Getting in the Mood

When The Lights Go On Again

Five Saints ATC

Until tonight at Bolton Little Theatre

THIS nostalgic brew of songs from the second world war interspersed with moments of pathos and humour hits just the right spot for conjuring up an era of “make do and mend” and “the Dunkirk spirit”.

Pivoting around the fortunes of Bolton family the Parkers, Roy Sault’s story poignantly uses wartime songs to convey the hopes and concerns of the characters involved, from the agonising separation of loved ones to the wry humour of the townsfolk, perfectly conveying the plucky attitude that helped win the war.

Production Director Paul Cohen has assembled a talented and enthusiastic cast, and keeps the pace up throughout the performance, Musical Director Neil Ravenscroft leads an excellent team of musicians, and Helena Carter joins Paul Cohen in producing some great choreography.

This is an ensemble piece, and the large cast switch easily from big musical presentations to domestic scenes with the Parker family and some very funny dialogue scenes where the jokes come thick and fast.

Get down and see it and "get in the mood".

Peter Haslam