Thursday Matinee 18th June
An old UK friend of mine who lives up not too far from Billy’s place always uses the word ORRSUMM!! in emails when he wishes to convey that he has been bowled over by something. ORRSUMM!! certainly fits the bill for the fare on offer at today’s matinee which, for the second week running, had Cap’n Ollie Jochim at the controls guiding his multitalented and multifaceted Billy persona through all kinds of weather troughs until finally emerging from the clouds into glorious sunshine. Idolised by the big groups of youngsters present (and cheered on by his fan club in Row A) it was such a heartwarming and utterly compelling experience as well as a privilege to be there for it. Ollie is so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOlxML_VHvw that I reckon he’d make the North Pole on just one ski and a packet of crisps.
Nathan Jones was, to put it in simple language, born to play Michael. His understanding of the role and his thoughtful and highly inventive implementation of it belies his years. Those expressive eyes, those facial expressions so vividly and unashamedly projecting his inner feelings at any given moment are perfect. I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional at the end but it was a promise I couldn’t keep and won’t be making again, LOL. I’m not one bit ashamed to say that that long and oh, so mournful and motionless stare left me in tatters – but I’m lovin’ it.
Can you believe that Demi will have been in the show two years next month? What standards she has set and relentlessly maintained in all that time. A brilliant actress with superb timing and great stage presence and a whole range of her own facial expressions to beat the band.
Wendy Somerville was our Wonderful Mrs. W on this wacky day so the lovely Lucinda Collins gave us her different but very effective “reserved and respectable” RBS Receptionist (and a “reserved and respectable” fist, too) while Claudia Bradley, as always, was the perfect Dead Mum, gently chiding but always encouraging Billy.
The Ballet Girl flag this week was raised and kept flying high by the magnificent Markham team.
Richard Ashton as Big Davey jazzed up his breakfast role to great extra effect. I don’t think I’ve seen that done before. Bit skimpy on the salt, though. I think there may have been less milk in the bottles, too. The company accountant must be tightening the purse strings.
Chris Grahamson has to come up again for special mention. His brilliantly consistent portrayal of Tony is a powerful balancing act of monumental proportions bringing together all the feelings of initial hope, subsequent frustration, despair and outrage all entwined with his natural respect and love for family. I often see genuine tears on his face during He Could Be a Star.
PS
As a follow up to that (possibly) vibraphone sound in Electricity I mentioned last week I enquired about it and it is, in fact, a harp. The beautiful and intricate arrangements in this score continue to delight and surprise.
PPS
Yet more train trouble this week. It seems to be neverending. The cancellation of the entire Stansted Express service ( with no bus replacements laid on) resulted in a rather disparate (and desperate) group of five strangers (all with different accents) piling into a taxi at 7.30pm outside Liverpool Street Station. Thankfully, we all made our flights. This unwanted hassle was, however, more than cancelled out by the afternoon experience. In simple language it was
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhXYrQltyo0
Pat