Stanley Opera

‘Stanley Opera’s Breaking into Broadway at the Concordia Theatre last week was like a bag of dolly mixtures. Like the small sweets, the fare was varied and colourful and offered in bitesize portions.’

‘Christine Edwards was the real star in a role that gave scope to her 12 years experience with the company and a broadening of ability to encompass musical artist to add to the operatic quality she has long had.’

‘This combination was never better demonstrated than the way she switched in an instant from the upbeat, full company title song from Hello Dolly to the poignant solo Just One Look from Sunset Boulevard which encapsulates Dorothy’s fantasy of a triumphant return, like that of Norma Desmond, the faded star.’

‘The show – the original story was by director and choreographer Felicity Clarke with script by Nick Bacon – is more a vehicle for showing the talents of other members which are more diverse than the company name would suggest.’

‘Full marks for originality of concept again and there were some great ensemble and company numbers…’

‘... a novel concept by Nick Bacon who not only directed the whole thing but wrote the script and designed the excellent programme (20 pages for just £1.50 - other companies please note). Is there no end to this man’s talents? He has hauled SO into a new era and they look good on it.’

‘Colin Blackler and Marianne Duffy – a great leading duo they made on this whirlwind European tour pursued by a health inspector (the equally impressive Chris Marlow).’

‘... comedy highlights had to be Julia Meynell, earlier a serious operatic singer with Vilia in a Merry Widow sequence, but here a mini Hitler partnered by Ian Rogerson as a Viking maiden in the hilarious Chu-Chi Face from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.’

‘Choreographer Felicity Clarke devised some interesting routines for the more twinkled-toed members in addition to their vocal contributions to demonstrate their virtuosity. MD Janet Ward’s orchestration was simple but effective, complementing the action on stage rather than trying to compete with it.’

‘... 45 songs from opera and musicals were brilliantly performed in a most entertaining show.’