ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD

Tue 6 to Sat 10 March 2007
Palace Theatre, Redditch

Producer - Steve Skinner
Musical Director - Norma Kift
Stage Manager - Ian Dixon
Rehearsal Pianist - Carol Griffiths

The Cast

Reviews

Excellent Show (4 stars)

"A bit of a mystery surrounded the end of Act One on Wednesday: the balloon that was going to Olympus never arrived on Earth for take-off, and the interval found a man in front of the curtains hopefully pointing a remote control into the auditorium.

Clearly, he worked the oracle, because Act Two revealed that the balloon and its passengers had arrived safely - which left everyone free to get on with an excellent show.

There is an outstanding performance from Michael Hawkins, as Styx, and Tony Jay is a happy, gregarious Jupiter, particularly amusing in the classic fly scene with the silver-voiced Katie Leaver (Eurydice) - referred to as Euro Disney in one of the happy surprises packed by Steve Skinner's colourful production. Shirley Stanley finds a lot of fun in her twin-setted Middle England Calliope.

Wednesday found Ian Walton battling bravely and well with a voice problem as Pluto. Tim Kingscote-Davies steered Orpheus satisfactorily through his remarkable adventure, though he lost his way at the start of the Balloon Song - possibly because he was surprised to find the balloon was now there.

The production makes the most of its dance team and even gives us a Can-Can in the overture.

But for me, the remarkable performance of the show comes from young Sophie Bray - happy, confident and clearly-spoken as Cupid. She is certainly one to watch for the future."

John Slim, Birmingham Post and Mail

Wonderful Romp is Heaven All the Way

"Advertised as capable of transporting its audience from heaven to hell in true Greek style, this wonderful romp was heaven all the way. Tightly guided by energetic director Steve Skinner, the talented cast had the audience in stitches as they witnessed his highly enjoyable mockery of Greek mythology, all accompanied by a wonderful score and songs from Offenbach.

It is often said that more enjoyable productions can be seen on local stages than on those in the big cities, and this production was proof of the pudding indeed. Colourful costumes, adept singing accompanied by a wholly professional orchestra (conducted by Norma Kift) mixed with fabulous choreography from beginning to end to make the joy complete.

Katie Leaver as the wayward Eurydice was in wonderful voice, while her wicked lover Pluto in the form of cheeky Ian Walton was perfect for the part.

Larger than life Tony Jay, whose comic timing and facial expressions as the downtrodden Jupiter were wonderful to behold, put his all into his performance as ever, while young Sophie Bray as Cupid is well worth a mention for her gutsy staging.

The girls from the town's Starlight School of Dance opened and closed the show with their saucy can-can routines, leaving the audience out of breath just watching.

If unmentioned here it is no indication of any flaws, as everyone in the machinery performed their parts most slickly - all at ABOS have everything to be very proud of. I for one came out of the theatre singing merrily away!"

Andrew Powell, Redditch Standard

Just One Fly on Orpheus

"Astwood Bank Operatic Society opened their show with a rousing can can number which set the scene for a rather good show. It could easily be a story of modern day life with all the tangles, trials and tribulations that go with it.

Eurydice, the long-suffering wife (played expertly by Katie Leaver) longs for something more than her fiddling husband, Orpheus (Tim Kingscote-Davies). She turns to Pluto who takes her to the Underworld and beyond, apparently. Hades is not all she expects (does any-one recognise the plot so far?). However, enter Tony Jay in the guise of Jupiter who wants Eurydice for himself.

There is so much more to it than that, of course. Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods, flies in and out on roller boots and a scooter - well done Ben Hart for staying upright! Calliope (Shirley Stanley) tries hard to keep Orpheus, her son in line just like any meddling Mother would try to do.

Does she succeed? Does Eurydice return to her husband? Does any one remember the original story? It wouldn't be fair to tell the ending, just go and see it next time - trust me the sight of Jupiter and Eurydice singing the fly duet will stay with you forever."

Review courtesy of Redditch Advertiser

Excellent Production

"This was an excellent production. A fifteen strong principal line up with no weak links is extremely rare with all displaying strong acting and singing ability. I had never seen this show before and it was most enjoyable but not blessed with many melodious songs. However the comedy carried it along nicely and the third act cameo from Michael Hawkins 'Styx' was a little gem.

A well-dressed and colourful show, with scenery and lighting of high standard. Good ensemble singing and movement plus a superb opening and finale Can-Can dance and an excellent orchestra completed a very enjoyable evening."

NODA News, Midland Area, Summer 2007

So, Styx has a first name, then!

I suppose I have seen Orpheus in the Underworld at least once every five years for something over 30 years - but it has taken Astwood Bank Operatic Society to tell me that Styx, the servant of Pluto in Hades in Offenbach's Olympian romp, has a first name.

There he was, listed with a really believable Greek name: John Styx.

Moreover, I'm told that this highly likely label is supported in at least two websites. So he's been suddenly revealed to me as a man of mystery. Two mysteries, in fact.

Why have I not seen him accorded his full name in any other production - and, of course, why on earth, or even why in Hades, John?

John Slim, taken from his weekly column in The Birmingham Post

Photographs

Click each thumbnail for the bigger picture.

Dress Rehearsal Photographs by Stuart Rowen - see www.stuartrowen.co.uk