Call Me Madam

This is a lively production of a thoroughly enjoyable musical brought to life by a charismatic cast at Walmsley. The action takes place in 1952, and the Madam in question is the larger than life Sally Adams, sent as America's first female Ambassador to the small European outpost of Lichtenberg. With songs by Irving Berlin, and including numbers such as It's A Lovely Day Today and You're Just In Love, this is a musical treat. But furthermore its cast do it justice.

Sally Adams is played by Kathy Turton, who gives a performance full of personality and vitality. Eddie Williams as leading man Cosmo Constantine is perfect in the role. Not only is he the ideal European gentleman, but his voice is terrific. Supporting the leading pair is a cast bursting with characters. Vicki Wilson as Princess Maria has the perfect vehicle in which to show off her obvious singing and dancing ability, while David Wilson as her young suitor, Kenneth Gibson, also shines. The chorus is strong, and Sarah Booth does very well in her first show as choreographer.

Costume is colourful; but what particularly stood out was the numerous scenery changes, done with a minimum of fuss to great effect. First night jitters affected one or two lines, and a scenery door opening the wrong way amused the audience momentarily. The first half maybe ran just a little too long, but this did not detract from a fine all round performance of a show well worth seeing. With some tickets left, members of the audience are guaranteed a foot tapping enjoyable night.

Beverly Greenberg

Although perhaps seen as a little dated these days the show contains what are considered some of the best musical numbers to flow from the pen of Irving Berlin such as 'It's A Lovely Day Today', 'You're Just in Love' and 'Can You Use Any Money Today'.

It requires a deft touch from the Director, some nifty footwork in the dance routines, an injection of pace from the orchestra and a larger than life leading lady to send the audience home humming the tunes. Director Nora Howcroft applied the light touch, getting plenty of humour out of the script, whilst Sarah Booth did quite well in her first show as choreographer. Her efforts were somewhat nullified by a lack of pace in such numbers as the "Washington Square Dance", 'The Ocarina' and 'Something to Dance About' from the orchestra and a less than agile chorus.

Another major element in the success of the show depends upon the performance of 'The Hostess with The Mostest' Sally Adams. Kathy Turton gave a bright and humorous interpretation, her numbers being put across with verve and plenty of vocal ability. She was well matched by Eddie Williams who displayed good acting ability and a beautifully resonant singing voice.

In turn they were supported by good performances from David and Vicki Wilson. David came across well as the eager to please young diplomat Kenneth Gibson whilst Vicki showed her vocal and dancing abilities as Princess Maria. The show provides a wealth of scope for cameo roles and these were well played by Andrew Turton as the rather pompous Pemberton Maxwell, David Watson as the dithering Hugo Tantinnin and Harry Lee as the bumbling Sebastian Sebastian. Ron Finney, David Witt and Don Fairclough came over well as the cigar chewing Senators Gallaghan, Brockbank and Congressman Wilkins, whilst Bill Sharples and Joyce Walters looked suitably regal as Grand Duke Otto and Grand Duchess Sophia.

Scenery, with the exception of the opening which looked rather sparse, was up to the society's usual high standard and whilst costumes were adequate, I would have expected a little more glamour in places.

An enjoyable show which would have benefitted from a little more pace. I was pleased to present a well deserved 30 year bar to one of the stalwarts of the society, Mary Pycroft, at the end of the show.

Glyn Neary