Ilford Recorder - October 18 2001
Review by Sue Leeman
"Highland Fling is real heart-warmer"
It's been long time since I visited Brigadoon, the magical disappearing village in the Scottish Highlands that provides the beautiful backdrop for Lerner and Loewe's eponymous musical.
Woodford Operatic and Dramatic Society took Kenneth More Theatre audiences back there last week with a big, bright and thoroughly engaging production directed and choreographed by Sally Woodfield.
Woodfield was engaging as the often bemused Tommy. Jacqueline Long,
who possesses a sweet soprano voice, was delightful as the flirtatious
Fiona, and together, they gave us some moving duets, including Almost
like being in love and From this day on.
Chris Burrow's Jeff was generally convincing as the hardened
New Yorker who resists the temptations of Brigadoon's Meg Brockie, played
with sparkly and wit by Jane Pavett.
Patrick Pond was wonderful as Harry Ritchie, the angry young man
who threatens to leave Brigadoon, and Martin Stewart put in an agreeable
performance as Harry's father, Donald.
Sarah Stewart and Tony Long were good as bride and groom Jean Mackeith
and Charlie Cameron. John Ellis made an imposing and wise father figure
as Andrew Mackeith.
Malcolm Woodfield gave a splendid performance as the village elder
Murdoch drawing us under the village’s spell as he charts the moving
tale of it&'s history.
The sets and props were good and the music flowed well under the
baton of Helen Price.
There were plenty of genuine Scottish touches, including a great
performance by Simon Bredin and some enthusiastic sword dancing.
A good evening of theatre.
Wanstead and Woodford Guardian - October 18 2001
Review by Phil Romeril
WOADS production, at the Kenneth More Theatre, of Lerner and Loewe's
attractive musical play, was bright, warm and continuous. The show
has many memorable numbers and the singing was a commendable feature. Led
by Jacqueline Long, who is particularly gifted in this direction, it
was her performance as Fiona which established the high standard of production.
Malcolm Woodfield (Mr Murdoch) dispensed his wisdom in a purposeful
manner and the two young Americans, Andrew Woodfield and Chris Burrow,
were believable characters.
The traditional Scottish dances and some full-blooded chorus work contributed. Sentiment and sadness, violence and despair, all of these emotions had been neatly placed in a niche bringing together, in harmony, the principals and the rest of the enthusiastic team. They hardly put a foot wrong.
Woodfield directed and choreographed the show. Muscial director was Helen Price.