National Operatic & Dramatic Association

 

 

SOUTH-WEST AREA

 

It is refreshing to attend a musical about which I know very little. Such was the situation when I attended The Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society presentation of “The Hired Man” on Friday 29th November 1997 at the Civic Hall.

From the moment the company entered and began singing I felt this could be a very special evening and by the end of the production that was substantiated.

The set was very well designed and constructed and used to good effect. Makeup was sensitive for everyone on stage and the ageing was just right.

Properties were correct and handled in a most natural way. Everything was in the right place at the right time which is not always so in amateur productions. The efficiency of the back stage team must have been a tremendous asset to the cast.

Costumes were correct for the place and periods and well worn by the company but perhaps the nurses uniforms were rather too clean for the battlefield!

Tony Giddings must be congratulated for the stunning lighting control. His almost breath-taking accuracy of timing with musical cues and re-setting was one of many “highlights” of the productions.

What a challenge Howard Goodall’s music and lyrics must have been but under the talented musical direction of Ronald Foxwell musicians and singers produced a well-balanced and often quite thrilling sound with sensitivity and enthusiasm. Under his firms control never once did I feel chorus, soloists or musicians were going to miss an entrance even when he could not be seen by many on stage.

One of my lasting memories will be not only the fine singing of the chorus but its total involvement and discipline even by “Misty”. There were so many impressive individual performances and the complete stillness was so stunning.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL.

Alec J. Ruddick



CHARACTER PERFORMANCES

SEAN ANDREWS – John

For me this was a five-star performance. Very good diction throughout and a fine singing voice. Everything he did was so natural, facial expressions and looks, reactions to situations and full range of emotions fully expressed especially in “What would you say to your Son?” – MANY CONGRATULATIONS



ALLISON LOMAX - Emily

This is a difficult part having to express so many contracting emotions as the story develops. This Allison mastered beautifully. She sang well and also proved a woman does not have to wear gorgeous clothes to look beautiful. I enjoyed this performance throughout but was particularly impressed with her in the second half and “No Choir of Angels”. – THANK YOU ALLISON.



SIMON HYDE – Jackson

This could have been a rather nasty character but was performed extremely well by a very talented actor. He looked good, performed varying emotions with conviction and sang very well. A natural mover on stage who always looks at ease with himself. – A FINE PERFORMANCE



PETER WILKINSON – Isaac

A very well-controlled performance. Good bearing and movement with strong clear voice and natural reactions to situations.



TYRONE BUTLER – Seth

Portrayed extremely well with good clear voice. Especially impressive in “Union” scene.



CHRISTOPHER WORTHY – Harry

Looked so right for this part. A thoughtful performance with nice moments of light and shade. – A FINE YOUNG ACTOR.



JESSICA HUNTER – May

Charming performance very pleasant singing voice with clear diction throughout. Looked stunning at opening of second half. – A NICE ACTRESS.



NIKKI GREATWOOD – Sally

A little light relief within the story. Portrayed extremely well. A clever sense of fun tinged with an undercurrent of sadness. – Very pleasant voice.

Back to The Hired Man - November 1997