Reviews
Balliol Opera sings 'Songs From The Shows", Heaton Methodist Church, 10 February 2007, in aid of the church Regeration Fund.
"A grand night was had by all who turned out to hear a group from Balliol Opera. It was a wild, wintry night which thankfully put of neither singers nor audience from attending. We had renditions of songs from shows such as 'Another Openin', Another Show', We'll Gather Lilacs, Que Sera Sera, The Skye Boat Song, I'm Getting Married, Alice Blue Gown and many many more favourites. Our thanks to the singers who sent many of the audience on their way with a song in their hearts. In all a total of £400 was raised towards the Regeneration Fund. Well done all those involved"
David Harrison
"Anyone who missed te Balliol Opera singers perform 'Songs from the Shows' missed a great night of entertainment. From the rip-roaring start oif 'Another Openin', Another Show' to the toe-tapping finale of 'Rhythm of Life' those folk who braved a cold and wet night were treated to a mix of great singing and cameo performances. And the audience even got a chance to impress the 'professionals' with a sing-a-long session in each half"
David Wells
"'Songs from the Shows' by Balliol Opera was an absolute treat and a great success. Individual performances were excellent. Highlights included my personal favourite 'The Impossible Dream" whose lyrics are so [relevant to] to church's current [regeneration] quest. Thoroughly entertaining, financially rewarding and regenerating"
Mick Lovell.
Annie Get Your Gun held at the Julibee theatre, Gosforth
Producer - John Bowen
Musical Director - Gillian Anderson
Choreographer - Jane Bushell
Accompanist - Mark Thompson
"This was an extremely well cast production. Carla Sams (Annie Oakley) gave one of the best characterisations of this role I have seen. It is often said that certain parts are made for certain people, and I think this was one of those for Carla. Nigel Douch (Frank Butler) came a very close second. He looked comfortable and relaxed. Together they were a pair not only in acting, but also in singing and stage presence, the chemistry between them working well.
"Keith Miller (Charlie Davenport) was a delight to witness, not only when he was actively involved. This is waht gives continuity in delivering a role and Keith did this tremendously well. Alan Tomkins (Sitting Bull) was his positive demonstrative self, and Carol Emerson (Dolly Tate), Stephen Gladstone (Buffalo Bill), Trevor Cooper (Pawnee Bill) and Stephen Burbridge (Mac) were an extremely supportive line-up. Wwell done to the remaining cast members who all contributed to the success of the production. Overall a very entertaining evening."
Derek Coleman
'Musical Moments' Held at RGS Performing Arts Centre
Producer - Alan Tomkins
Musical Arranger - Mark Thompson
Choreographer - Jane Bushell
"This was my first visit to the purpose built and recently opened Performing Arts Centre of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, which the Society was, using as a new venue. It is most impressive, not needing sound equiptment as the natural acoustics were more than sufficient. The entertainment was non stop, featuring well known numbers from popular musicals. Set against a simple backcloth and moving quickly from one number to another, the members did extremely well throughout the entire performance. I particuaraly enjoyed excerpts from 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Paint Your Wagon'. Congratulations to Alan and Mark and all involved. I am looking forward to your next production in November."
Derek Coleman
bravenet.com