Stepping Out
The Players Theatre Company
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
23rd to 27th May 2017
The Players Theatre Company
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
23rd to 27th May 2017
I wonder just how many church halls around the country play host to a regular group of people coming together each week to either perform a play, learn how to draw, do a fitness class, or, in the case of The Players Theatre Company's latest production, Stepping Out - to learn to tap dance? Anyone who's ever been involved in any of these classes will be able to appreciate the fact that these classes will not only bring together people from varying different backgrounds socially, but that they can also quite often be somewhat of a cathartic affair; as one of the characters, Maxine, points out at one point in the play, "These classes are like therapy"!
The characters who gather at the north London church hall in which Stepping Out is based are certainly a disparate bunch and the play introduces us to each of these individuals in such a way, it's almost as if we are part of the class, especially with the dance class mirror acting as the fourth wall, facing out to the audience.
The dance teacher is Mavis, played by Michelle Taylor, who has clearly put every ounce of her teaching background knowledge into this part, giving a lovely, natural and believable performance. Christine Playle as grumpy pianist Mrs Fraser, really raises some laughs in this peach of a part and has some great one-liners.
All of the characters in this play are so well drawn - from the OCD, posh Vera, played with fabulous gusto and perfect comedy timing by Zena Grahame, to the nervous, nail-biting, Lynne, played beautifully by Jenny Hitchcock with whom we could laugh along with as well as empathise with, throughout her performance. Confident performances came from Phoebe Allan as ex-dancer and step-mum, Maxine; and we really feel for Andy, sensitively performed by Louise Kempson, as we eventually find out her back story. In fact every one of the characters has their own moment in the play. where we get to dig deeper into their background and find out a bit more about them. A special mention has to go to Craig Phoenix, who plays the only chap in the cast, Geoffrey, who had me in stitches in one scene involving Vera and a very figure hugging leotard!
With the class working towards a charity function to perform at, tensions begin to run rather high as the date gets closer and closer and with the undercurrent of their personal lives taking on new developments, Mavis drills them with the motto of "Tits, teeth and tonsils" as they attempt a new dance routine, complete with hats and canes. Will they manage to nail it for the 'big night'? Will they be able to master their cramprolls, scissors and shuffle springs in time?
The Players have produced a lovely show here and have really played to their strengths. Amongst the pathos, there are lots of laughs to be had throughout. Julie Robertson has done a great job with direction, keeping the flow going with dialogue and movement and the set is one of the best and most realistic I've seen in the Dixon Studio for some time, although I'm guessing that a little more stage room may have worked better for the dance routines.
Last night's audience was packed to the rafters and I think that Friday night is sold out - so if you don't want to miss this wonderful comedy from The Players Theatre Company, grab your tickets now!
Tickets available online at www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
The characters who gather at the north London church hall in which Stepping Out is based are certainly a disparate bunch and the play introduces us to each of these individuals in such a way, it's almost as if we are part of the class, especially with the dance class mirror acting as the fourth wall, facing out to the audience.
The dance teacher is Mavis, played by Michelle Taylor, who has clearly put every ounce of her teaching background knowledge into this part, giving a lovely, natural and believable performance. Christine Playle as grumpy pianist Mrs Fraser, really raises some laughs in this peach of a part and has some great one-liners.
All of the characters in this play are so well drawn - from the OCD, posh Vera, played with fabulous gusto and perfect comedy timing by Zena Grahame, to the nervous, nail-biting, Lynne, played beautifully by Jenny Hitchcock with whom we could laugh along with as well as empathise with, throughout her performance. Confident performances came from Phoebe Allan as ex-dancer and step-mum, Maxine; and we really feel for Andy, sensitively performed by Louise Kempson, as we eventually find out her back story. In fact every one of the characters has their own moment in the play. where we get to dig deeper into their background and find out a bit more about them. A special mention has to go to Craig Phoenix, who plays the only chap in the cast, Geoffrey, who had me in stitches in one scene involving Vera and a very figure hugging leotard!
With the class working towards a charity function to perform at, tensions begin to run rather high as the date gets closer and closer and with the undercurrent of their personal lives taking on new developments, Mavis drills them with the motto of "Tits, teeth and tonsils" as they attempt a new dance routine, complete with hats and canes. Will they manage to nail it for the 'big night'? Will they be able to master their cramprolls, scissors and shuffle springs in time?
The Players have produced a lovely show here and have really played to their strengths. Amongst the pathos, there are lots of laughs to be had throughout. Julie Robertson has done a great job with direction, keeping the flow going with dialogue and movement and the set is one of the best and most realistic I've seen in the Dixon Studio for some time, although I'm guessing that a little more stage room may have worked better for the dance routines.
Last night's audience was packed to the rafters and I think that Friday night is sold out - so if you don't want to miss this wonderful comedy from The Players Theatre Company, grab your tickets now!
Tickets available online at www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
L-R: Louise Kempson, Phoebe Allan, Theresa Young, Craig Phoenix, Jenni Young, Michelle Taylor, Jenny Hitchcock, Lynne Young & Zena Grahame
Watch the cast in rehearsal below....