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Val Pennett reviews Thoroughly Modern Millie' by Yeadon Amateurs at Yeadon Town Hall.

This is a show that without doubt should not be attempted by the feint hearted. With 12 scene changes in Act 1 and eight in Act 2 it could grind to a halt.

A society putting on Millie' needs a strong cast and a strong and experienced production team.

David Kirk's flair and exemplary production skills together with an excellent set with two spiral staircases ensure this show flows along.

There were clever touches to highlight certain scenes and the hard work of the whole back stage crew was essential and impressive, Keith Darnborough and team doing a great job.

The show also needs a top class orchestra and MD and Yeadon had both, MD Dean McDermott bringing together this large and talented orchestra.

Musically too the show is not easy for orchestra or performers. The score is modern, tricky and quite varied. Touches of G & S' and the lovely I'm Falling In Love With Someone' were delightful but apart from these two melodies from the past and the title song there is nothing memorable.

Choreography was clever and here again not easy for Choregrapher Rachel McGuire to tackle, especially the scene involving typists and chairs whizzing all over the place. This needed timing and skill from everyone and was very well done.

The plot is really rather pantomimish but breezing through it all is the sparkling performance of Samantha Ball as Millie.

This role fits her like a glove and she plays it with a vampish panache, Obviously loving every minute.

Rob Edwards is just right in the role of Jimmy Smith, who brings romance to Millie although she believes she is in love with her boss. Rob has such a pleasing presence and voice and he and Samantha worked well together.

Of the strange characters that lurk in this show Kath Williams has the unenviable task as Mrs Meers of having to speak Chinese, Chinese American and American! She does all this with great aplomb. She uses her experience and skill to get the best out of this difficult role being strong vocally too.

Liam Lloyd and Stephen Newbolt as Ching Ho and Bun Foo also have to speak Chinese. They are good fun and play these characters convincingly.

Gemma Durkin gives an appealing performance as Dorothy Brown. She has a lovely voice and her duet with Christopher Nuttall was a breath of fresh air. She plays the boss of the typing pool and the person Millie believes she is in love with. Here was another excellent performance.

Helen Clarke was the eccentric, flamboyant secretary and Christine Castle has the cameo role of the American socialite Muzzy Van Hoffmere who eventually brings about the downfall of Mrs Meers. She has two glitzy, enjoyable numbers and an excellent scene with Mrs Meers.

There were good performances from all the Priscilla Girls, friends of Millie and dancers.

Costumes throughout were excellent and were by Dress Circle while the varied wigs and make-up all looked good.

It is not a show I would rush to see again but it is colourful and entertaining and how well this production team and cast coped with a difficult show.

10:46am Thursday 27th March 2008

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