Re: Winterbourne Musical Theatre “The Good Companions”
Thank you for inviting me to see the above production and may I offer you all my congratulations at the way you all pulled brilliantly together to make your first performance so successful. It surely was a success, judging by the reaction of the audience, most of whom were seeing the show for the first time. It is an old favourite of mine, as I just love Priestley plays, with his impeccable ear for dialogue, so typical in this production with some finely drawn characters.
Great attention had been paid to the period, with costume, hairstyles and props all complementing and I admired the half-stage sets, when taking us back in time, which made those insets so easy to follow. The music is tuneful, rather than memorable, apart from the title number and “The Pleasure of your Company” and each number was enhanced by movement and dance well executed. As I said to the players, on stage afterwards, what impressed me most was the way you supported each other, with the sheer enthusiasm and commitment shining through during the performance. I certainly felt for your lighting techies, who played a blinder coming to the production cold, yet I am sure that each subsequent performance will improve as the week progresses.
Well done Principals, especially Inigo Jollifant, Miss Trant and of course, dear Jess Oakroyd, who made the whole venture seem somehow believable and wouldn’t we all, at some stage, like to take off and tour? Although, having spent nearly eight months doing just that, I can relate to the way they dispersed so readily at the end! The Dinky-Doos added their own particular charm and style with costume and dance and I especially enjoyed the tap routines and the wonderfully agile clowns -a lovely touch! So, well done Winterboume on a fine achievement and I just know that now you have your opening performance under your belt, you will go from strength to strength, bringing great entertainment to your audiences.