Having seen and reviewed the CAODS production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels back in November 2016, in fact it was my very first show review on this blog, I couldn’t wait to see what Louth Playgoers Youth Theatre would do with the production, especially since it was the outcome of the Youth Theatre and a very limited rehearsal time of a couple of weeks in the school holidays.
Louth Playgoers Says about the show:
“Directed by John Hewer and Musically Directed by Chris Peters once more our talented young people take to the stage for their annual summer workshop production.
This year they have chosen Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – the Musical as their challenge for 2017. Almost two weeks of hard work culminates in three impressive performances of this popular musical.
Synopsis: Two con men, a beautiful woman and the elite of the French Riviera collide in this sexy and irreverent farce.
Based on the popular 1988 MGM film, this hysterical comedy features a delightfully jazzy score by David Yazbek (The Full Monty) and was nominated for a staggering 11 Tony Awards”
The young people did brilliantly well and I was not disappointed for one moment. The main roles of Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson were played by Ed Mapletoft and Jack Lovett; the way they both played their opposite characters worked really well together. Ed brought the classy, suave sophistication with what looked like with incredible ease whilst Jack produced some hysterically brash, loud and overstated comedy. A brilliant portrayal by both, especially as Lawrence was trying to teach Freddy how to win women, having his work cut out as Freddy was usually only in it to make a quick few bucks. Jack as Freddy and especially Ruprect was the highlight of my evening; having seen the previous CAODS production, to be honest I wasn’t sure how he was going to match up, but he absolutely did; every element of Jacks performance was outstanding.
I also wanted to mention Beth Adams who played Murial Eubanks, and Matthew Claypole who played Andre (with a brilliant French accent!). They both played great parts, and the little cameo by Joel Coward (who also played the Hotel Manager and the Policeman) was pure genius – never before have I experienced such a random way of keeping the audience amused during scene changes!
Well done to the whole ensemble and the other cast members, you all did brilliantly, remembering all the words, dance moves and keeping the audience very well entertained. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of you in future LPG productions!
It was great to see and hear a live band which were a lovely addition to the show; Musical Director and Keys 1 – Christopher Peters, Key 2 and Violin – Amy Baker, Reeds – Mike Wood, Trumpet – Andrew Taylor, Trombone – Mark Tong, Bass Guitar – Chris Smith, Percussion and Drums – Stuart Spendlow.
The Director was John Hewer and Choreographer was Rebecca Miles. Sound Design – Christopher Peters, Lighting Design and Operator – Jamie Harris, Sound Operator – John Hewer and Chloe Jackson, Follow-Spot Operators – Robbie and Holly Mapletoft, Set Design – Jean Bradshaw and Malvina Willis, Costumes – Fern Garland, Christine Cliffe and Barbara Vickers.
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Beth Adams – Muriel Eubanks
George Adams – Bellboy, Sailor & Ensemble
Emilia Berriman – Woman (solo) & Ensemble
Charlotte Bushell – Jolene Oakes
Matthew Claypole – Andre
Jade Fraser – Maid & Ensemble
Joel Howard – Hotel Manager, Policeman & Ensemble
Jemima Jefferies – Woman (solo), Violinist & Ensemble
Carrie-Ann Leahy – Conductor, Nun & Ensemble
Saskia Lewis – Desk Clerk, Dancer & Ensemble
Jack Lovett – Freddy Benson
George Maher – Porter, Sailor & Ensemble
Ed Mapletoft – Lawrence Jameson
William Mapletoft – Bellboy, Sailor & Ensemble
Beth Raithby – Renee & Ensemble
Erin Ramsay – Sophia, Nun & Ensemble
Lydia Reeves – Lenore, Nun & Ensemble
Erica Slonskyj – Christine Colgate
Jade Smith – Usherette & Ensemble
Mollie Tunnicliffe – Waitress, Croupier & Ensemble
Well done to everyone – congratulations!
Rehearsal Photographs courtesy of Andy Evans (and Facebook!)
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