Anything Goes, The Rattonians, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Anything Goes

The Rattonians

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne 

20-30 July 2011

Performance seen 21st July

Cast

The Rattonians Company
As always I will publish the massive cast in due course
but I don't want to use the programme listing until the run is over

Well at the time of writing this I have to say that Eastbourne has it made at the moment having two superb summer shows within a couple of minutes walking distance of each other. Murder by Misadventure at the Devonshire Park and this wonderful staging of Anything Goes here at the Congress Theatre.

You could quite easily have a fantastic day of theatre catching a matinee of one show and then having a quick break before seeing the evening performance of the other.

It's always pleasurable, going to see a musical you've never seen before. A situation where you may be familiar with the odd song but you haven't got a clue about the subject matter. A tad of cultural ignorance can be a good thing at times.

For me this was the situation with Anything Goes. Apart from being aware that the music and lyrics are by Cole Porter, that it's a comedy and that it's based on a ship I knew nothing of the subject matter.

So for the likewise uninitiated here is a vague synopsis so avoid spoiling anything. The tale is based on board an ocean liner sailing from New York to London. Madly in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, Billy Crocker is a stowaway desperately trying to stop her marrying her eccentric fiance Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Famous nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and gangster Moonface Martin aid (and abet) Billy in his search for his one true love. 

The set is both impressive and ingenious. The, always marvellous, musicians were all dressed in appropriate sailor suits on the top deck. Meanwhile action amongst the cast can also occur on the top deck, the lower deck and in two "pull out" cabins which can be changed for various locations as the story unfolds. On occasions we even see gangplanks bringing 'guests' aboard from the auditorium.

Funny? Incredibly so. I smiled and laughed so much during the two and a quarter hour show that my mouth practically ached at the sides. There is just so much great humour that I could name so many of the cast members but Peter Gurr as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh played one of the best comedy roles I have ever seen. He is honestly almost worth going to see the show for in his own right.

Vocally, well The Rattonians have never disappointed on this front and they didn't fail tonight. Alex Adams and Chloe Shearer play Billy and Hope and work together beautifully.

James Hookway is always great in a comedy role and there could not have been a better choice to play public enemy number thirteen Moonface Martin.

I don't think I've mentioned her in a Rattonians review before but Jade Powers as Mrs Evangeline Harcourt was screechingly hysterical as she searched for missing dog Cheeky (played by sweet little Lola) . Also never mentioned before Roger Tomlinson who made a wonderful job of portraying the ship's captain as he desperately tried to find a famous guest to impress those on board.

The whole cast, as far as I was concerned were perfect. But I really think I owe a mention to Lucy Anderson who plays a girlfriend in this show. Now I don't know quite how she did it but only 3 weeks ago we watched Lucy's incredible performance in the BLODS production of Copacabana in Bexhill. Yet here she is undertaking the demanding vocal and choreography routines of Anything goes without a care in the world and without a foot out of place or a note out of tune. That is commitment and a huge well done to her!

The costumes were, as they always are just perfect but I'm going to end on the choreography. I have always been impressed with the routines in previous productions such as 42nd Street, Copacabana, Fame etc. But the routines in Anything Goes are really something else. Leading into the interval there is a massive routine to the title tune "Anything Goes". It seems to go on for an eternity. It has most, if not all, of the company on the stage and it appeared step perfect from everybody involved. The routine received a massive reaction from the audience and it leaves you going into the break on a real high.

Jan Lynton I have reviewed many of the shows you have quite wonderfully choreographed in Eastbourne yet I don't think I've ever given you the credit you deserve. So I think I'd better make up for it be saying this lady works so hard and takes so much pride in her work that you know you are always going to get a well produced dance routine. She also commands a huge respect from the theatrical companies she works with and from those involved in Eastbourne's theatres. Jan is a huge asset for so many shows, so well done your work is incredible and appreciated by so many.

That's it on Anything Goes now except to say do pick up a programme - they are complimentary this year - but please make a donation in the buckets for the Rattonians chosen charities. Because in addition to staging some of the best musicals you could see in Eastbourne they raise a heck of a lot of money for good causes.

Thanks Rattonians for Anything Goes and a thoroughly great evening's entertainment.

I am ensuring this is published well before the end of the run because I want others to appreciate this production. With top price tickets at just £15 and matinees at just £12.50 you will not find a better musical for so little money at the Congress Theatre this year.

Beauty and The Beast, The Rattonians, Congress Theatre Eastbourne

Beauty and The Beast

The Rattonians

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne

20-23 April 2011

Performance seen 21st April

Main cast (appearance order)

Narrator David Morley

Belle Chloe Shearer

Gaston Damon Willer

Lefou Jonathon Stephens

Silly Girl Aimee Worrall

Silly Girl Louise Bateman

Silly Girl Nikki Brook

Cogsworth James Bell

Lumiere Thomas Hackett

Babette Emma Collins

Mrs Potts Melanie Adams

Chip Arlie Gurney  Finian Hackett

The Beast Alex Adams

Madame de la Grande Bouche Kathryn Greenwood

Monsieur D'Arque Paul Eccles

plus Company and live band

"It's excellent isn't it? It's as good as any West End production".

