Love Midlands Theatre

A West End Worthy Performance From WBOS

14/5/2015

 
Picture
John Wetherall as Sam Wheat & Laura Stanford as Molly Jenson. Photography by Ariane Photography Studio
Based on the 1990 romantic fantasy, Ghost The Musical tells the very human tale of a spiritual love
that transcends the greatest of barriers. Taking care to respect the classic screenplay, WBOS present a stellar re-telling of the story with a few tweaks and a lot of talent.

The show opens with Here Right Now performed by the three leads: John Wetherall as Sam, Laura 
Stanford
as Molly, and George Stuart as best-friend Carl. The relationship between the trio is played to perfection throughout, with comedy, anger and tenderness shifting to reflect the unfolding story, it was really engaging to watch. In particular, the scenes between Molly and Carl made for brilliant viewing: grief, awkward affection and the ultimate betrayal narrated with real emotion by the omniscient Sam.

Stuart’s portrayal of turncoat Carl was dynamic and conflicted, and he commanded the stage with 
soaring vocals and confidence far beyond his 22 years. Wetherall was equally well-cast, and played 
the present and departed Sam with depth. Most impressive, though, was the brilliant turn by 
Stanford as Molly. Her beautiful hushed tones and impressive belt gave real heart to her anguish, 
particularly in With You, which left few dry eyes in the audience.

Laura Wynter took on the role of reluctant psychic Oda Mae Brown, made famous in the film by 
Whoopi Goldberg. Whilst elements of the character were a rightful homage, Wynter gave a great 
individual performance whilst giving the audience the eccentric personality they know and love. A 
gorgeous gospel voice, she shone in numbers Are You A Believer? and I’m Outta Here, but never at 
the expense of the scene.

Special mention must go to Maison Kelly as Subway Ghost, whose offbeat and tormented spirit was played with conviction. 

The ensemble and dance ensemble had clearly worked hard also, as numbers were well sang and 
executed with purpose and precision. The storytelling too should be applauded, their presence set 
the scene and supported the principals to move the narrative forward with pace, with More, Rain/Hold On and the subway transition to watch out for as particular highlights.

WBOS did a superb job at bringing this classic to the local stage, with incredible emotion and 
performances worthy of any West End theatre. A definite hit, if you can still get your hands on a 
ticket this is not one to miss.

To book tickets for West Bromwich Operatic Society's production of Ghost The Musical, which runs until 16 May click here, or call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's box office on 01902 429 212.

Find WBOS on Twitter here.
Find WBOS on Facebook here.
Rich
14/5/2015 06:18:11 am

Please! However worthy an amateur production is, it is never ' worthy of a west end production '. Actors train to be the best there is - they are professionals - not people who do it as a hobby . I'm sure it was a fine amateur production, but please be careful !

Love Midlands Theatre
14/5/2015 07:26:23 am

Hi Rich,

Thank you for your comment. We appreciate you getting in touch with us. We did mention the fact that certain performances were West End worthy, there were a number of actors/actresses on stage last night that are in the midst of, or about to venture into training at a professional level. The performances last night were astonishing and it truly was an impressive performance for an amateur company to create and perform.

Not only that, Love Midlands Theatre is about embracing and celebrating all forms of theatre whether amateur or professional and we approach our reviews completely open-mindedly. We didn't mean to cause any offence to already professional actors.

It is surprising how many non-working professional actors take to the amateur and semi-professional stage in the interim periods between work. Thank you for your feedback it is appreciated, helping us to develop further and we hope you can also understand our stance.

With best wishes,
Love Midlands Theatre

Jenna
14/5/2015 08:16:07 am

Rich, I wouldn't say "never". I have seen amateur productions that have been far better than professional, West End productions. Look at Let It Be, 20th Century Boy, and Carnaby Street.... truly awful "professional" shows. Some Am Dram groups spend £40k plus on their productions (such as Lichfield Operatic) and the shows they stage are truly incredible.

You should read this article: https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2015/claire-morris-amdram-catching-professional-theatre-not-finished-yet/

"Out of years of tradition, a new standard of amateur theatre is rising. Actors and performers who, in some cases, are talented enough to have made a pro career out of their hobby dedicate their free time to the buzz and thrill of performing and the great friendships they forge during every show. As a result, audience attitudes towards non-professional theatre groups are shifting as they witness stunningly staged shows that often rival professional productions."

Jez
14/5/2015 12:12:24 pm

The production isn't just the actors but even allowing for this oversight, personally I've seen some pretty shoddy professional productions with actors with long lists of 'professional' training and experience who were well short of 'the best there is'. Just because an actor or crew member or production team member does 'it' as a hobby it does not mean that they are any less committed to being the best there is and there have been several non-professional productions and performances which judged alongside, are 'worthy of a West End production'. Be careful, I'm sure you didn't mean to belittle the efforts of the numerous non-professional people involved in theatre but your comments appear to be extremely sanctimonius.

UncleHenry
14/5/2015 01:33:14 pm

Thought I would just check the reviews for this show before booking some tickets for my wife who has hinted at wanting some.

Rich's comment has really infuriated me, and only encouraged me to purchase tickets.

I am curious as to what he does for a living, and if it was his first choice in life? Is 'troll' a profession these days?!

I look forward to seeing the show and wish Rich all the very best in the future with his strange attitude. I mean, "please!!"

Bell End!!

(y)
15/5/2015 06:47:34 am

Hillarious comment!! & well said at the end there. 'Bell End'!!

Enjoy their show!

RELLIK
14/5/2015 07:56:33 am

Rich, as a member of the cast, I have found great offence in your comment. Firstly, if a reviewer of theatre chooses to bless their subject show with such a kind and humbling review, it is their right to do so and with the wording of their choice.

I am not one to say whether our show is West End worthy, but if a critic chooses 5 say so then I can only see it as a positive thing. There are also various people - on stage, backstage and on the creative team - who have either trained professionally and have since pursued other areas in life, or are about to commence training at various performing arts institutes around the country, and in gaining those well-earned placements for September have proved their worth to perform on a professional stage.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion - mine of which is that your comments are unwelcome, rude and ill-founded.

Come along, watch the show, and we'll prove you wrong.

-RELLIK

UncleHenry
14/5/2015 01:34:16 pm

Boom!!

hello
14/5/2015 10:38:11 am

Hi Rich,

Rather than making assumptions about the show, why not book a ticket and see it for yourself? Perhaps you'll be pleasantly surprised. Not all professional standard performers are lucky enough to get a break on the West End!

Jane
15/5/2015 05:47:41 pm

This is so subjective. Everyone's opinion is different and of course valid. Hat's off to any Company that takes on this terrific show. By the way Jenna , I loved 20th Century Boy! Good luck for your last show on the 16th

Jenna
17/5/2015 10:42:00 am

Jane, I respect your opinion on 20th Century Boy but it was truly awful. A weak plot, terrible casting, and mock electric guitars that weren't even corded up. Very poor. With all the talent out there the Creative Team could have and should have cast real musicians.


Comments are closed.

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