Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society. This comic operetta with music by Jacques Offenbach is not easy to play-or sing but the orchestra did extremely well and the chorus maintained its usual high standard. The costumes were interesting and well chosen and I liked the "sets" very much -simple but very effective. Good use was made of the width of the stage and the positioning of the cast was first class. There were many interesting pictures to behold and also some very imaginative moves. The orchestra under to direction of Helen Heaton was well balanced and never too loud and there was some fine violin playing by Michael Oliver. Lighting and effects were well controlled and the make-up was just right. The choreography by Allison Moore was interesting and well executed. There was not a weak link in the cast and the singing by all the principals was of a very high standard. The "Pupils" were certainly one of the comedy highlights of the production and I enjoyed Mercury's (Matt Heaton) entrances and exits. The manner in which he careered about the stage was most amusing. A splendid performance by James Shadwell as Orpheus and fine singing by Kate Courage as Eurydice set the tone for the production and there was a most impressive performance from Ian Bell as Pluto. Gwynne Evans as Jupiter gave a faultless performance. His strong clear voice and powerful singing made him so right for this part, coupled with excellent facial expressions that encompassed every motion.... I was most impressed. No-one let the side down and I congratulate Phil Courage on presenting a production full of animation and vigour where everyone on stage seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves and the enthusiasms was passed to the audience. Well done. A. Ruddick.
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