Not my words but those uttered by some visitors to Eastbourne, seated behind me, during the interval.

Once again The Rattonians did not disappoint delivering a lavish musical. The quality of these shows is such that you occasionally have to remind yourself that theirs are amateur productions.

The cast and huge company were superb, as always. Alex Adams was always going to be an amazing Beast and I expect that being cast as Belle was one of Chloe Shearer's most important roles yet for The Rattonians.

She was a great casting and vocally very impressive.

With over 100 in The Rattonians Company there were many, many more in this show than those named above each playing a thoroughly entertaining part.

There was some very clever use of scaffolding to create a temporary extension to the Congress Theatre Stage (giving the band partial cover). This worked really well. Often when The Rattonians have a large number on stage even the Congress's already large stage can appear crowded. This was certainly not the case tonight and even in the busiest of scenes, especially in the finale and whilst taking the final bows, there was never any shortage of space. The extension also meant that there were never any issues with lyrics not being heard as all voices carried well over the band and into the auditorium.

The very youngest members of The Company provided plenty of 'aaah' moments particularly at the end when these young performers had the chance to shine with some comical stuff too.

I've got accustomed to expecting greatness from the acting in The Rattonians and it was faultless as usual. So I turned my attention a little more to the set. Having seen the professional touring production of Beauty and The Beast at the same theatre 2 years previously I can honestly say this set was no less than impressive than the one used in that show.

For me, it was all spot on. From The Beast's mansion to Chip's (the young boy in a cup) body-less box illusion everything had been recreated in exacting detail. 

With The Rattonians traditional attention to detail with perfect costumes and impressive, entertaining, choreography I am once again unable to pick any holes in this show whatsoever. It therefore gets the same maximum mark that the touring professional production received in 2009.

The Rattonians present Hairspray 25-30 October 2010

For those of you who, like us, love the Rattonians shows this years offering will be the West End 'big hair' hit Hairspray.

But they are not in any of Eastbourne theatres this year, instead it's being staged at Eastbourne College.

For more details and to book just head over to The Rattonians official Web Site at http://rattonians.com/
you will find details of how to book tickets in the left hand column.

Sadly, due to prior commitments, we can't make this show and therefore I won't be able to review it.

However if anybody is going who is absolutely (please be honest here!)  in no way connected to the Rattonians who would like to submit an honest guest review, with a rating out of 5, following the show I will gladly post it.

Any review posted here instantly heads to the top of Google so it would be a shame to miss a review of this show.

Any volunteers? There's a form on the right to drop me a line

Broadway Bound Congress Theatre Eastbourne second viewing

The Rattonians

Broadway Bound

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne

21-31 July 2010

(2nd show seen 29 July)

Cast: The Rattonians (Seniors and Youth Group)

With a 32 mile round trip for us to see a show at the Congress Theatre it has to be something REALLY worth seeing again for us to go a second time.

My original review is here http://bit.ly/broadway-bound

In 2010 Broadway Bound is the only show that has met that standard so far and it will be very hard to beat, even by the 'professional' shows scheduled such as Oklahoma and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The one aspect I hate about reviewing The Rattonians shows is the use of the words 'amateur' and 'professional' in the text. As anybody who has ever seen a Rattonian performance there is nothing amateur whatsoever about the end product.

Anybody who has ever put off seeing a Rattonians production because it's 'done by amateurs' is making a huge error of judgement.

Look you still have a couple of days to enjoy this two and a quarter hour spectacle. For between a mere £10 and £14.50 you will get to see a fantastic musical production, enjoy fabulous costumes, raise money for cancer research, encourage the continuation of Rattonians and, above all, have a bloody good night out.

We were not the only people watching this show a second time and our friend, who lives in Eastbourne, is seeing it a third time.

Who can blame him? Tickets for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (which I daresay will be excellent) range between £15.50 and £38.50. If we lived in Eastbourne we would go again too.

It doesn't require a degree in maths to work out you could have 3 top price tickets for Broadway Bound for less than 1 top price Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Ticket.

Granted times are hard for 'professional' productions at the moment. Times are even harder for groups like these who haven't got the budget for mass advertising but need to get the word out. Even Eastbourne Theatres and Eastbourne Borough Council do not put anywhere as much effort into promoting this fantastic company as they do so called professional productions.

Calendar Girls was advertised everywhere, even driving into Eastbourne Hannah Waterman's bottom greeted you on lamp posts. The Rattonians have the odd poster placed here and there in venues.

EBTheatres official tweets on Twitter have promoted all the 'major' productions this year but on no occasion have The Rattonians, Eastbourne Stagers or Eastbourne Operatic and Dramatic (EODS) society been mentioned once. So much for 'social networking'! Whilst I understand that the professional shows are the ones that would generate the income for the venues these three theatre companies accommodate many of the stars of tomorrow.

