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The Karaoke Twist - Christmas Special

Sat, 8 Dec 2007, 09:51 am
Gordon the Optom3 posts in thread

‘The Karaoke Twist – Christmas Special’ written by John Grimshaw is presented at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre by A Lad in Sane Productions nightly at 8.00 pm until 15th December.

Paul (Paris Romanis) is a shy but pleasant lad who would like a lasting relationship with a girl, so Matt (Daniel Kershaw) his brash friend decides to show him the ropes. In the process the chance to enter a karaoke competition appears at the local shopping centre. Meanwhile, stunning Sophie (Natalie Rees) is trying to similarly help her plain Irish friend Janet (Anna Grogan). Who will win the competition? Will any love come out of the meeting of the four?

I saw this play about a year ago at the Old Mill Theatre and it sparkled, and the audience laughed non-stop. Last night the new script, with a much poorer ending, fell flat. The humour was still in the writing, the lighting and costumes were well above average, but the cast seemed low. The pace of delivery wasn’t crisp enough, even the compere (Ray Condy) didn’t pick the tempo up.

Without a doubt the highlight of the show was the appearances of the waitress and the punk singer (both Holly Wilson), her vivacious approach and bright singing was wonderful. In fact all of the musical numbers worked, as the actors HAD to keep up with the music’s tempo.

I suspect that a different director would help, as Johnny may be getting a little stale with having written the show and putting it on twice. It still has all the possibilities there; it may just have been a poor night. The audience found it fun. Good luck.

Thread (3 posts)

Gordon the OptomSat, 8 Dec 2007, 09:51 am

‘The Karaoke Twist – Christmas Special’ written by John Grimshaw is presented at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre by A Lad in Sane Productions nightly at 8.00 pm until 15th December.

Paul (Paris Romanis) is a shy but pleasant lad who would like a lasting relationship with a girl, so Matt (Daniel Kershaw) his brash friend decides to show him the ropes. In the process the chance to enter a karaoke competition appears at the local shopping centre. Meanwhile, stunning Sophie (Natalie Rees) is trying to similarly help her plain Irish friend Janet (Anna Grogan). Who will win the competition? Will any love come out of the meeting of the four?

I saw this play about a year ago at the Old Mill Theatre and it sparkled, and the audience laughed non-stop. Last night the new script, with a much poorer ending, fell flat. The humour was still in the writing, the lighting and costumes were well above average, but the cast seemed low. The pace of delivery wasn’t crisp enough, even the compere (Ray Condy) didn’t pick the tempo up.

Without a doubt the highlight of the show was the appearances of the waitress and the punk singer (both Holly Wilson), her vivacious approach and bright singing was wonderful. In fact all of the musical numbers worked, as the actors HAD to keep up with the music’s tempo.

I suspect that a different director would help, as Johnny may be getting a little stale with having written the show and putting it on twice. It still has all the possibilities there; it may just have been a poor night. The audience found it fun. Good luck.

Johnny GrimSun, 9 Dec 2007, 10:13 am

The Karaoke Twist Christmas Special Review

Hi folks, well our new show didn't cut it for Gordon the Optom... ah well! You win some you lose some! Are we upset by negative reviews? Oh no, not at all!(as we speak, our hitman Gino is heading round to Gordon's house to pay him a visit..hee hee hee...I only wish I was there to see the look on his face when he wakes up to find his pet budgie's head lying next to him... Anyway, our final shows are on next week (14th and 15th) and we invite you all to come along and see for yourself if our little extravaganza is worth the trip and the admission price. PS: If you come along, and don't enjoy the show, see me on your way out, and, if you can tell me with a 'straight face' that you didn't enjoy it, I'll happily refund your money...now you won't get a better offer than that! Tickets available through BOCS. cheers Johnny Grim
Gordon the OptomSun, 9 Dec 2007, 07:44 pm

a crawling apology for not seeing you personally

Sorry Johnny Grim, I would normally give you a 'straight to the face' feedback or slip you a note, but I had to be up at 4.30 am to catch the plane to Melbourne the next morning and so was keen to get home. The review was written in Adelaide!

Your scripts are funny, the cast spoke clearly and were generally well into their charactrers, but the pace was wrong. I know that your shows are usually hilarious, I have seen three now and they are normally on the ball - we all have bad nights, perhaps it was me having the bad night!!

As I said, all the best to you and your team, you deserve it.

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