Newspaper Clippings

HELLO DOLLY (1989)

"Dolly was delightful"

Every once in a while there comes along a productions that questions the word "amateur" when applied to local drama.

It by that you mean "amateurish" then you would have to look elsewhere, but if you meant a group of talented volunteers enthusiastically strutting their stuff in the name of quality regional theatre then "Hello Dolly" at Majestic Theatre fits the bill.

Emerging unbowed from the shadow of Dora Bryan's recent critically acclaimed run at the Manchester Opera House, the Majestic Theatre Group came out with all guns blazing, determined to keep the local end up in this most popular of musicals.

Ambitious staging and lavish costume ensured this sure-fire hit more than merely satisfied, and clever use of lighting and an amplified stage gave the action immediacy and impact.

The Majestic chorus managed to make you feel as if they were twice their number, and they superbly complemented the principals. Clever choreography by Gillian Hulme meant the crowed scenes never palled and the set piece routines sparkled in their own right.

Ann Bennet shone in the title role, lending a sassy, cheeky twist to the part and her excellent voice carried old favourites like "Before the parade passes by" and, of course, "Hello Dolly" which for me, passed the ultimate 'hair on the back of the neck' test.

Majestic Theatre Group are blessed with talent in depth. It's nice to be able to relax, confident that every number will be spot on.

Worthy of mention were Howard Carter and Robert Haslam as the ingenious comic duo. All-singing, all dancing and free of movement they carried the slower numbers to great effect. Heather Hayes-Wilson strengthened the sub-plot with her lovely voice, and Deirdre Rogers brought the house down with her portrayal of the vampish Ernestina.

by Alan Hayes

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Dolly Girls (and boys)

Supposed to mean good luck

 

 

 

 

Next Show

"Kiss Me Kate"
.............
1st to 6th October 2012