The Sainsbury Singers
The Hexagon   22  -  26 April 2008

This was another good production by The Sainsbury Singers but not perhaps quite up to the standard of their most recent shows – somehow it lacked their special sparkle.  However there were some excellent moments and performances.

The plot tells of a touring company presenting ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ with the actor/manager and his ex wife playing Petruchio and Katharine, whose tempestuous relationship off-stage echoes that in the play. 

Cole Porter’s music is fantastic and his lyrics are clever and witty. 

The four main characters, Lois (Lorraine Meechan), Bill (Paul Stoneley), Lilli (Emma Reeves) and Fred (Rob Latimer) sang and acted together well. 

As always the male chorus brought the place to life and again as usual, the choreography was understated but immaculately executed and the costumes were excellent – I’ve never seen so many pairs of camiknickers! 

The scene changes were mostly slick but when they were not covered by music one was suddenly brought back to reality which was a pity. 

I particularly enjoyed ‘Always True to you Darling in my Fashion’ (Lois) and ‘Bianca’, beautifully sung by Paul Stoneley. 

Congratulations to choreographers, Kim Antell and Isobel Stebbings, Michael Sharman (Musical Director) and Director Wendy Carne.