You could hardly blame any of them if they went on to tour the UK professionally to then turn their back on Eastbourne as a venue as the publicity is so biased away from 'amateur shows'

The biggest misconception that I heard quoted at a recent event by an official source is 'everybody knows The Rattonians audience is mainly made up of the friends and families of the cast members'. I don't think that is the case at all because over the past 25+ years the Rattonians have managed to raise awareness by word of mouth - something we do too, taking friends along to many shows. Our elderly friend now eagerly anticipates the next production. But if the person who made the comment seriously believes that their comment was true the blame partly lies with them because the position they hold enables them to do something about it, if they wanted to.

Well folks 1900 unique visitors have read these reviews in July 2010 and there are now nearly 5000 links on the web to this blog and I will continue my stance of promoting The Rattonians and Eastbourne's other groups at every opportunity both here and on fdpt.org.uk

Meanwhile I wish a generous commercial sponsor or benefactor would come along to ensure The Rattonians can continue to produce the brilliant productions they have staged in Eastbourne for the last quarter of a century. If these wonderful shows stopped it would be a tragedy for all, not least the worthwhile charities for whom The Rattonians have raised thousands of pounds.

Rant over. But please see Broadway Bound before it ends - you may just surprise yourself and enjoy it!

The Rattonians Broadway Bound Congress Theatre Eastbourne Review

The Rattonians

Broadway Bound

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne

21-31 July 2010

(show seen 22 July)

Cast: The Rattonians (Seniors and Youth Group)

Compilations of hit musical numbers is a bit of an "in thing" at the moment with productions like In The Spotlight touring the country and Gotta Sing Gotta Dance starting its 2010 tour shortly.

The audience numbers for the show we saw was disappointing. Some were saying in the foyer that they thought the lack of attendance was down to this choice of show rather than a full musical production ,as is normally the case. Especially as The Rattonians Christmas show is a similar production but obviously with Christmas hits added.

There certainly may be something in that argument but if anybody really decided not to see this 2 hour+ extravaganza for that reason it's a shame. You missed a fabulous show.

The two acts were split according to the musicals geographic location. The first half dedicated to Europe and in the second half the USA got its chance with all the hits from Broadway.

I must get a mention in on the costumes which were incredible. The costume team had clearly been working overtime creating so many beautifully made and colourful creations.

Highlights? Goodness it seems unfair to single people out from this talented group but for me the performance of We Are What We Are (La Cage Aux Folles) cannot be forgotten. Memorable not just because it was vocally great but also perhaps because it was a little worrying that the lads were so good at applying make-up and dressing up as women. Alex Adams had done such a good job that if he went out at night in Eastbourne dressed like that the consequences could be interesting.

I have to say this was a great show for the hugely talented Alex who performed many other musical hits. These were topped off with an incredible performance accompanied by Thomas Hackett, James Moy and Barnaby Pout as The Four Seasons (Jersey Boys). Wow! What an incredible vocal delivery that was by all involved but Alex's high-note-precision was simply outstanding and pitch-perfect.

Great to see Barnaby and Paula Pout (who is also the vocal coach) playing a large part in this show too. The husband and wife team ,who entertain professionally as "Duality", have a great sound and stage presence.

Like son Alex, Melanie Adams has many chances to shine in this production all of which are great but Just In Love (Call Me Madam) which she performs with the brilliant Thomas Hackett was my favourite.

Over The Rainbow (Wizard Of Oz) is a song that can easily be ruined fortunately young Meggie Dennis doesn't know how to ruin songs and got one of the loudest rounds of applause of the evening.

Look I could waffle on forever as hits from more than 35 musicals are in this fantastic show.

So there's no excuse for sitting in a hotel room in Eastbourne when you have a brilliant summer show which is not only excellent but where the profits go to Cancer Research.

So go on, get out, see a great show and support a worthy cause at the same time.

The Pajama Game, The Rattonians Youth Group, Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne Review

The Rattonians Youth Group presents

The Pajama Game 

A Musical Comedy

 7-10 April 2010

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

Well although I'm posting this the day after seeing this you only have a couple of days to see this entertaining little musical performed by the very talented Rattonian Youth Group.

Let's start with the band first this year however and perhaps we should have seen the programme labelled "The Rattonian Youth group accompanied by the Rattonians Band 'The Sardines'"

Actually a few little sardines probably have more room to move in their tin than the 12 band members did in The Devonshire Park Theatre's very small orchestra pit. I can imagine that it must have taken some considerable time to organize this so that each of the 11 men and one woman were as comfortable as possible for the show. It certainly can't have been the most comfortable experience for them. Even in the interval many of the band members had to literally step over the pit into the auditorium to escape for 20 minutes and two in the middle didn't even bother leaving. Whether this was because they didn't want to, it was to much hassle or they actually couldn't is anybody's guess. However, squashed or not, 'The Sardines' put on a great musical performance and led us into the show with what must be one of the longest intros in musical history.

