THE SAVOY SINGERS, based in Camberley, Surrey, are a leading and long-established amateur operatic society which prides itself on the excellence and professionalism of its productions. From Gilbert & Sullivan operas through operetta to the modern musical, the Savoy Singers performing at the Camberley Theatre, combine musical quality with innovative production.

What a wonderful evening’s entertainment you provided for your audience with this cleverly devised and splendidly presented production. From start to finish it held the audiences attention with well-chosen songs, and woven
between them the story of these two giants of musical theatre. Margaret gives a detailed background in her director’s notes but for those who hadn’t any idea of the lives and relationships between the men it was fascinating to watch the story evolve on stage.

The award ceremony was a perfect opening and the guests coming through the auditorium doors with photographers capturing them on film really created the atmosphere of an exciting and promising evening. The tables were suitably dressed for such a splendid occasion and the cast looked super. There was lots of excitement/activity and everyone looked happy to be there.

It is impossible to comment on every single number and they were all well sung but I’ll include as many as I can.

The two numbers from Rose Marie were excellent.
Rachael and Alastair had a relaxed little dance routine in Manhattan and I loved the Palestinian scarves and dark glasses for the Riff’s Song!
Ian Henderson’s rendition of ‘Ol’ Man River’ was incomparable and sent shivers down my spine.
The ladies chorus sang ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man O Mine’ with feeling and Rupert Gardner’s jazz piano was just perfect.
The men gave a rousing version of ‘Stouthearted Men’ followed by a lovely arrangement of ‘Blue Moon’ for the full chorus.
The Medley was good and ‘Oklahoma!’ was a fitting close to the first act.

A change of costume in Act 2 added interest visually, and the selection from ‘Oklahoma!’ went with a swing. Lori Tingay-Weber gave a good performance for her song from ‘Carmen Jones’ and the musical arrangement for ‘Spring
Fever’ was beautiful. Carousel must surely be one of the all time favourites and having performed in the show three times myself I was delighted to hear such an excellent and different arrangement for ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

The first song in the South Pacific section was put across enthusiastically by Sarah Wenban, but the man on stage with her should have been more gallant and helped her up.The placards in Maria didn’t really work as the writing was too small to see from the audience and once the girls had turned upstage the placards were blank. David Bowie sang Edelweiss beautifully. Ending with the continuation of the opening scene was the perfect way to finish a polished and cleverly devised entertainment.

Margaret did a first rate job with the stage direction but in the first act the straight rows of men standing immediately behind each other meant that only the one at the front could be seen. It would have been better had they been staggered, space permitting.

Rupert Gardner controlled his very young and talented ensemble with expertise and style.

My only other negative note was that unfortunately one of the ladies committed the unforgivable sin and waved to the audience on leaving the stage. The lighting design was superb and added much to the mood, and the sound was good.

Thank you so much for inviting me to see the production. It proved to be a memorable and interesting evening, made even more so by the splendid singing, and thank you also to Kathryn for looking after my guest and me so well in the interval.

E. Gloria Smith
NODA Regional Representative – District 12

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