In The Spotlight

Photo Credit: Alan Martin/AMSI

Reviewed by: Patricia Connor on 25 Feb 2016
Venue: Greenbank Theatre
Date: 16 - 20 Feb 2016
Type of Production:  Cabaret
Music by Various Artists

Directed & Written by Stephen Hughes-Alty
Musical Director: Paul Williams
Choreographer: Jackie Morris

What a great evening we had at the Greenbank Theatre watching and joining in with Southport Spotlights inimitable revue called 'In The Spotlight'. Written and directed by Stephen Hughes Alty the performance was full of madcap risqué comedy with the emphasis on song and dance. The programme included original and parody songs from popular shows that we all know and love and songs that are not as well-known.

The evening was hosted by two extraordinary stars from the field of entertainment namely Joey Ainsdale (Brendan Gillow) who’s claim to fame was that he had been in 'The Only Way is Southport' and is a regular presenter of 'My Big Brother Has The X Factor Now Get Me Out Of Here'. His co-presenter was the acting phenomenon of stage and screen Dame Honour Bach (Marie Orr); they introduced each performance and musical number in their own stylish unique way with flair and  the use of a comedic well written script.
Everyone in the production had a part to play whether it was singing a solo, performing a small piece of comedy or even having a cameo during someone else’s performance, there were no weak links and everyone appeared to be really enjoying themselves. All the cast without exception produced excellent comedy musical numbers by delivering some commendable singing, great comic timing and spot on accents with clear diction, which resulted in some very funny performances; generating lots of laughter from the  audience who blew their party horns loudly (party bags containing party horns and other things for use during the show, were given out prior to the performance).  

The performers were accompanied by a very good trio who also joined in the comedy along with the performers on stage and were led by Musical Director Paul Williams.  Choreography by Jackie Morris fitted and enhanced the production very well and was worthily executed by the cast.  The production and enjoyable atmosphere was also enhanced by the set and the excellent sound and lighting.
This was an outstanding enjoyable production with plenty of audience participation which everyone seemed to enjoy immensely; from the brilliant opening number of 'A Musical' where Christopher Wet (Chris Rimmer) was hilariously trying to explain to John Wild (John Delahunty) the meaning of a musical show, up to and including the closing section at the end of the show which was an Abba Singalong.  I am sorry I cannot mention everyone as all the cast deserve a mention but unfortunately due to the type of show and number of people involved it is not possible.
Congratulations to Stephen Hughes-Alty and to all involved in bringing this production to the stage. Thank you for inviting us we had a great evening.