It's not the first time producers Mark and Melanie Adams have chosen The Pajama Game for their Company. It was performed in 1988 at The Royal Hippodrome and as it is suited  a young company it has been resurrected for 2010.

However, this is far removed from the very innocent Just So (Rudyard Kipling story based) musical performed last year. For me it is appears a  brave thing to stage a musical that covers beer drinking, infidelity and more than a hint or two of sexual relations with such a young cast (vast majority under 16). However when, in this day and age, most children probably know more about these subjects from their parents I wonder if it really matters?

I guess only official local  press reaction will be the way to establish how this goes down with the audiences over it's 4 day run.

The story revolves around a Pajama factory (Sleep Tite). It covers the relationship between company and staff and specifically the relationship between superintendant, Sid Sorokin and leader of the the Grievance Committee, Babe Williams. Meanwhile married man Prez (unhappily married he claims) fancies his chances with almost anything that breathes and wears a skirt informing each woman they are the one for him. There's also a side story that all our pajama makers feel they are underpaid and have to persuade their "book cooking" boss, Hasler, that they warrant the extra cash.

As with a lot of plays and musicals the first act is more about scene setting and getting you familiar with relationships between characters. It is of course not the Rattonians fault (George Abbott and Richard Bissell wrote the original book) but the second half is certainly far more entertaining and lively. As I said this happens in many a play/musical and is not a critisism of any performance on the night.

What was great this year is that a comment I made last year had been addressed. Several additional microphones were positioned at the stage edge to carry the young performers voices above the great sound from The Sardines so the audience could hear better.  I'd love to take the credit but I'm sure Mark and Melanie Adams have something better to do with 70+ Youth Group members plus all the seniors to read this annual waffle.

My wife and I had a chat about the casting on the way home and had to agree that the principal characters had been very well cast.

As always all The Rattonians were vocally excellent but whilst I really hate picking out individuals it would be unfair not to mention some truly exceptional performances. Ben Gurney (Prez) plays an excellent "God's gift to women" and not only acts well but costume also did a great job of making him look like a lecherous so-and-so too. Lucy Cheetham is perfect as Mabel and Aimee Dyer shines as the scatty Gladys.

However, it is one of those shows where the leads really do stand out. Ryan Funnell has a very involved role as the suffering-in-love Sid Sorokin. But he sailed through this opening night having put in an emotional and vocally superb performance.

And then we come to the last-but-not-least.

12 months ago there was a young, sweet, girl who must have made her family very proud in Just So. For once I quote myself "Young Meggie Dennis was a revelation as the Kolokolo Bird." 

How a young performer can mature so much in a mere 12 months is amazing. Tonight Meggie was a 'young girl' no more. Instead an incredible, confident 'young lady' took to the stage to deliver a stunning mature performance. She really put the 'Babe' into Babe Williams. Yes essentially the Pajama Game is a comedy but there is also the requirement for a good deal of emotion in this show. Emotion is something this young lady can deliver with a capital E.

If Meggie Dennis isn't on a national stage in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago in the next 5-10 years I would be amazed - it's a role made for her.

So nice work Meggie and to all The "younger" Rattonians for yet another great show. If anything let you down tonight it's the same thing as last year that you have no control over whatsoever and which I know the producers are aware of. That is the size of The Devonshire Park Theatre Stage for such a large company. It must be so incredibly difficult for parents of some company members to even spot them during crowded moments on stage. If only this coud be staged at the Congress it could be so different (and the Sardines could swim again!) but from a practical point of view the larger theatre has other shows to stage.

Next up from The Rattonians (seniors and youth members) is Broadway Bound " A fabulous selection of showstoppers from your favourite musicals". That's at The Congress Theatre (hooray!) from 21st to 31st July. We then in November 2010 get a treat, again from The Youth Group, with Hairspray (Dates and venue to be confirmed).

Incidentally 'The Rattonians' is one of the most used search phrases on this site. So thank you to whoever keeps popping in. Whether you are a Rattonian, potential audience member or just curious about The Rattonians work thanks for your support. You will find a little more on The Rattonians on my special page at Fans Of Drama and Promoting Theatre .

I'll be back with a review of Broadway Bound sometime in July by which time The Rattonians will have raised many. many more pounds for very worthwhile charitable causes.

Note there is a typing error in the above flyer
The correct dates are 21-31 July 2010

The Rattonians A celebration of Song and Dance Review Congress Theatre Eastbourne

The Rattonians
A Celebration Of Song And Dance

27 & 29 November 2009

Congress Theatre Eastbourne

Performance seen 27 November

Cast: The Rattonians complete company
(seniors and youth group)

Three of us went to see this and all agreed, without hesitation, this was the best Rattonians show we have seen.

I have rated previous Rattonians shows at 5 stars. If I had such a rating this would be 5 "with distinction".

