|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The following pictures are a selection from our pre-show publicity shots: | |||
|
|
|
|
|
NODA Review
Report by Terry Rymer, Regional Rep NODA East District 6.
"Over the past year and a half, DOS have been an itinerant society seeking suitable venues where and when they are available, whilst their home at the Memorial Hall is totally refurbished. So here we were at the home of Dereham F.C., and very suitable it was: an intimate low ceiling club room with bar but no stage. Audience seated at tables and therefore able to enjoy a drink as the evening progressed. Only 2 sets of floods as lighting, and, of course, no curtains, wings, very little scenery and props, and certainly no microphones. This was not an extravagant setting! Also missing was the usual programme of Acts and Songs and Performers. We did have a nicely produced Song Sheet and some of the chorus songs for our delectation if so desired. So what can we expect from the evening: maybe ‘not a lot’? But we could not be more wrong! From the list of aliases, no doubt known to the locals, emerged one of the best set of variety numbers and sketches you could hope for, with costumes to grace the most extravagant of musicals.
From the outset, a welcome from Chairman Mr Archibald Askam, who used his loquacious verbosity to introduce our Musical Director, Mr Justin Time, (even his keyboard was cleverly transformed into a honky tonk piano). These two were a vital ingredient to the success of the evening as with eloquent eloquence the Chairman introduced the ‘Cor Blimey’ medley of songs followed by Mr Claude Cant with the ‘Marrow Song’, with audience prompts up his jumper, inside his waistcoat, and under his apron – a nice touch! Miss Isla White gave us ‘Mary is a Grand Old Name’ with Miss Polly Esta on saxophone. Mr Curtis E Carr gave us a retail tour to ‘The Other Department Please’ (sold out). A serious and dramatic accapella rendition of ‘Damn His Eyes’ from Percival Pratt (what a finish) was followed by Dolores Annis and Bob Down with ‘On Top of the Tram Car’. Daisy Does was ever hopeful as she looked ‘Under the Bed – No Man There Yet’, heartfelt emotion! A bumpy journey from Kittie Lytta as she took a ‘taxi ride around town’ for 8d a mile: she’d been round the park a few times! A hilarious day at the races was enjoyed by Ron De Voes, Piers Cromer, and Curtis E Carr with some lovely timing in ‘Do Dah Do Dah Day’! Shirley Knott gave us a sexy stroll along the promenade with a ‘Little Bit, Not Too Much Of It’! The first half ended with Bob Down sharing his winkles, Claude Cant playing with his seaweed, and Daisy Does leaving us in stitches as she fiddled with her deckchair, beside the seaside. Phew! Time for a drink.
Second half and more superb entertainment as Miss Lucy Lastic, complete with fishnets, led the ensemble in WW1 songs, then Mr Drew Peacock with a super rendition on ‘The Sunshine Of Your Smile’ and more Lucy Lastic in ‘I’ll Make A Man Of You’…, but Miss Kittie Lytta was left ‘waiting at the church’ – can’t think why! No Musical Hall is complete without a melodrama and ‘The Wanderer’s Return’ was a pot pourri of humour and OTT acting with a laugh a line as seven of our ‘ghastly actors’ did their damndest to upstage each other, but Miss Polly Esta took the Oscar for the ubiquitous line ‘and seven long winters’ perfectly timed on each occasion, despite efforts from Jasper’s mobile slug of a moustache. Miss Lucy Lastic as Tom is a ‘panto must’ as her thigh slaps made, even me, wince…! There was more, much more. Percival Pratt as ‘Hennery the Eighth’, Shirley Knott wishing ‘If The Wind Had Only Blown The Other Way’, and Miss Polly Esta singing ‘No No Antonio’, but we all knew she did not mean it. Bring on the seven men plus one as the St Withburga Country Dance Team with a touch of the Two Ronnies, giving us some rib tickling, stick breaking, balloon bursting Morris-style dancing and song! Mr Claude Cant recounted the story of ‘The Great Big Saw’ with great relish and just a little edge, but Miss Daisy Does said she didn’t to ‘Oh Mister Porter’ but yes she did! The finale was another medley and we finished ‘Down At The Old Bull And Bush’,,,(Bush Bush).
This talented team of players were in a league of their own, and certainly had the Chairman’s backing as his technique was immaculate in linking the programme together and the kit (costumes!) were certainly extravagant and authentic. The crowd were also on side and played their part. They deserve promotion this year when they return to their home ground! (All football analogies entirely intentional!) This was a real treat of a night out from this talented team and we look forward to the rest of the season. Well played…!"
May 2012
Diary Dates
Play Reading
Weds 16th May
The Studio
Dereham Festival
13th and 14th June
Dereham Memorial Hall
Autumn Musical
13th to 20th Oct
Oklahoma!
Dereham Memorial Hall