By W.S Gilbert & A. Sullivan

Our NODA review written by Frank Wooles

I caught up with our peripatetic players at the Paget Rooms, Penarth, the third and last of their venues in March, to find that Concept had emptied the toy box and in their own inimitable and innovative way created a nursery bedtime story to present a very acceptable, colourful and funny version of Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore. Dame Hannah/Grandma, played with warmth and beautifully sung by Janet Holloway, entertains her two grandchildren, Mary (Rachel Jones) and Alex (Luke Wadden); two confident and mature young performers. from the toy box comes a ballet dancing Rose Maybud, delightfully danced and sung by Ellie Hoare, and her shy suitor, well played by Paul Buckle,as a skateboarding yokel, Robin Oakapple. Tim Brown continually broke into a hornpipe as the clockwork hero sailor Richard Dauntless, and Ann Braley was quite unnerving as a demented rag-doll, Mad Margaret. A faithful hound dog performance by Steve Davies as family retainer Adam Goodheart, and Nigel Holloway doubling as Grandpa and a fangless vampire, Sir Despard, meeting up with Sean Gomez as the poor old family ghost, Sir Roderick. You will have got the idea by now but the purists had nothing to fear in this re-telling which remained faithful in line and note to Gilbert and Sullivan. Well performed and sung to a high standard by cast and company this was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable evening. Oh, and I didn't mention the tap dancing paper-chain troupe of bridesmaids who almost stole the show. Unforgettable and hilarious. A fine production by Janet Holloway with secure musical support under the baton of Jo Herco. Simply and effectively staged and with a colourful and imaginative wardrobe from within the society.

Concept returned to the Paget Rooms in July, with a cabaret style concert celebrating their 10th anniversary entitled "I want to Sing, Sing, Sing". No starts, no programmes, just a talented group of players performing with evident enjoyment an unusual and interesting variety of music which included some G & S, Irish folk songs, the Cats Duet, a Zulu Wedding song and with just a passing nod at more recent imports. Individual performances were a delight and choral work well balanced, rich and impressive.

What a lot Concept have achieved in ten years and with our congratulations go our good wishes for success and harmony in the years ahead. May you continue to surprise us.

Originally published October 2004

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