The format was similar to last years seasonal event - a mixture of previous hits from Rattonians performed musicals with the addition of Christmas hits.

That show was great in itself. Why this show was even better I'm not completely sure, but better it was. Perhaps it was because a few relatively new faces have moved to fronting a lot of the performances? Or perhaps the youngest performers really had their chance to shine as well as the older members tonight? Whatever the reason was this production went down so well with the audience all you could hear was praise from people of all ages on the way out.

The first half (1 and a half hours of it!) was comprised solely of hits from previous Rattonians productions. Fame, Chicago, Singin' in The Rain , Copacabana, The Producers, 42nd Street and many many more - all perfectly performed and superbly choreographed. After a short 15 minute interval the second half (nearly another hour) began.

This started with a few classic musical songs cleverly relyriced to sum up the Rattonians 25 years in performing and also summing up news events of the last 12 months. This led beautifully into a long selection of familiar Christmas hits of course accompanied by bright, colourful Christmas costumes.

On the subject of costumes, the quality of The Rattonians costumes NEVER fails to impress. With so many different shows covered tonight and each show needing a different outfit the selection had to be huge. But every costume seen was as impressive as the last.

At the time of writing this The Rattonians have two productions planned for 2010 both by the Youth Group. The Pyjama Game (DevonshirePark Theatre 6-10 April 2010) and Hairspray in November 2010.

As for the main company show this has not been decided yet. Going on tonight's show I'd love to see them cover Chicago again, my wife would love to see Me and My Girl. Whatever the final choice is it is bound to be the amazingly professional production The Rattonians are now famous for.

Anything missing from tonight's show. Only one thing. The opportunity for this large cast to take applause at the end of this magnificent show. Rather than taking applause for just a few seconds and then the curtain falling it would have been nice for the various age groups to take their audience appreciation a little longer. After all they's all earned it!

An exceptional, uplifting, professional production.

More! More!

The Rattonians The Producers Mel Brooks Musical Review

The Rattonians
The Producers
The New Mel Brooks Musical
22 July- 1st August 2009

Performance seen - 1st night 22nd July

In their 25th year the Rattonians take a break from staging the more traditional musicals choosing to present the, some may say controvercial, Mel Brooks musical comedy - The Producers.

Before I talk too much about this show though, and after my comments on Just So earlier this year, I must mention that I thought great care had been taken to get the balance between orchestra sound level and vocals just right.

The orchestra had been sunk just about as far as they could go in the pit and screens were erected around the louder instruments. This ensured that whilst still appreciating a terrific orchestra all lyrics and dialogue should still be heard. Clearly some time had been taken to get this right.

As for the show itself it is no "ordinary musical". Various productions of The Producers have created headlines in the press this year mainly because of the subject matter.

Max Bialystock is a struggling Broadway musical producer whose recent big budget attempts at quality productions have flopped. Leo Bloom, meanwhile, is a bored accountant who yearns to be a Broadway producer. Bloom works out that the only way to quick financial success is for Bialystock to raise lots of finance from his geriatric harem of admirers. They will then employ the worst, cheapest, actors. The plot will be something that offends everybody. The result will be a surefire flop and the show will have to close in a day or two allowing Bloom and Bialystock to pocket loads of invested cash.

The resulting production is Springtime For Hitler. Looking on the German dictator as if he and his entourage were all flamboyant, extra camp homosexuals.

Bloom and Bialystock also employ a beautiful, blonde, Swedish secretary who cannot speak English in the hope that she will assist their production to flop.

What results is an extremely well acted, hilarious comedy which keeps the audience laughing throughout. There is a little swearing , a lot of slightly rude inuendo. But unless you take offence at anything and everything most adults would find the show very funny indeed.

In fact we took an elderly friend along and she was laughing out loud at risque lines I
didn't think she'd even understand!

What works so well in this Rattonians production is the casting. The Producers is a chance for the Rattonians to display more in the way of their acting ability than is able to be demonstrated in the musicals we are more familiar with.

More than 50 Rattonians appear in The Producers yet in this production 8 of the cast get a chance to shine as the main story revolves around them.

Mr Marks is played superbly by Glen Gardner and the honour of playing the geriatric nymphomaniac "Hold Me, Touch Me" was awarded to Melanie Adams . The hilarious role really suited her .....and no I don't mean that in real life she is a funny old slapper!

That leaves the 6 key roles.

Carmen Ghia palyed by Dan Carnham

Dan offered more in the way of "camping" than the New Forest and a better quality "mince" the Dewhurst The Butcher! He proved he could be Britain's new Danny La Rue! A truly funny role sperbly played.

Roger De Bris played by James Hookway

After watching James wearing a sparkly frock and playing the gay Fuhrer so effectively it was hard to imagine that he had to go back to work in his more serious day job with Sussex Police. Great job Roger!

Franz Liebkind - David Morley

David makes the role of the author of Springtime for Hitler his own. Franz Liebkind is a sort of German Nazi Nutcase and I don't think anybody could have filled the character's shoes better.

