The trouble with reviews is that they come too late. I went to see the Co-op Juniors show at Snape Maltings last night. It was the first night, and I'm posting this review the next morning but it still makes no sense as all the tickets were sold out weeks ago. The place was packed.
Let's deal with that problem first. Snape Maltings is an internationally respected concert platform, home of the Aldeburgh Festival, supported so well by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. It is not really a place to stage a music and dance extravaganza. For years Co-op Juniors have held their shows at the Regent in Ipswich, which seats 1,500. Snape has just 850 seats, and with a cast of 100 children ranging in age from 5-18, all with siblings, mums, dads, grandparents, friends and relations so an audience has always been guaranteed. The move to Snape has also deprived many schoolchildren the chance to see the show, as there are no matinees.
This year the Regent has been blessed (commercially at least) by Brian Blessed, in pantomime. Nothing against Brian, although I tend not to get too close to him as he is big and very loud but our local talent has been seriously deprived in the theatre's search for filthy lucre.
It is just another example of the cavalier attitude of our local councils, who consistently take more and more of our money but do nothing much to support artistic and community activity. The Regent management are faced with the threat of closure if they don't break even.
Snape is lovely, on a summer afternoon, when a glass of Chablis can be sipped over a crab salad before listening to War Requiem - although I'm not sure when that was last performed at Snape. It's not a good place to find on a cold winter's night when you have to snake along country lanes.
The performance was marvellous. One hundred children, all of whom seemed to be oozing with talent, danced and sang all evening. The show was continuous, with wonderful small vignettes between each major song, such as a huge goose being chased by the farmer and son, brandy chasing a Christmas pud, and a huge (male) fairy trying to climb to the top of the tree. These helped to smooth along mood changes allowing the cast to change and assemble for the next spectacular.
And it was properly named. It was spectacular. The costumes, all new and sparkling, were stunning, the choreography, music and direction were all just right - it looked very effective, was always fast-moving, and stretched the children just enough. They had to think to keep up, but very few of the steps and movements were difficult. That said there was a stunning tap-dance routine by the older girls, and a wonderful acrobatic routine staged by very young performers. The final number featured a 'Tiller Girls' high-kicking dance routine that was as professional as any I have ever seen. Throughout, there was hardly a mistake, even amongst the small tots, some of whom were no more than 5 or 6 years old.
It's too difficult to pick out stars, they were all marvellous and the audience, even those not genetically connected to the cast roared and clapped their approval. A great night's entertainment, one that shows that dedicated amateurs, given the right training and equipment can produce a better show than many professionals. Alan, just go easy on the smoke tonight please.
The real plaudits must also go to the backstage staff, and that includes the army of mums and dads and others who make all the costumes. That's a labour of love, along with all the other investment in time, money, tears and energy parents have to endure to put on such a show. Whatever the effort it was all worth it. Not only was it great entertainment on the night but there will be memories that each child will treasure for years to come. I sat next to an 80-year old lady who had sung in the Ipswich Co-op choir 60 years ago, and she was full of her memories of those happy days. It will be the same for these children. It's what community is all about.
Well done everyone.
Perhaps our local councillors (many of whom no doubt enjoyed the show with free entry tickets) will take notice,and realise that life means more than saving money. This show needs to be back in Ipswich, we'd have put it on at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe, but the council refused to even consider our proposal to run that theatre.
New Year's Resolution - reduce the power of local councils. Let the people decide.
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