|
Summary
This is a story about a tap
dance group who meet weekly at a dingy church hall, under the tutelage
of Mavis, an ex professional dancer. When asked to perform at a local
charity performance, suddenly this diverse group of eccentric
individuals must interact, overcome their differences and become a whole
under Mavis's guidance and inspiration. Can the group conquer their
inhibitions and overcome their innumerable personality differences in
time for the performance? Will the constant bickering within the group
mean it all ends in tears as Mrs Fraser, the cantankerous piano
accompanist, predicts? Will Sylvia work out right from left in time?
Will Rose's hair look all right on the night? Will Vera abandon her
Marigolds and bleach for the bright lights? Surely Maxine will get the
hats sorted out? Will they fall prey to stage-fright? Or will they
succeed, gaining fame and fortune, or a nice round of applause? Stepping
Out is a beautifully constructed comedy by Richard Harris that is full
of sparkle and zest, about the lives, laughs and loves of ordinary
people 'stepping out' of everyday life into the magical world of dance
NODA REVIEW OF 'STEPPING OUT'
In March, the Pentyrch Village Hall was an appropriate setting for this
clever play by Richard Harris, which gently probes into the lives of a
desperate group of people who come together once a week in a dreary hall
for a tap dancing lesson. Anyone who has been a part of an amateur group
will recognise these people and perhaps see ourselves in the mirror. One
by one we glimpse behind the facade and find that it is sheer escapism,
a brief respite from mundane home life, their work, marriage, their
loneliness which is the motivation and therein lies all the sadness,
pathos, joy and humour of their strange association. As the play unfolds
we care for these people. The enthusiastic, disillusioned choreographer,
the sensitive crabby pianist, the superior organiser, the large brash
lady, the timid one, the tactless, the hopeless and the one shy,
introvert male. Each has a moment centre stage, we learn of their
problems and the superficial humour becomes bittersweet.
In an impressive production by Ruth Crowder, assisted by Mary Hampson
and well choreographed by Victoria Graham, an excellent and all-round
balanced cast bristling with talent, gave defined and contrasting
character performances rich in comedy, sadness and joy. In an extensive
cast list no names, no stars. This is essentially an ensemble piece
where each character is equal and dependent on the others and all come
together in a jubilant and triumphant tap-routine exhibition finale.
Reviewed by Frank Wooles
Cast
Mavis Angie Dymott
Mrs Fraser Brenda Slaughter
Lynne Jenna Claridge
Dorothy Heather Major
Maxine Siān Davies
Andy Tracy Richards
Geoffrey Ian Jones
Sylvia Gail Alford
Rose Tracey Francis-Hardy
Vera Linda Coombes
Fairies Helen Page, Sara
Pickard
Stage Manager Martyn Lench
Production Team
Producer / Director Ruth Crowder
Assistant Director Mary Hampson
Choreography Victoria Graham
Music Robert Edmunds
Dance Captain Angie Dymott
Stage Manager Wayne Brewer
Properties Raynor Phinnemore
Set Design/Construction Wayne
Brewer, Raynor Phinnemore, Josh Cripp, Nathan Brown
Lighting/Sound Wayne Brewer,
Nathan Brown
Continuity Anne Morris
Wardrobe Mary Hampson,
Anne Morris, Karen Claridge
Make Up Karen Claridge
Business Manager Helen Page
IT Manager Richard Jones
Local Publicity Bob Petersen
Poster
Design Robert Edmunds
Photography Dai Williams
House Manager Steve Williams
Bar Manager John Major
Front of House Members and Friends of
Hilltop
Box Office Heather Major |
