

Autumn 2009 production 'Fiddler on the Roof'

While holidaying at Weston I attended the opening night of "Fiddler on the Roof." I had a most enjoyable evening! Thank you!
I had forgotten just how many good tunes there were in the show (I saw the opening night in London's West End - strewth it must've been about forty years ago...) when the lead was taken by Topol. At the time I thought the show (and he) were brilliant. The same can be said of your production. Please pass on my gratitude to all who were involved; not just the cast (they always get the adulation) but the musicians, the dressmakers, the seamstresses, the scenery makers, the scenery painters, the lighting and sound crews - who were particularly good - the stage hands, the publicity team, the directors, the choreographers and all the talent that goes on in the background just to make those who appear on stage look good.
Thank you again, and I wish you good fortune and the continuance of such wonderful events in the future.
HH (Norfolk)

Summer 2009 production 'The Likes of Us'

We have just got home from watching the first night and want you to pass on congratulations to everyone involved, it was amazing.
AE

Spring 2009 production 'South Pacific'

Just a note to thank you all for the most wonderful show this evening - a truly professional performance. Please pass on my congratulations to all the cast, especially those who know me - Bev, Darren, Owen and, of course, Mollie-Mae; not forgetting my friends in the pit who did such a wonderful job.
CM

I went to see the show on Saturday night - what a triumph and what an audience! I thought that the whole cast was superb and musically it was exceptional. As usual, Dylan's voice stood out as something very special. The duet he performed with Ed, in Secret Garden, was unbelievable enough (it gave me goosebumps) but the control he displayed on Saturday was real star-quality. It yet again goes to confirm the level of talent at amateur level and how blessed Weston are with their principals and chorus generally.
PD

Autumn 2008 Production 'The Pirates of Penzance'

As it was my first visit to Pirates (honest!) I had nothing to compare it with. Which is probably a good thing. The costumes were excellent and the cast performed extremely well. The principles were superb and I really enjoyed Sue Collings' spirited Ruth. I think Ray Jeffery must be quite a hard task master.

I was rather bemused by the 'modern' take on the production, having expected something quaint in the style of G&S. On reflection, the quirkiness made it more accessible in some ways and more 'pantomime-like' in others. The interaction with the conductor in the pit was quite clever. So, overall, it was a most entertaining evening and you certainly all gave us our money's worth! Pity the singers off-stage only get a mention in the programme and no acknowledgement on stage because they obviously boosted the sound appreciably.

Best Wishes PL

Oppitts 2008 Production 'Guys & Dolls'

I would just like to say I came to see my first 'Oppitts' show Friday evening and thought it was great.
The scenery, music singing, dancing, and drama were impressive for their ages.

How do you do it in that short time of rehearsals ! Congratulations and thank you so much for giving Lucinda a brilliant opportunity to work with you all, she is looking forward already to the next !!!

Thank you again

Regards P H-G

Easter 2008 production of 'The Secret Garden'

Please offer my thanks to your society for inviting Denis and me last night to the enchanting production of "The Secret Garden" which we felt very privileged to see. The whole company is worthy of the highest praise for presenting such a beautifully cast, well-dressed and highly polished performance. Accompanied by a most simpatico MD and fine orchestra, we were thrilled throughout with the vocal talent, both solo and concerted.

The sets were amazingly fine and full marks must be awarded to the splendid crew who worked so hard to provide the seamless changes and transform the stage, particularly the garden to its magnificent fruition, including the charming robin! The talented cast easily rose to the challenge set, with Rebecca Rowntree bringing to the role of Mary Lennox, a maturity and depth of feeling rarely seen in one so young. Brava! She was given strong support from James Gilmore's invalid, Colin, Jake Chew's nature-loving Dickon and lovely, warm-hearted Martha. Deeply impressive was the sincerity and beautiful singing of Archibald and Neville Craven, especially their moving duet "Lily's Eyes" and Lily's evocative rendering of "Come To My Garden". Add this to the impeccable support from the rest of the principals and chorus of spirits to make this production one of the most moving experiences recently seen.

Yours sincerely,
Geraldine Branton, NODA South West Councillor.

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful evening on Saturday 29th. It was by chance I was walking by the Playhouse on that morning and noticed your poster. I mentioned it to my husband late on that afternoon and at 6.30 I rang to see if there were any tickets. I was told that two had been returned on the front row of the circle. We quickly got ready and arrived in good time to pick up our tickets.
As soon as the show started I felt confident it was going to be good and I was not disappointed. The orchestra, scenery, lighting, voices, costumes and the continuity was amazing. I am looking forward to your next production and also telling my friends just how good you all were.
We do have some insight into how much hard work goes into a production as my husband and I were members of Clevedon Light Opera for 22 years.
Congratulations once again and thank you for a very memorable evening.
M and J W

I have been meaning to drop you a line since I saw the excellent production of “The Secret Garden” at the Playhouse. It truly was a superb production in every way. Very professional and of the highest standard! It really was great. My 14 year old daughter loved it as did her friend. Please do pass on my compliments to the whole cast. I was extremely impressed with the children too and the way the soloists held their vocal parts so well when two voices intertwined the melodies together. Well done to you and everyone else!
E T-G

Easter 2007 production of 'Sweeney Todd'

To all of the cast and crew of Sweeney Todd,
I came to see your production last night (Saturday 14th April), and am just writing to congratulate you on such a fantastic and moving show. If I had not known better, I would have thought your production was by a professional company - I was blown away by the brilliant and highly moving acting, the wonderful singing voices, the fabulous music, everything! Every person on the stage was so talented, from the leading actors to the ensemble, and I was mesmerised from start to finish.
I wish you all the best for the future - I will definitely be coming to see more of your productions. Thank you for such a wonderful evening's entertainment.
CT

My congratulations on your latest production 'Sweeney Todd'. I was greatly impressed. And although I know it's not a show popular with some, I have grown to love it and totally enjoyed the Brian Buttle production of it.
Again my congratulations to all the cast and everyone involved.
Yours truly
GH