Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s 80th anniversary production of Gypsy at Yeadon Town Hall (From Wharfedale Observer)

Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s 80th anniversary production of Gypsy at Yeadon Town Hall

7:20am Thursday 18th March 2010 in Leisure By Rachel O'Connor

Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s 80th anniversary production of Gypsy at Yeadon Town Hall until Saturday.

YEADON audiences will find their feet tapping this week as the splendid Jule Styne music cascades around the Town Hall, under the baton of MD John Webb, as a back drop to the Yeadon Amateurs’ production Gypsy.

As Director David Kirk says: “The scene is set with perhaps the best overture in musical theatre and Styne and Stephen Sondheim have provided the perfect show score.”

The opening number Some People spotlight’s Mama Rose, the leading character made famous by Ethel Merman.

What a demanding role and what effort Helen Clarke put into the role of the brash broad fired by ambition for her daughters. It truly must have put her through the wringer on a nightly basis during the run.

Gemma Durkin was sweet, superb and sensuous in varying degrees as she developed the role of Louise and there were wonderful cameos from the delightful Sam Ball as the stripper Electra.

Paul Chewins gave a confident performance as Herbie while there was excellent support from Katie Garnett (June), Liam Lloyd (Tulsa), Olivia Gregson (Baby June) and Bethany Whiteley (Baby Louise).

As always though the success of Yeadon show’s is based on the hard work of the whole cast and backroom staff.