Cumbria Dance Drama Group Production
101 Dalmatians, West Walls, Carlisle
Photograph and review by Michelle Jackson
101 Dalmatians, West Walls, Carlisle
Photograph and review by Michelle Jackson
There was an expectant hush as the curtain went back to reveal Missus (Molly Giles) sitting centre stage, would this colourful adaptation of 101 Dalmatians prove to be as entertaining as the very popular Disney version.
The audience were not disappointed. Every member of the cast played their parts to perfection, from the very young members of the junior group to older members of the senior group.
The dramatic monochrome scenery and costumes only intensified the excellent acting skills of all the children.
Cumbria Dance Drama Groups principal, Debbie Marper, proved once again what a talented tutor, director and choreographer she is.
The rapport played out between Missus and Pongo (Richard Gibbon) as the expectant parents was delightful, particularly with their contempt and love for their pets Mr & Mrs Dearly (Harry Wharam and Izzy Clark).
Richard’s portrayal of a nervous expectant father and then the proud new father was sure to have struck a cord with many of the parents in the audience.
The strong talent of Bethany Mason as she played the enormous character of Cruella de Ville was obvious as was her dislike of anything not to her taste. This was most obvious when it came to her Badduns and house servants.
The bumbling Jasper and Saul Baddun (Beth Giles and Joseph Jackson) were an unlikely pair of criminals but their antics proved to be very comical for the watching audience.
In fact the audience were taken through a whole series of emotions as the play wound its way through Dodie Smiths epic tale. From tears of laughter at the antics of the Badduns and the puppies to tears of joy when all the dogs had been returned safely home.
Any member of Friday or Saturday nights audience will agree that every child had obviously spent a lot of time and effort not only learning their lines but also understanding their characters role.
Those children who played more than one role also deserve a special mention, as the play flowed seamlessly along with no pregnant pauses whilst costumes were changed and new characters introduced.
Cumbria Dance Drama Group should be very proud of themselves and deservedly so, every child’s performance was fabulous and I’m sure everyone of the cast and their families will now be eagerly waiting for details of and looking forward to next year’s production.
The audience were not disappointed. Every member of the cast played their parts to perfection, from the very young members of the junior group to older members of the senior group.
The dramatic monochrome scenery and costumes only intensified the excellent acting skills of all the children.
Cumbria Dance Drama Groups principal, Debbie Marper, proved once again what a talented tutor, director and choreographer she is.
The rapport played out between Missus and Pongo (Richard Gibbon) as the expectant parents was delightful, particularly with their contempt and love for their pets Mr & Mrs Dearly (Harry Wharam and Izzy Clark).
Richard’s portrayal of a nervous expectant father and then the proud new father was sure to have struck a cord with many of the parents in the audience.
The strong talent of Bethany Mason as she played the enormous character of Cruella de Ville was obvious as was her dislike of anything not to her taste. This was most obvious when it came to her Badduns and house servants.
The bumbling Jasper and Saul Baddun (Beth Giles and Joseph Jackson) were an unlikely pair of criminals but their antics proved to be very comical for the watching audience.
In fact the audience were taken through a whole series of emotions as the play wound its way through Dodie Smiths epic tale. From tears of laughter at the antics of the Badduns and the puppies to tears of joy when all the dogs had been returned safely home.
Any member of Friday or Saturday nights audience will agree that every child had obviously spent a lot of time and effort not only learning their lines but also understanding their characters role.
Those children who played more than one role also deserve a special mention, as the play flowed seamlessly along with no pregnant pauses whilst costumes were changed and new characters introduced.
Cumbria Dance Drama Group should be very proud of themselves and deservedly so, every child’s performance was fabulous and I’m sure everyone of the cast and their families will now be eagerly waiting for details of and looking forward to next year’s production.