Max Bialystock - James Bell

We have never seen Max before since first seeing the Rattonians a few years ago. But what a superb job he does in playing the key role of failed Broadway producer Max Bialystock. A comedy genius, great singer and the result is a great on-stage double act alongside Alex Adams. The pairing of these two was genius.

Leo Bloom - Alex Adams

Well Alex never fails to impress but in The Producers he demonstrates just what a superb comedy actor he is addition to an accomplished gifted vocalist.
The character of the nervous, neurotic Leo Bloom could have been written especially for Alex as he just seems to be so perfect in the role. He and James Bell just work so well together in this show.

Ulla - Jenny Stevens

Jenny Stevens gets her chance here to star as beautiful, blonde, somewhat ditzy secretary Ulla. Not an easy role to play I would imagine but such an important one. But could she carry it off?

Without a doubt she could. I thought she was absolutely amazing. She looked the part (Eastbourne's answer to Victoria Silvstedt) and the Swedish accent was excellent and consistent. She was also so very, very funny and proved what an excellent singer, dancer and actress she is. As somebody who we've normally seen as part of the main Rattonians company this was Jenny's opportunity to impress in a lead role. An incredible performance and a casting that was spot-on.

So there you have it. In my view an extremely funny show as usual a terrific performance by the accomplished Rattonians.

It was first night but apart from a few lighting issues (spotlight hitches) everything appeared to go like clockwork and as always the set and costumes were outstanding.

The cast were rewarded with a partial standing ovation. But I don't think the partial has anything to do with performances but more to do with the show itself.

I loved The Producers and my wife and guest thought it was good. But they just could not put their finger on why it did not get the reaction of other shows and as to why they preferred previous productions.

I think we're back to the fact The Producers is just so very different material-wise than any other musical. Traditional musicals people go to see time and time again. I'm not so sure The Producers however is that type of show. It's more like an excellent comedy movie - that you've thoroughly enjoyed but may not wish to see again.

There is one other factor and that is in this quite large Rattonians galaxy in this production only a relative few of it's stars get the chance to shine. Ensemble dance/singing routines are relatively few in this show compared to other musicals and perhaps some would prefer to see The Rattonians appear more as a group rather than highlighting the talents of a relative few?

Don't let that put you off going though. We all had a terrific evening and this is a hugely funny, highly entertaining, well acted, summer show which will have you laughing throughout.

As always with the Rattonians all profits go to good causes so why not book now and enjoy a show and support charity at the same time?



Oh I almost forgot. this year The Rattonians again stage A Celebration Of Musical Theatre and Christmas Music. It was a great success last year and this year it extends to two nights 27-28 November at the Congress Theatre. Tickets are only £12 so don't miss out on a quality festive production from these talented people. As always profits will go to charity.

To book follow the link below

http://www.eastbourne-theatres.co.uk/What%27s_On/show.asp?showID=1783

Just So The Musical Review The Rattonians Youth Group Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre

THE RATTONIANS YOUTH GROUP PRESENTS JUST SO THE MUSICAL
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE, EASTBOURNE
15th-18th APRIL 2009

Performance seen
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Just So is a musical by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and is based on Rudyard Kipling's "Just So" stories for children.

The story essentially follows the Elephant Child (Jonathan Stevens) and the Kolokolo Bird (Meggie Dennis) as they travel through the jungle, discovering other species of animals along the way, to their eventual destination the Limpopo River.

Mark and Melanie Adams on this occasion have produced a colourful song and dance spectacular with superb costumes. Their Son Alex took up the narrator role (The Eldest Magician) whilst daughter Alicia was part of the main ensemble.

The Rattonians are always wonderful and I don't normally single anybody out but I'm going to make an exception this time round.

Catherine Anderson (Zebra) and Laura Sivers (Giraffe) are among the more senior of the Rattonians and are always completely professional. But what a particularly excellent comedy duo this combination made in this production. I think it gave these two a chance to show off more in terms of their super acting ability in addition to the flawless vocal performances they always deliver in the more traditional musicals. The rapport between these two worked so well perhaps they should consider becoming a female comedy double act?

Sticking with the seniors Ryan Funnell made a hilarious Parsee Man whilst Lucy Anderson got to ably demonstrate an impressive Aussie accent and performance as the Kangaroo.

But with a cast of over 90 everybody really deserves a mention for an excellent show but again I can't resist singling out 2 of the younger members this time.

Young Meggie Dennis was a revelation as the Kolokolo Bird. This is one of the most important roles in the show and for such a young member to put in such an outstanding performance is incredible. With an incredible voice and a faultless delivery of her script with great facial expressions I can see many a lead role for her in the future.

And whilst on great facial expressions I have to mention Mia Longman as Dingo Dog. Whilst Mia doesn't get to appear until the second part of the show she makes up for lost time playing an amazingly funny Dingo. Nice job Mia!

