Over the past couple of years I’ve tasted a variety of musical theatre companies and looked forward to Throroughly Modern Millie at The Core Theatre, Solihull. I’d not seen anything by St Alphege Musical Productions Society (STAMPS) before, so didn’t know what to expect.
So how were they? A nice showing where Becky Willetts as Millie gave a good performance and both Miss Dorothy, played by Lucy Clarke and Trevor Graydon (Kris Evans) were excellent. Also, the character of Jimmy Smith played by Jack Walsh was likewise good, but I would expect nothing less from a former student of BOA.
Stand out songs for me were Speed Test and Falling in Love. We also had good choreography in most numbers, but nothing in Muquin which could have done with being sent up more. There were also lost opportunities for jokes. For instance, failing to capitalise on the George Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue gag.
Also giving good performances on the night were Fran Foster (Muzzy Van Hossmere), Rosie Asher (Mrs Meers) and Kim Bradshaw (Miss Flannery).
Musical direction came from Phil Ypres-Smith with Viv Morrison as director and choreographer.
A decent enough offering after what must have been many months hard work.
Cheers.
Nick
Antony N Britt - Author 