Features

Claire White
I went and saw this fabulous musical on Saturday evening and ended up dancing in the aisles with the rest of the audience. If only I had gone to the opening night performance as I would have undoubtedly gone back for a second helpingThis show had the audience clapping along from the moment the orchestra struck those first chords of Jailhouse Rock. David Bolton, musical director did a fantastic job is getting the entire cast to sing such wonderful harmonies.There was nothing amateur about this show – the stage direction by Rebecca Darcy, I remember her when she was Laurie in Oklahoma for Stage Door many years back, was on par with a West End show and the very talented cast were superb. Another thing to say for Stage Door is that when you do go and see one of their shows, you have no idea who you will see in those principle roles, unlike some other companies who always seem to pull on the same few names, not that they are not talented, but it is good to see new talent being show cased. This show was no exception. Of the 10 ‘principles’ the programme told us it was a first with Stage Door for 7 of them – and they all deserved the rapturous applause they received at the end of the night. I hope it’s not the last we see of them with this theatre company though I’m sure all of them will be sought after by other local companies.Whilst some may feel that they get preferential treatment by Radio Suffolk because of the links they have with some cast members, Mr Cook is a little naive in thinking that other local theatre companies do not also utilise company members associations.I can not recall the last time I saw a review for one of Stage Door’s productions in the local press yet some other companies do receive many inches worth of publicity. I for one feel it is a real shame as people in this area are missing out on a fantastic evening’s entertainment.It was a shame that the audience was not larger - perhaps the company should review their approach to the publicity they undertake. I have only just recently seen banners for two other far smaller, local companies advertising shows which are never to the same high standard I saw on Saturday night – perhaps a lesson could be learned by the publicity team.I am not sure if I will go to see their next production in August as I saw it only a couple of years ago and feel that it may be too soon for many – though I will be back for ‘Anything Goes’ next year.

David Cook
Although I haven't seen the show, I have a great deal of respect for the work that Stage Door are currently doing and, I have heard, this show is excellent. I will myself be joining them again to reprise my part as the vicar in When The Lights Go on Again when they repeat it in August. I would just like to make the comment (also being made by lots of other local amdram groups)that, it seems that Stage Door get a disproportionate amount of air time and free publicity because several of the company work for or at Radio Suffolk.