THE 2000's
The Society headed for the Black Hill of Dakota for the 2000 show - "Calamity Jane". 'Jane's rip-roar return to town' headlined The Whitehaven News. Howard Cooper as Wild Bill Hickok 'must have endeared himself to the audience and Ann Simpson's portrayal of Calamity 'gave one of her best performances'. New members to the company included Elaine Draper, Ray Casson, Clare Grootendorst and Audrey Pedersen. A thriller was given at Rosehill in the Autumn of 2000 "House Guest" with newcomers taking principal roles. Ray, Clare and Audrey all made this thrilling play a great success. The Whitehaven News congratulated the cast 'who delivered an almost perfect performance' Ian Hinde also joined the company as Crozier - foully murdered by Inspector Burford - played by Ripley Steele.
"Annie" in 2001 seemed to be a natural choice as we had an influx of new younger members. Maegan McTiffin as Annie 'belted out the songs..... with such energy and professionalism that it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end' wrote the critic. All the children as the orphans whose 'cheeky grins and sarcastic tone when greeting Miss Hannigan .... is guaranteed to put a smile on your face' were amazing and even the dog. Sandy (played by Ruby!) 'was a delight'. A unique and delightful bond was forged between Maegan and Ruby during the rehearsals and show-week.
We returned to Rosehill with another comedy in the Autumn of 2001 with "Pardon Me, Prime Minister". This 'Well tuned, hilarious political satire was a triumph over adversity' as Elizabeth Simpson, 'the Society's talented mainstay' had fallen ill and could not appear during the run of the play. The part was taken by Margaret Thorpe who did a wonderful job and 'was totally convincing' as Dora Springer.
The children also played a vital part in the success of "Oliver" in 2002. Geoff Hubbard was 'outstanding' as Fagin and Audrey Pedersen 'brought colour and drama to the show' as Nancy. The News also commented how good it was to see visually impaired members like David Hardy and Graeme Bowe taking their place in the chorus. Martin Bragg was an 'excellent' Oliver and their was an 'unforgettable performance' from Neil Manning as Bill Sykes.
The Society visited pre-war Berlin for their 2003 show "Cabaret" and created a vivid picture of an age when violence and intolerance were mixed with the heady atmosphere of the Kit-Kat club and all who saw it or appeared in it were impressed by the strong story-line. Lisa Anderson was a wonderful Sally Bowles and Ray Casson a convincing American as Cliff Bradshaw. In June we presented "The Liver Birds" which proved to be a hilarious success. The strong cast gave the audience a wonderful evening's entertainment. As Mrs. Hennessey, Lynn McTiffin's Scouse accent had to be heard to be believed and her call of 'Are you there, our Beryl?' certainly grabbed the audience's attention! Margaret Thorpe as Mrs. Hutchinson, Sandra's snobby mother, was a perfect Southport Hyacinth Bucket! Also the two flatmates Elaine Draper (Sandra) and Ann Casson (Beryl) give incredible performances as they are never off stage and have a phenomenal amount of script to learn!! Ray Casson as Beryl's lover, Robert, was very funny especially when he is drugged, looses his trousers and is pushed into a cupboard!. Chris Simpson, as the camp caretaker Desmond Duval gave a superb performance complete with limp wrist and mincing walk!
We are now looking forward to 'Ulysses' in November 2003 and 'South Pacific' in March 2004.