As I said though there are over 90 in the Rattonians Youth Group and whilst I have mentioned but a few they were all excellent!

I have to also praise Mark and Melanie Adams for their clever use of the "posh people boxes" at the sides of the stage. They made a good use of these both for ensemble dancing and an additional area for the narrator role.

So as usual everything with the Rattonians was perfect right?

Well no actually.

The cast was perfect............ The orchestra was perfect.

At least they were in their own right.

But put the combination of the two together and we had an orchestra who on many occasions were completely obliterating the singing of the talented cast on stage.

Now I have to admit we've previously only seen The Rattonians at the much larger Congress Theatre. In that theatre the orchestra are in a much larger pit. They are sunk further down from the stage and are more spread out.

In that theatre you can hear every lyric The Rattonians singing can be heard without problem, but this wasn't the case at The Devonshire Park Theatre.

The Devonshire also has an orchestra pit but it is so much smaller and the impressive orchestra did appear very crammed in. Sadly this immense musical power right in front of and so close to the cast meant that you were watching the on-stage actions but missing many a lyric and probably a lot of the comedy which this show depends on.

Granted we were directly in front of the orchestra and therefore closest to the stage. But hearing the singing has never been an issue before whether in the front row or elsewhere.

I got the general impression that if we were having this problem so close to the stage it could only be the same, or worse, further back.

However, it was first night, and perhaps other audience members noticed this sound issue? It may be that some sound adjustment was possible for the rest of the run?

Whilst this sound issue did take something away from the pleasure that would have been gained from this production I must stress that this was a technical issue and that this should take nothing away from the fine performance from The Rattonians Youth Group.

Next stop for The Rattonians is The Mel Brooks Comedy Musical The Producers in the summer at the Congress Theatre. We are already booked and I make no apology for nicking the following poster from The Rattonians website (I'm sure they'll forgive me)and adding the Congress Theatre's phone number so you can book up early to see these talented young people.

Tree Of Light Illumination, Eastbourne, Sunday 7th December 2008

The Tree Of Light illumination, by the mayor of Eastbourne, took place on Sunday 7th December 2008 just outside the Congress Theatre.

Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Eastbourne with a Prayer of dedication by Rev. Christopher MacDonald and the singing of The First Noel accompanied by the Salvation Army band.

There was the opportunity for people to remember lost loved ones by tying a ribbon to the tree. After there was the chance to speak to a member of CRUSE breavement care charity.

The switching on was preceded by dedications from the rotary clubs, singing from the girls of Ratton Choir and a welcome from Rotarian, Melanie Adams. The major event sponsor was PJ Skips.

I would have posted a clip of the rather beautiful singing from Ratton Choir (which took place in the Congress foyer) but sadly the Rotary Club members decided to stand right in front of them blocking the view of many attendees, myself included.

It seems a shame that many of the crowd were denied a view of the choir, especially when there is a tall wide staircase right in front of them which had been roped off. A great staged viewing area occupied by 1 sole photographer. Perhaps next year this could be opened although I have a feeling somebody may utter those immortal words "health and safety" that will put an end to that idea.

A nice, well organized and appealing to all faiths (not overtly religious) programme. An opportunity to raise vital charity funds with tea, coffee and some very well filled mince pies thrown in and a moment to think about lost loved ones!

It was also nice that ,having now watched them in so many shows, we got the opportunity to meet Rattonian (and Rotarian) Melanie Adams, husband Mark and daughter Alicia. A great opportunity to thank them for the fine work they do. Well Mark and Alicia...... for a quickly taken snaphot this came out pretty well!

Well see the Adams family again next year and if local theatre goers have any desire to watch quality productions from a superbly talented cast they will pack both the Devonshire and Congress in 2009.

The Rattonians An Evening Of Song And Dance, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

OK I've already raved about The Rattonians following their summer show this year so you won't be surprised that I'm going to do so again. A very-near-full Congress Theatre audience will probably do the same given the chance.

But this time we took along an elderly friend in her 70's who hadn't been to the Congress Theatre in over 30 years. We didn't tell her where we were going or what or who we were going to see.

After the first half of the show she turned to me and said "This is just as good as any West End show. They (The Rattonians) are all so completely professional and the costumes are magnificent." It was reassuring to hear somebody who had never even heard of The Rattonians before this evening say what we have thought since first seeing them.

Anyway this was a very well thought out tribute to the work of The Rattonians and at a very apt time as they approach their 25th year of performances.

The first half was made up of songs most of which they have performed in their stage musicals (such as Les Miserables, Fame and Copacabana) and a few of which they have not (yet?) performed.

Very nicely the second half was a Christmas themed section with a great variety of yuletide singing and dancing. Santa Baby, White Christmas, and Here Comes Santa Claus made up just a few of the sequences.The Girls performing "Something About A Soldier" and the 'older' cast members adding a comedy routine of the 12 days of Christmas added to the variety of a completely fantastic show. Barnaby Pout even almost took a career change into stand-up comedy!

