All Shook Up
5th - 9th March 2024
Inspired by Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night, All Shook Up rocks and rolls along to the music of Elvis Presley. A small Midwestern town is thrown into a frenzy with the arrival of Chad, a good looking, motorcycle riding roustabout, who rides from town to town with a guitar on his back and a song in his heart. Repressed by their conservative mayor, the town begins to come alive once more under Chad’s influence. Then, all in one zany night, the town will change forever.
Photo Gallery
Credit: Andy Watkins
All Shook Up - NODA Report
DATE: 9th March 2024
SOCIETY: Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company
VENUE: Saffron Walden Town Hall
TYPE OF PRODUCTION: Musical
DIRECTOR: David James
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Paul Garner
CHOREOGRAPHER: Siobhan Austin-Guest
PRODUCER: Gemma Alexander
Report
Author: Decia Ranger
It’s the 1950’s and in a small town in America’s mid-west, Chad rides into town in search of a mechanic. With his leather jacket, blue suede shoes and a guitar slung over his back, he brings Rock ‘n’ Roll to this repressed community, to the displeasure of the mayor who initially threatens to implement the Decency Act, before she eventually shakes off her inhibitions.
Set to the music of Elvis Presley and with a storyline based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, it was obvious as soon as a motorbike roared onto the stage, in a blaze of headlights, that this was going to be a vibrant, toe tapping show.
The strong cast was headed up by Adam Bonner who was obviously having a great time as Chad, singing his way through Elvis’s greatest hits. Natalie the mechanic, played by Bethany Manktelow worked hard to get her man, but it paid off in the end. Well played, with some lovely asides to the audience.
A great over the top performance by Erica Redfern as Mayor Matilda Hyde, and Gemma Alexander really captured the essence of Miss Sandra, the attractive museum caretaker, sashaying around and turning heads.
A good portrayal by Alison Hare of the feisty Sylvia, who runs the Honky Tonk and we all felt for Dennis who so wanted to be noticed. Well done to Andy McPhee whose performance certainly tugged at the heart strings.
Nathan Mack and Alice Bol made a good pairing as young lovers Dean Hyde, the mayor’s son and Lorraine, daughter of Sylvia. Lovely expressive performances.
And so, in the end, there were weddings galore, including that of once grieving widower Jim Haller, well played by Steve Patient, and Sylvia. Sheriff Earl, a man of few words and played by David Smithet, finally tames Mayor Matilda after following her around for so long in the line of duty. And of course, Sandra and Dennis who have their very own Sonnet 116 moment!
Direction was in the capable hands of David James and the acting was of a high standard. The show though is all about the music and there were terrific solos as well as amazing company numbers. Siobhan’s dance routines were full of energy with everyone, as far as I could see, perfectly in step. Costumes were absolutely right and I particularly liked the statues, and devils and angels sequences which really brought their respective musical numbers to life.
Scenery had been well thought out and scene changes, carried out by cast and crew, never allowed the pace to slow. Lighting and sound were good with some good effects and musical accompaniment was once again in the capable hands of Paul Garner and his orchestra.
This was another terrific show from this very talented society. Thank you for inviting me and thank you to President Maureen Gypps for her company throughout the afternoon and to Barbara for the welcome cups of tea in the interval.
Thank you for inviting me. We had a very enjoyable afternoon.
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