Saturday, September 28, 2013

THE BOY FRIEND

THE BOY FRIEND
Trinity Methodist Music and Drama
27.09.13

Laura Bennett was at Trinity for The Chelmsford Weekly News ...



Sandy Wilson's 1953 musical comedy, The Boy Friend, is a frivolous, feel-good show - the essence of which even the predictable plot line and weak book can do nothing to dispel - and this youthful Trinity cast brings a vitality and spirit to the stage. Polly Browne, set to inherit her father's fortune but wanting to find love regardless of money, is played with earnest sobriety and a sparklingly beautiful voice by Jessica Edom. Ben Huish gives delivery boy Tony a bumbling posh-boy interpretation, with a smooth, confident singing voice.

Hands held at constant right angles and fixed smiles with shiny white teeth, the English roses of the finishing school are played with stylised elegance by Charlotte Watling, Helen Quigley, Amy Coster and Nina Harrington. Their enthusiastic Charleston-style choreography is well matched by the strong male support from Joe Gray, Dom Short, Dom Light and Ed Tunningley. All relevant parties spiritedly maintain their French accents, especially Emma Byatt who floats around the stage as a graceful Madame Dubonnet. An enjoyable cameo too from Director Tony Brett who exudes personality while playing lecherous Lord Brockhurst.

The busy three piece band are reliably led by Musical Director Gerald Hindes who pitches the volume levels ideally to ensure that the performers voices are always heard.

It is lovely to see a talented group of young faces joining the established performers at Trinity, and the result is a fun-filled production with the enthusiasm of the cast reflected by the appreciative audience. An entertaining evening.

production photo by Val Scott

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