Ray Dance & Judith Sharp Sunset Boulevard Arts Centre, Old Town, Swindon
Ray Dance and Judith Sharp were delighted to gain Wiltshire's first amateur licence to stage Sunset Boulevard, an impressive show with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The magnificent portrayal of Joe Gillis was another triumph for Russell Langdown, who co-directed with Sandra Gilbert. Judith Sharp was splendid as Norma Desmond, a former silent movie star who harbours delusions of reviving her faded career. In a sad, isolated existence at her mansion on Sunset Boulevard she strives unsuccessfully to write a script for a glorious come-back.
Ray Dance was excellent as the suave Max von Meyerling, Norma's devoted butler and protector, who directed her early films and was her first husband.
Slick, silent scene changes, clever lighting, brilliant cinematic effects and late 1940's costume enhanced the production, which made optimum use of stage and auditorium. The Paramount Studios, a drugstore, an apartment and Norma's house all figured in this basically tragic tale. Becci Benson was superb as Betty Schaefer; Chris Coleman played Cecil B De Mille and in other roles Martin Whiteley, Alex Barrett and Stuart Dark were well supported by six ensemble characters. The highly competent band was directed by Victoria Burton. Fine vocal quality and crystal clear diction set the seal on a memorable show.
Proceeds will benefit Prospect Hospice.
Stella Taylor
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