“a superbly spooky evening of relaxed, easygoing entertainment”
Green Door Theatre Company’s Halloween Showcase, created in collaboration with St Chad’s Music, was a superbly spooky evening of relaxed, easygoing entertainment, providing the perfect supportive platform for musicians, comedians, actors, dancers, and even aerial artists to have a go at demonstrating their skills.
The combined directorial and production teams – led by GDTC president Maria Galimberti and Chad’s chair Pheobe Halpern- did a fantastic job curating the diverse set list, although some work with the venue perhaps could’ve been improved, to try and prevent the intrusion of any erroneous hoovering…
The tech handling also required some attention, with mic levels often unbalanced, obscuring the singers’ excellent work under the speakers. However the tech team, led by Tia Fay, were clearly working with limited resources, and the show generally continued smoothly, with excellency in areas from lighting, to Jessica Harris and Maria Galimberti’s comedic compèring, and congratulations for the whole endeavour should go to the entire team, including Ellie Mather, Georgia Vitty, Jessica Harris, Will Doyle, Owen Ravden, Kanei Nishii, Alice Fletcher, and Amelia Carpanini (as well as those already mentioned).
Talent was clearly evident among each of the diverse performers, who often grew into their enthusiasm, with the main criticism being to remember to be more confident in their own quite evident skills. A range of singers and musicians demonstrated good abilities, only requiring a smidgen more confidence and a plan about what to do in those all-dreaded accompaniment-only moments. Whilst Nathan Jarvis as the Oogie Boogie man handled this deftly, brilliantly embodying that creepy character, pianist Henry Grau emerged as one of the best performers of the night, with fantastic stage presence – despite his back being to the audience whilst at the piano! Charlie Moscrop’s ‘Libera Me’ solo, performed alongside St Chad’s Chapel Choir in Faure’s Requiem also demonstrated excellent musicianship. DUBC performed a fantastically spooky routine with technical excellence, whilst both monologues by Linus Cheng and Harry Threapleton commanded audience attention fabulously with their compelling creepiness. Annie Pickup’s terrifying yet beautiful aerial silk show provided another brilliant highlight with her fabulous choreography, whilst comedy groups Shellshock and KEITH both flashed moments of brilliance and hilarity, with a special mention for Christian John Gale’s supreme Dobby impression, and Mitch Walker’s wonderful audience work.
Ultimately, the showcase was an excellent source for informal yet excellent entertainment, with performers growing into demonstrating their love for the stage and providing a wonderful show perfect for the night before Halloween.
By George Daniel
Photo Credits: Green Door Theatre Company