By Gillian Ellison

Published at 15:55, Wednesday, 30 April 2008

A TIP TOP tapping spectacular brings the bright lights of Broadway to Whitehaven this week.

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Whitehaven Theatre Group’s all-singing, all-dancing production of 42nd Street will certainly put a spring in your step.

There were many stars in the show but first mention has to go to the dancers – what would 42nd Street be without talented tappers?

And these dancers had plenty of talent. Not only did they bring energy and colour with their fast-paced footwork but they managed to do it all with a smile!

Then there were the leading ladies. Taking the role of fiery prima donna Dorothy Brock is Jayne Vincent. As always, her voice commands a stage effortlessly, both acting and singing.

The duet, About A Quarter To Nine, which she sang with Steph Metcalfe, as Peggy Sawyer, was lovely. Steph brought a youthful charm and innocence to the stage in her role.

Debbie Atkinson was very relaxed in her portrayal of Maggie Jones. Acting and singing seems to be second nature to Debbie, while her smile and facial expressions lit up the stage.

Theatre Group chairman Dale Corless was strong and confident in the role of hard-hitting theatre director Julian Marsh.

Highlights of the show, directed by Cuth Murphy, were definitely in the group musical and dancing numbers. Getting Out of Town was fast-paced with strong group vocals as was Go Into Your Dance and We’re In The Money. Lullaby of Broadway was another great moment as was, of course, the 42nd Street big finale.

The show was slick and polished with good use of curtains helping to move swiftly between scenes.

Praise must go to the ‘booth singers’ and the orchestra, both doing a sterling job throughout.

And final mention has to go to the American accents – absolutely spot on!

The show runs nightly until Saturday at 7.15pm in Whitehaven Civic Hall. Tickets £8 from 01946 514960.

CAST: Billy Lawler, Shaun Donald; Peggy Sawyer, Steph Metcalfe; Julian Marsh, Dale Corless; Abner Dillon, Tony Parker; Annie Lee, Susan Houghton; Bert Berry, Alex Caroll; Dorothy Brock, Jayne Vincent; Maggie Jones, Debbie Atkinson; Pat Denning, Tex Houghton; Anytime Annie, Louisa Lightfoot; Phyllis Dale, Kayleigh Cullen; Lorraine Fleming, Cheryl Andrews; Diane Lorimer, Joanne McPherson; Ethel, Kerry Halcrow; Gladys, Emily Vincent; Mollie, Alison Phillips; Thug, Jimmy Morgan; Waitress, Jackie Quinn. Dancers – Lynsey Benson, Carol Corless, Becky Dixon, Charlotte McGarry, Alison Morgan, Megan Robson. Chorus - Steven Brown, Len Chapman, Katrina Donald, Christine Goodlad, Helen Graham, Katrina Halcrow, David Ivey, Pat Kilbride, Jackie McGarry, Philip McSorley, Jimmy Morgan, Alison Phillips, Jacqui Quinn, Mike Quinn, Jennifer Todhunter, Joe Tonipohl and Harry Upton.

Booth Singers: Vanessa Cowley, Diane Lofthouse, Mary Robson, Gillian Rothery and Jacqueline Woodburn.

Director: Cuth Murphy; musical director, Anthea Bremner and choreographer, Carol Corless.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk