My Fair Lady (2007)

Presented by: Rugeley Musical Theatre Company

Director: Elaine Bradbury

Musical Director: Sherry Burcher

Choreographers: Pat Weatherley, Hana Bradbury

Venue: The Rose Theatre, Rugeley

Any production of this classic musical is likely to bring a smile to the lips of the audience and this one was no exception. There were some lovely touches in the stage direction which made the production fresh and Adrian Hunt’s interpretation of Higgins ‘I’ve grown accustomed to her face’ showed a totally different side to the professor’s character. Leah Amanda Bradbury was impressive as Eliza Doolittle and it was a pity that, on the Saturday performance, she was suffering with a bad throat as she is obviously a very talented young lady. The stage at the theatre is very small but this didn’t prevent the company enjoying some lively dance numbers.

Brian Hirst

  Robin Hood (2008)

Presented by: Rugeley Musical Theatre Company

Director: Elaine Bradbury

Musical Director: Dan Smith

Choreographers: Pat Weatherley & Hana Bradbury

Venue: The Rose Theatre, Rugeley 

This pantomime by David Crump has a very funny script. Adrian Hunt made an excellent dame and Jonathan Eastwood was impressive as the wicked Prince John. There was some good harmony singing from Stacey Lee Rogers (Maid Marion) and Elaine Bradbury (Robin Hood) and from the chorus. The Merrymen gave a lively and enthusiastic performance of ‘Men in Tights’ and ‘YMCA’ and there was a clever scene using the titles of Beatles’ songs. Sometimes the pace was a little slow in the delivery of the clever one-line jokes. The cast were well supported by the band.

Brian Hirst

 Oklahoma! (2009) 

Presented by: Rugeley Musical Theatre Company

Director: Elaine Bradbury

Musical Director: Dan Smith

Choreographers: Pat Weatherley & Hana Bradbury

Venue: The Rose Theatre, Rugeley 

There is plenty of young talent in this group and it was certainly put to good use in this production. Elaine Bradbury was an excellent Ado Annie and as director she was imaginative in her staging. She was well partnered by Gary Robinson (Will Parker), and Emily Appleby (Laurey) and Jonathan Eastwood (Curly) worked well together. Dan Smith impressed as Jud with a fine singing voice and an appropriate amount of menace. Mick Kelly (Ali Hakim) showed some good comedy timing and the major principals were well supported by the rest of the cast. Well done!

Brian Hirst