Gazette Review by Neil D’arcy Jones

“It may be a little shop but once again CO2 are big on talent!”

NODA Review by Ann Platten

Director/Choreographer: Leanne Fincham

Musical Director: Emma Nash

Performed by Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2) at The Mercury Theatre on 12^th October 2017

From start to finish I loved this show. It had everything good about it and left the audience amazed at the content pace and sheer enjoyment from 40 young people all singing and acting their sock’s off  on the Mercury stage.  The enthusiasm shone through from each and every one.

Starting with Will Mugford as Seymour  who raised his character from a meek florist’s assistant to the confident guy able to pursue his love for Audrey.  It was a perfect part for Will and a great credit to add to the many other roles he has already played with the society and matched so well in the part of Audrey by Emily Lane, who had a sweet gentle character and sung so well. It was a well- played duo.

The OTT character of Orin the Dentist played by Lewis Tebbitt brought the house down. Lewis’ timing was terrific and he made this sadistic Dentist very real and quite scary, as well as being hugely amusing.  The audience really appreciated the fun he brought to this character.

Mushnik, Seymour’s boss, was great also, played by Alex Terry who for a young guy gave a good account of an older man.  The duet “Mushnik & Son” was so well played and timed. A hoot!!

The Ronnettes played by Jasmine Triadi, Kassia Wall, Lorna Perrin, Shalom Asemota, Sophie Knights and Sophie Ramsey all fitted so well together and their close knit harmonies all through the show were spot on. Terrific performances from you all! Well done!

Dominic Simpson as Audrey 11 the Voice in his first show with the company was an important character, and his diction was so clear and good, and matched with Adam Spector as Audrey 11, the Mover, what a terrific job Adam did in a very small space with the Monster that was the Plant.

The singing from the whole company all round was outstanding and the production just kept on giving from this talented young group.  Super costumes, set, lighting and sound all played such a big part in the success of this show.

This was Leanne’s first show as overall Director and Choreographer and I thought it was first class. Leanne has worked in so many different aspects with Colchester Operatic over many years and been such an asset in everything she has done, so I was thrilled to see her at the helm and with a super team working alongside her made it one of the best CO2 shows I have ever seen.

Emma Nash as Musical Director and also lead keyboard really got the most out of all the cast in their singing, and the blend of harmonies was top class. Working with a talented band the sounds were really up there in tempo’s, sound, and blend.  As Craig Revell- Horwood would say A-MAZ-ING.

So to sum up I think you get the message I really loved this production.  Thank you to Front of House and everyone for their hospitality which I always receive and appreciate.  Don McKay Noda Councillor for the East Area attended the show with me, along with my assistant Hazel Hole. Both asked me to thank you for an excellent evening’s entertainment. Worthy of all the praise I hope you received from delighted audiences.