Guys and Dolls Victoria Hall, Settle SETTLE Amateurs have never been short of enthusiasm and, in this inventive and confidently directed show, the cast clearly enjoy every moment on the stage.

The society is clearly benefitting from the hard work which is being put in with the junior section as there are a number of youthful new faces in the cast, which gives both the chorus and the dance numbers a genuine lift.

However it is always good to see more established performers producing strong support in cameo roles such as the dry humour of Ray Jones as Lt Brannigan and Eric Parker as Harry the Horse.

The casting of Robin Knipe and Alan Suttie as the duo Benny Southstreet and Nicely Nicely Johnson was a further case in point, where two talented singers were able to add zest to the roles. Similarly the grandfatherly advice of Arvide Abernathy was all the more plausible in the experienced hands of Graham Jarvis.

No newcomer to the stage, Steven Lawson seemed far more at ease as Nathan Detroit than in previous roles and in Claire Palmer’s Adelaide, he had a perfect foil. It was clear that Claire Palmer was thoroughly enjoying her role and her solos were outstanding.

The central roles of Sky Masterton and Sarah Brown were played by relative newcomers, Will Palmer and Molly Summersgill-Smith, and, although both were a little hesitant in their numbers, there is considerable potential and chemistry in their partnership.

An excellent and enjoyable evening both for audience and cast alike.

Gill O’Donnell Oliver!

Mart Theatre, Skipton THE nation’s favourite musical Oliver! was chosen by Skipton Musical Theatre Company to launch the new season at the Mart Theatre Skipton It’s such a popular show due to numerous catchy well-known songs. This current production was eagerly anticipated and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Craig Cowdroy, the director, provided a pacey energetic show with great use of the Mart stage. Lionel Bart’s intention was that the audience should feel like an extension of the East End gang of thieves and here you felt very much part of the action!

Benny Hick gave an outstanding performance in the lead role as Oliver and his rendition of “Where is love?”was pitch perfect and highly emotional! Helen Procter was a wonderful Nancy with strong passionate vocals.

Dale Chadwick gave an accomplished performance as Fagin and Steve Charlton’s Bill Sykes was full of darkness and menace. Ruth Garrett was delightful as Dodger.

For me it was the younger members of the cast, Fagin’s gang, that gave the show true vigour and a real punch.

The whole show was truly memorable and a packed audience gave it a rapturous reception it deserved. It is one of the best productions I have ever seen of Oliver!.

Colin Saville Jez Lowe, Lothersdale Live THE Lothersdale Live concert series held its second concert featuring the legendary singer songwriter Jez Lowe and Sue MacFarlane.

Sue comes from a family steeped in music and her opening set swayed seamlessly from traditional to pop music. To paraphrase the words of the final song it was Perfect.

Jez Lowe is a master of songwriting and a master of delivery and performance. He puts the audience at ease and has a humorous streak in his banter which isn’t laboured or overdone.

This fledgling project has begun to spread its wings. There was a feeling of the audience taking ownership of an event which hopefully will run and run.

Lawson Alexander