Bolton Evening News

The cast at Walmsley Church AODS sparkled in one of Stephen Sondheim's lesser-known musicals. The show is set in elegant Sweden, where love affairs and intrigues are the most important thing. Dashing lawyer Fredrik Egerman is having difficulty consummating his marriage to his beautiful but shy young wife, Anne, and matters are not helped when an old flame, the seductive actress Desiree Armfeldt, returns on the scene.Lindsay Farnworth showcases her truly impressive voice in the role of Anne, with her performances in the songs Every Day A Little Death and A Weekend In The Country being highlights of the first act. The act suffered in parts from some unfortunate technical difficulties which tested the actors' professionalism, but happily the show went on to a triumphant second act, and the cast clearly grew in confidence as the microphone issues were settled. Another standout performance came from Vicki Wilson, whose wittily cynical Countess Charlotte Malcolm had all the best lines, while Eileen Reeves surely caused quite a few lumps to rise in throats with her moving performance of the show's best-known song, Send In The Clowns. Mike Fallon played the part of Fredrik with distinction, while David Griffiths made the most of the comically morose minister-to-be Henrik, whose feelings for his stepmother are anything but holy. The set and costumes were lavish, and the orchestra did a great job, directed by Tom Bowes in his debut. A full supporting cast of butlers, housekeepers and a saucy maid make this charming and elegant show the perfect opportunity to enjoy something a little different. Kat Dibbits