A Chorus of Disapproval

Written by Alan Ayckbourn. Directed by Anne Morris

Performed on Thursday 18 June to Saturday 20 June at Pentyrch Village Hall

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Summary

A Chorus of Disapproval follows the trials and tribulations of an amateur operatic society during the rehearsal period of “The Beggars Opera”.

Stumbling into an early rehearsal is a shy young widower called Guy Jones, whose life is passing him by. Guy is quickly pounced upon with glee by Dafydd, the Welsh director and given a minor role in the show. Guy then rises through the ranks to become the star of the show and soon everyone wants a piece of him and Guy just can’t say ‘no’ to anyone!

NODA Review by Derek Grattidge

This enthusiastic and talented company has grown in stature since it was formed in 2002.  I have seen several of their productions and I have never been disappointed.  The facilities of the venue where they perform are limited and to mount an Alan Ayckbourn play of this magnitude on a small stage requires courage and a great deal of school.  So well done Anne Morris and her team.  This is a play within a play and the frustrated director was admirably played by Ian Campbell.  He had all the problems which beset a director – I speak from experience – but surmounted them all.  The role of Guy – who couldn’t say no – was equally well played by Bill Pithers.  From joining the company, he went from shaking a spear on the back row of the chorus to playing the part of MacHeath in The Beggars Opera.  These two characters are really the hub of the play but they were superbly backed by the rest of the principals and the small chorus.  I had only seen this play once before and the Society playing it then had cut quite a lot of music which had the effect of reducing the running time by about 10 to 15 minutes and in my opinion allowed the piece to run more smoothly.  But well done Hilltop for stretching yourselves once again and I look forward to seeing you again in November.

Cast

Guy Jones                                   Bill Pithers

Dafydd Ap Llewellyn                Iain Campbell

Hannah Llewellyn                     Siān Williams

Bridget Baines                           Fiona Jackson

Mr Ames                                       Dai Williams

Enid Washbrook                        Rebecca Church

Rebecca Huntley Pike              Hilary Evans

Ian Hubbard                                Steve Williams

Fay Hubbard                               Victoria Walters

Jarvis Huntley Pike                   Phil Davies

Ted Washbrook                         Martyn Foster Lewis

Linda Washbrook                     Fleur Greening

Crispin Usher                            Liam Daly

Raymond                                    Simon Jones

 

Chorus 

Sue O’ Halloran
Joe Morris
Morgan Rees   
Carla Gambarini

Jenna Claridge
Abigail Dawson
 

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director                                       Anne Morris

Assistant Director                    Karen Claridge

Singing Teacher                       Sue O’Halloran

‘Beggars Opera’ Music            John Jenkins

Choreography                           Laura Hallas

Stage Manager                          Wayne Brewer

Set Design                                  Rhys Stapleton, Wayne Brewer

Scenic Art                                   Rhys Stapleton 

Lighting & Sound                     Wayne Brewer

Backstage Support                  Sarah Jen Gazzard, Huw Herniman, Llwyd Herniman

Properties                                   Joe Morris, Morgan Rees, Carla Gambarini, Jenna Claridge, Abigail Dawson

Wardrobe                                    Sue Gambarini, Sam Jenkins

Makeup                                        Rebecca Mapham

Business Manager                   Richard Jones

Business Team                         Simon Jones, Helen Page

Programme                                Richard Jones, Helen Page

House Manager                        Richard Jones

Front of House                         Members and Friends of Hilltop

Bar Manager                             Iain Campbell / Helen Jones

Box Office                                 Brenda Slaughter