Sparkling return for Newbury Nomads Musical Theatre
Newbury Nomads Musical Theatre: The Wedding Singer at the Corn Exchange, from Wednesday, October 5, to Saturday, October 8. Review by DEREK ANSELL
Based on the 1998 movie starring Adam Sandler and set in 1985, this show had colour, sparkle and music, all performed with great enthusiasm by cast and musicians.
The Wedding Singer may not be the greatest musical, the score being far from memorable and unlikely to cause anyone to sing its songs in the shower next morning. Still, it has its moments.
The storyline hinges on the relationship between Robbie (Andy Pocock) and Julia (Melissa Hughes) and these two gave solid performances as both actors and singers. Andy was busiest with far more to do, but he did it all very well, while Melissa proved to be an exceptionally good singer.
As the show depends on their relationship, there was a lot riding on their integrated performances, but they succeeded admirably.
The story concerns a couple that meet and get on well, but both are engaged to different people. Working around and out of that situation is the core of the show.
OK, so it’s not Romeo and Juliet but you get the idea?
Supporting the two main characters there were good, well integrated performances from Shaun Blake, Matt Collins and Rhys Swan. Rhys was effective as a ‘baddie’ and Chloe Long convincing as the devious ‘other woman’.
This performance was notable for sparkling coloured sets and costumes, good all-round performances from all the supporting actor/singers and a very fine ‘orchestra pit’ type band who played with spirit in front of the stage, all through the show.
Some male roles were played by women and I did note that at one point there were 16 women on stage and just four men. What this society did prove, convincingly, was that along with Jamie Ledwith’s skilful direction, a lot of hard work had obviously gone into the production, from staging, movement, choreography, music and even the well-executed little set pieces at the end of scenes.
It takes skill, hard work, talent and dedication to achieve such results.
