Brigadoon – Palace Theatre, Redditch
LERNER and Loewe’s wonderfully romantic tale Brigadoon was brought lovingly to life by Astwood Bank Operatic Society with a production that hit all the right notes.
The mood was created from curtain up: The Highlands of Scotland conjured up by a stunning set as the packed audience was magically transported back to 1746, the Jacobite Rebellion and a moment caught in time for ever.
Under the baton of Austin Poll, the orchestra never missed a beat, keeping the pace rolling and giving the leads just the backing they needed, and my how they shone.
David Steele brought his easy manner and warm rich voice to the role of the love-struck American tourist Tommy Allbright while the object of his eye, Abigail Cole’s Fiona MacKeith. had a voice that’s was clear and pure as a bell.
Supporting them was Steve Skinner’s wise-cracking Jeff Douglas and Eleanor Peberdy’s man-eating Meg Brockie who together kept the mood light and the laughs coming in.
A special mention too for the dance and ballet skills of Georgie Roberts’s Jean MacKeith and the big hearted open singing of her betrothed Charlie Cameron, played by Alan Hastings, while Helen Hastings did a great turn as Tommy’s nagging fiancee Jane Ashton.
However this was really a triumph for the entire ensemble and their director Iain Waddell. Roll on the next production!
Ross Crawford
