THE DANCING YEARS

Milton Musical Society

Regent Centre

Christchurch

June 2002
 

ALL credit to Milton for having the confidence to perform one of those shows that sadly and unjustly seems to have gone out of fashion.

Ivor Novello might have turned in his grave had he heard his music played on a keyboard rather than by a full orchestra, but sometimes I suppose needs must – and at least the singers didn’t have to battle to be heard. And when one of those singers is Terence Trickett, making a rare guest appearance back on the amateur stage as tenor Ceruti, you realise just how beautiful that music is.

 

Angela Slater as his singing partner, Maria Ziegler, was really too old for the role and seemed uncomfortable and unsure of her lines, although she brought pathos to her scenes with her lover Rudi Kleber, played with polish, panache and show-stealing style by Alan Ponting.

 

There was a delightful performance from young Zoë Watts as ingenue Grete, and several lovely cameos, especially from Jill Nuthall (Hattie), Simon Dade (Franzel), Leonard Godfrey (Prince Charles Metterling) and Christine Eastwood (Cacille Kurt).

 

The small chorus – where are all the men these days? – smiled constantly and were well grouped by director Margaret Coltman, and beautiful costumes added those vital finishing touches.

 

Linda Kirkman

Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo