Love Midlands Theatre

One Show More - Stoke Repertory Theatre

30/9/2016

 
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Politics, drama, in-fighting, money troubles, audition stress. These are all part and parcel of the british amateur dramatics scene, albeit a part the audience will never get to see. How wonderful, then, to see each egregious character, “visionary director”, -trumped up local rep for the National Am-Dram Association, as well as each over-bearing, larger than life member of a local musical theatre company brought to the stage in uproariously funny, yet brutally honest fashion.

Rockhopper Productions’ new musical One Show More brings all that is good and bad about local theatre to life in a scintillating comedy which packs as many musical references into one show as physically possible.

The story follows a local company, Cresley Rye Amateur Players, and their attempts to save themselves from financial ruin following the sudden death of their chairman and the revelation that he had put all of their money into a dodgy investment.

Each with a different vision for the society, both Gerry Lafferty (John Highton) and John Barrowmore (Craig Wood) fight for the open Chairman position, a situation complicated even further by the fact that John is dating Gerry’s daughter, Cordelia (Nicola Crooks). The committee meet to discuss ideas for raising funds, including a local fete, and selling off the company’s costumes. The fete is a disaster, and after all of their efforts, they are still in the same position. Eventually John pips Gerry to the post, which causes Gerry to quit, and Cordelia to leave John. Relationships continue to deteriorate and, soon, suspicions begin to grow that someone is hiding something. The tension mounts until the audition day finally arrives, and the cast anxiously wait to hear of they have been cast or not. During the last agonising wait, the culprit behind the dodgy investment is finally revealed at a clandestine meeting, and the company can finally put on one show more.

Whereas some shows try to parody theatre, One Show More differs by not only sending up some of our stupid traditions, but also showing the impact theatre has on all of our lives. A theatre company is a living, breathing thing, and One Show More has a solemn side, when we think that societies are dying up and down the country. Credit goes to the writers for capturing this perfectly.

As an ensemble cast, there were no weaknesses. Each character was thought out and played beautifully and there were an impressive array of vocals on display. In a show packed full with musical references, some of them could have been lost, but each was played up just the right amount as to keep the comedy alive, despite a run time of over 2 hours 20 mins. A personal highlight was Send in the Gowns, sung by Sarah Mould.

Nicola Crooks also showed off some seriously big vocals as well. The send up to Wicked was also particularly funny.

This show is fantastic, whether you are a theatre type, or you just enjoy a good laugh. Grab your tickets while you can.
regular theatre goer link
2/10/2016 10:40:23 pm

fantastic show musical genius by Catherine O reilly who has written the music and lyrics. also her singing all the cast excellent . Hope to see more of her music and more from the cast we all enjoyed a most entertaining evening all round

Deb, Newcastle Under Lyme
3/10/2016 02:03:45 pm

Fantastic show, so good I saw it twice. I loved this from start to finish, so cleverly written and that goes for the script and the songs. I can't get the beautiful song "always been you" out of my head, the lyrics were lovely and it was sung perfectly. The cast were all fantastic and I would pay to see this show in the West End. Well done to everyone involved.

Gerrard McDickins
3/10/2016 02:41:32 pm

We came to see this on Friday night not knowing anything about the show. The level of energy in this production was on another level, and with jokes coming thick and fast you barely had chance to pause for breath. There were some beautiful songs but my personal favourite was "Always Been You" sung so mellifluously and elegantly by Nicola Crooks almost had me in tears. A superb show all round, excellent cast and would LOVE to see this if it came round again.

Georgina Castle
3/10/2016 03:08:51 pm

Wow! I cannot get over the standard of performance I witnessed on Saturday Night! I wish it was a continuous run so I could see it again and again. All of the cast were very strong, particular stand outs being the chap who played Bill (what an actor!) and Lafferty (such dedication to the role). My favourites were Georgina and Logan the theatre usher double act... Had me laughing all the way through!! A fantastic script written by Catherine O'Reilly and Tim Churchill, and such catchy, toe tapping music. I loved the tongue in cheek "Only ever happens in a musical" and "thank you Elaine". Please bring OSM back, either locally, on a tour, or professionally. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Dave - Newcastle
3/10/2016 04:00:01 pm

I went to see this show last week and as I am not involved in amateur theatre I was a bit anxious as my friend who sold me the tickets explained that it would help if you were. However I need not have worried. The gags come thick and fast and lots of them were of the laugh out loud variety!! The musical numbers were excellent and covered all styles from the toe tapping upbeat to the beautiful melodic ballads. Well done to everyone involved!!

Kay
3/10/2016 04:29:14 pm

My friends recommended this show to me and I am so glad I went. The show had me laughing from start to finish, the music was brilliant and so cleverly crafted. I had the tunes in my head as I left. I would love to see One Show More again and copy of the show tunes please?!? What a great night had by all

Mark Cooper
3/10/2016 05:15:12 pm

The show was fantastic, I knew the majority of the cast and have been involved in several different shows with them myself. Strong Cast, Great storyline and fantastic songs each of the cast,director, writers, and everyone else involved should be very proud worth every penny of the ticket price!

