Follies

Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society

Until May 5

It would be a folly for lovers of Stephen Sondheim to miss this production, especially as it is twenty-two years since Boltonians had the opportunity to enjoy the musical.

Director Nora Howcroft has her finger on the pulse throughout, whilst MD Tim Power, assisted by Tom Bowes, leads a wonderful orchestra and cast with a clear understanding of the piece.

Without doubt the highlight of this production is the singing. Cast and chorus tackle the demanding score with aplomb, Lindsay Farnworth, Vicki Wilson, Joe Davies and John Preston delivering astonishing technical vocals as the four lead characters. And there is a very dramatic scene where the four and their younger selves confront the bitter sweet contrast between the aspirations of youth and the reality of the passage of time.

It doesn’t end there — costumes are excellent, there are a range of mesmerising cameos to complement the principals, and I was particularly impressed with the effortless talents of Katie Riding, Zoe Pollitt, Jonathan Allen and Tom Gillard as the younger versions of the leads.

Highlights include the “Rain on the Roof”, “Ah, Paris” and “Broadway Baby” compilation, the wonderful “Who’s That Woman” with great choreography from Lara Sydall, and “The Story of Lucy and Jessie”.

Peter Haslam