With the Rattonians you don't pick out individual performances because the whole company is so completely dedicated and professional. However I feel I should mention the band who often get forgotten. They do a super job too and whilst I don't have his name I must congratulate the pianist who's playing was not only superb but he is so animated in his performance he was almost a 'show within a show'. I think it was 'Dave' conducting the choir who said he taught the pianist and had always thought he would go places in his career. He won't be wrong!

Nice also to see my MySpace buddy Damon kicking off the evening towering above the rest of the company (he's a tall lad) in The Rhythm Of Life and nice wig mate! (at least I think it was a wig!)

Next year, at the Devonshire Park Theatre (15th Apr-18th Apr) , the Rattonians Youth Group will be putting on the Just So musical. Tickets £12-£14. This is a musical based on Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories".

Whilst from 22nd July to 1st August 2009 the summer Rattonians feature at the Congress Theatre will be Mel Brook's musical comedy The Producers.

You shouldn't wish your life away but roll on Summer 2009!

Barry Manilow’s COPACABANA by The Rattonians, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 23rd July 2008

Cast - See ***** below

If you are going to see a West End Show, even booking at the last minute, you can easily expect to pay around £37+ for the poorest theatre seat locations. Add on to that the cost of getting there, if outside London, and a couple could easily be forking out £100+ for one evening.

Why bother? If you want to see a West End quality show both in terms of singing, acting and costume quality just keep an eye on what The Rattonians are performing at Eastbourne's Theatres?

The Rattonians are a non-profit making amateur group established in Eastbourne in 1984. In that year ex-Ratton school pupils and their drama teacher, Mark Adams, put on their first show holding a 24 hour play reading to raise money to fund a show in Eastbourne's smallest theatre, the Tivoli.

The rest is history and The Rattonians now perform regularly at Eastbourne's major Theatres - The Congress and The Devonshire Park Theatre.

From what I have seen, since dicovering this outstanding company, is that they regularly put "more bums on seats" than many of the big name celebrity shows. In fact there is nothing amateur whatsoever about this amateur group.

Oh no I lie the Rattonians website is, as I am sure they would admit, a bit basic. However, I am sure that is the least of their worries with all effort going into productions, rehearsals etc. which is understandable. But boy I'd like to give it a total facelift given the chance!!!! (anybody from the Rattonians reading this please note!!!! I would be glad to help!)

Ticket prices? Well top price tickets this year were £14 for Copacabana and with any profit raised going to charity they had raised over £50,000 before this show. Last year (2007) Cancer Research benefited from £7000.

For several years now this amateur (I hate that word for these people) group have managed to put on more than one very professional performance during the year.

Last year, 2007, saw Sweet Charity, Fame and Fame Forever. We saw both Fame and Fame Forever - absolutely unbelievable - the cast work so very hard and it shows! These really are West End quality productions minus the big name celebrity with their mugshot on the posters. Believe me, no celebrities required here, every performer is a star.

Earlier this year The Rattonians performed Les Miserables at the Devonshire Park Theatre. I was unable to see that so I can't pass comment but from what I have heard it was as outstanding as always.

Then from 23rd July to 2nd August Copacabana was scheduled at the Congress Theatre. We did not hesitate to book and went on opening night.

What an outstanding spectacle of glittering costumes, great singing, dancing and fine acting! Barry Manilow would be so proud of the performers and production team.

As I said we were there on opening night and, as far as I could see, the only glitch was a table and chairs that stubbornly refused to fit through a gap in the stage wings.

***** Now at this point I would have loved to have mentioned a few of the cast.

That part I find a little awkward here as whilst I have all the cast names many of the cast members prefer to remain mainly anonymous on social networking sites. I'll therefore leave the wonders of this cast for you to discover when you go to see them.

This year (2008) The Rattonians are doing even more hard work than they usually do and we have an extra show

The following I have blatantly copied word for word from the Congress Theatre site. I make no apology for this as it is an honest description.

A Celebration of Musical Theatre and Christmas Music

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
Sunday, 30 November 2008

"An evening of song and dance in true Rattonian style. The evening will consist of a selection of The Groups' favourite show numbers, celebrating their 24 years of producing musicals in Eastbourne.

Also included are fun Christmas songs including Winter Wonderland and the favourite White Christmas to get you into seasonal mood."

Performance Times:
7.00pm

Ticket Prices:
£12.00

To book the Rattonians Christmas show follow this link

Well there you have it. Just £12 for what will be a guaranteed great evening's entertainment and at the same time you are not lining somebody's pocket but helping a good cause.

If you live in easy reach of Eastbourne why not watch what this company can actually do and discover why they have become so well known in this area?

The Congress can seat 1689 people. Lets give the Rattonians a full house on Sunday, 30th November 2008!

Please note I am not connected with The Rattonians in anyway whatsoever and the link above is straight to the Congress Theatre. It should also be pointed out that it is a non-commission link. I am just glad to give them this plug as they all deserve it.