Lisa
3/10/2016 05:42:48 pm

I saw this fantastic production on Saturday night . What a brilliantly written piece of theatre . From start to finish they had the audience laughing . The music and songs were fantastic and the cast sounded beautiful when singing . A massive well done to the writers and cast .

Diane
3/10/2016 05:52:04 pm

I saw this show on the Friday night and thought it was fantastic. The script was incredibly clever and fun with joke after joke. A strong ensemble piece of theatre with a great cast and a variety of songs to suit all different tastes! My favourite songs were 'Thermos Flask for Two' and 'Bring in the gowns', though the whole score was brilliant. The piece truly summed up the world that is 'am dram' and so many ways. Would love to see this again! I hope this gets the recognition that it deserves.

Evan Riordan
3/10/2016 06:32:15 pm

Completely agree! This show was epic :) One for all ages and all backgrounds. I'm still singing most of the numbers around the house - so catchy! Congratulations to all involved! A thrilling evening :)

Danny Strange
3/10/2016 06:40:03 pm

Me and my wife Mavis went to see One Show More on Friday.
What a fabulously funny and entertaining production packed with lovely catchy tunes with a very clever and funny story line.
Every member of the cast was faultless and executed their roles to a professional standard.
The writers Catherine & Tim have theatrical smash hit with this musical gem!!

Antony
3/10/2016 07:46:45 pm

My wife and I were lucky enough to attend the Stoke Rep last Saturday (1st Oct). New musicals are always a bit of a risk and we were not sure what to expect but having seen previous productions Magnificent Seven and What's All the Fuss About we should have known not to be concerned. What an incredible production packed with energy and more jokes than you could shake a stick whilst at the same time having some really poignant moments. Such clever writing delivered by an outstanding cast. Congratulations to all involved with this production, One Show More? Lots more shows please...

Iris
3/10/2016 09:09:03 pm

Wonderful show not one weak link, every person had strong singing and acting skills and it was so funny all the way through, wonderful songs and energetic dancing, would love to see it again!

Gail
3/10/2016 09:16:20 pm

Absolutely brilliant show, I went with my friends and family on Saturday night, fantastically written and all the cast were so talented you would of thought it was a professional production! The songs were brilliant and it was very funny, would definitely see it again! So glad there is a recording of some of the songs!

Mary Street
3/10/2016 10:29:17 pm

What a wonderful show. It was great to see something so fresh and brand new and I was lucky to get tickets for the Saturday night. I am part of a theatre group myself and it was so funny to see the committee scenes as they were just spot on and very true! The songs are very catchy and the finale just blew me away. It was such a strong cast with some fabulous voices and acting. I really hope I get to see it again one day. A very well done to all involved!

Anthony George
3/10/2016 11:10:20 pm

I went to see it on Saturday night with my son. It is a fantastic new comedy musical, my son called it a "Gem".
The script and songs were very cleverly written, full of funny observations of the am dram scene.
The cast were full of energy, some great singing and comedy acting there was not a weak link in this cast.
I'm sure this is not the end of Cresley Rye!
Well done everyone involved.

Humphrey Floyd-Grantham
3/10/2016 11:18:50 pm

Top notch production if you ask me!
The atmosphere was full of joy throughout the theatre.
Having being involved in a local theatre company for years, the script had me in tears of laughter from start to finish.
What good sports they all were, fabulous diction, singing and above all it was as good as a west end production.
Would love to see it again very soon PLEASE.
All the best HFG!

Theresa Armitage
3/10/2016 11:34:11 pm

I've only just seen this review after it was shared by a cast member on Facebook. I couldn't agree more. The show was incredible. That song about gin was perfect! I was so impressed with the show and the concept! I also loved the diversity of the characters and could see the whole cast were having a ball! Good job guys!

John Hall
4/10/2016 08:16:07 am

Brilliantly written and acted. Genuinely funny swipe at all things am dram without being too cheesy. Even the crew were falling about laughing. Well done all

Pauline Jackson
4/10/2016 11:42:52 am

One word... Sensational! My daughter and I loved Thursday evenings performance of One Show More. I used to do amateur dramatics in my younger days and still love the theatre. My, how delighted I was to sit and be entertained by this wonderful, talented cast. Reading the programme, it seems like a lot of hard work has gone in to creating this new show, and that is very apparent on stage. It was of a standard that would make you think it was a professional show which had been made available to amateur companies, and I cannot believe it was written and created locally - there are some genius' about! Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all involved! Please let me know if you intend to "reprise" one show more... I'll be first in line for tickets! Thank you x x

Dawn
4/10/2016 10:39:16 pm

Loved it!!! A fabulous performance from all cast members and what a brilliant script to perform, with movement and dances to match!! Superb show, definitely recommend rockhopper productions to everyone x x


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