Kiss Me Kate Performed at The Little Theatre, Hoghton St, Southport 29th October to 1st November 1997 Directed by: Neil Townsend Musical Director: Edna Lally Choreographer: Gaynor Hale Dialect Coach: Davida Bentham

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Cast
(In order of appearence)
Fredrick Graham ........................................................................ David Trapnell
Harry Trevor ................................................................................ Tony Adamson
Gremio ................................................................................................. Dave Cox
Hortensio ......................................................................................... Ian Culshaw
Lois Lane ........................................................................................ Elaine Alper
Rita (Stage Manager) ............................................................ Davida Bentham
Lilli Vannessi ................................................................................ Pam Ashcroft
Hattie (Lilli's dresser) ................................................................... Gaynoer Hale
Paul(Fred's Dresser) .............................................................. Grahame Jones
Bill Calhoun ..................................................................................... Martin Parry
1st Gangster ................................................................................ Les Hampson
2nd Gangster ............................................................................ Charlie Formby
Harrsion Howell ......................................................................... Neil Townsend

Chorus
Thelma Adamson, Andrew Albertina, Wendy McDonough, Irene Halliday, Heather Dickman, Philip Makin, Debra Parkes, Carol Kennedy, Jaquie Eaton, Diane Fulham, Joan Albertina, David Banks, Laura Makin, Jo Horrocks, Debbie Dobson, Graham Settle, Joyce Perrin, Sally Lane, Melanie Lawson,  Betty Hall, Alison Davies, Neil Culshaw, Cheryl Myerson, Peggy Hulme, Clare Doyle, Danny Watts, Elaine Summerskill


For Maghull Operatic
Stage Manager .................................................................................... Andy Steel
Wardrobe Mistress ............................................................................... Betty Hall
Stage Crew ............................................................................... The Beer Engine
Scenery ............................................................................... Albermarle (London)
Costumes ............................................................... Midland Costumes (Crewe)
Properties .................................................................................................. S.D.C.
Publicity ............................................................................................. Martin Parry
Front of house .................................. Tom Adamson and friends of the Society
Accompanist ................................................................................Hilary Burgoyne
Continuity ................................................................................... Jacquie Padden
Librarian ....................................................................................... Tom Adamson
Programme design and Compilation ......................................... Les Hampson
Photography .................................................................................... Graham Hall

For Southport Little Theatre
Lighting ............................ Sid Coley
Sound ..............................Bill Davies

NODA Review

To celebrate its silver jubilee Maghull chose this wonderful show. Directed by Neil Townsend this was a thoroughly entertaining evening with an extremely enthusiastic chorus. David Trapnell was an excellent Fred Graham having a strong singing voice, acting ability and the capacity to convey the wry humour of the clever script. Partnered by Pam Ashcroft as Lilli Vanessi who matched David admirably. Nothing was left to chance and their repartee was wonderful. Good direction made sure they did not encroach on each others space during the scenes involving the dressing rooms. Elaine Alper and Martin Parry played the second leads, Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun energetically singing and dancing their way through the superb Cole Porter music. Davida Bentham was at her best as Rita the stage manager - very professional.

The two gangsters - what can I say to intimate how outstanding Les Hampson and Charlie Formby were in these roles. They have to sing one of the funniest and perhaps best known songs in musical theatre and it is a private to them and their producer that they were not tempted to go over the top. They gave one of the best performances in the show and that is not taking anything away from the rest of the principals. Neil Townsend found himself, at short notice, having to step in as Harrison Howell. He was able to give a creditable performance and still make sure everything was working well own stage. Tony Adamson came into his own as Baptista ably supported by Dave Cox as Gremio and Ian Culshaw as Hortensio. Lighting and scenery were excellent with swift scene changes made with the minimum amount of fuss. The costumes from Midland Costume Hire were bright and colourful. Edna Lally's orchestra kept a brisk pace and choreography by Gaynor Hale ( who also played a pithy Hattie), was well within the chorus and principals capabilities.

May I congratulate you, Maghull on reaching your 25th and I hope you have many more happy years in this wonderful hobby of ours. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening and for the care taken with the and by wife during the interval.

Michael Simpson
 

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Dave Cox & Maghull Musical Theatre Company © MMTC 2002/2005. All rights reserved. Last revised: 18/07/05.