Make Do and Mend
October 2005
Directed By
Cassandra Stone
Written By
Steve Wallis
Synopsis
It's the early 1940's and the Second World War is on. Down at the Palais De Danse Club in Nottingham a group of young women are trying to have a good time.Enter a group of young soldiers also out for a good time on home leave. The ladies' eyes light up at this opportunity and no time is wasted in getting to know them.
Things however do not run smoothly and emotional turmoil ensues. The repercussions affect an entire family and group of soldier friends..
Details
- Peformance Times
- Wed 19 Oct 7.30pm
- Thu 20 Oct 7.30pm
- Fri 21 Oct 7.30pm
- Sat 22 Oct 7.30pm
Cast List
Gerald
Russell Walters
Liz
Mandy Humphrey
Flo
Lydia Cockcroft
Beth
Kim Storer
Es
Betty Fildes
Marge
Bianca Brewin
Lilly
Paula Green
Jimmy
Dan Sadler
Jack/Alex
Jonathan Kenworthy
Billy
Mark Swinson
Mozzie
Joey Barr
German Soldier
Richard Turner
Freddie
Jessica Wall
Chorus
Karon Wallis
Chorus
Tracy Reid
Chorus
Alicia Edwards
Production Team
Stage Construction
Carl Wilkinson
Dave Harness
Sound
Peter Frost
Lighting
Paul Frost
Keith Williams
Stage Artwork
Rachael Arrowsmith
Costumes
Karon Wallis
Cassandra Stone
Choreography
Rebecca Mayes
Specialist Props
Paul Frost
Richard Turner
Public Relations
Steve Wallis
Linda Mayes
Music
Joshua Goodman
Opening Film Sequence
Dave Harness
Assistant Directors
Linda Mayes
Karon Wallis
Front of House
Kath Williams
Jessica Wall
Rehearsal Photos
After Show Party Photos
Press Reviews
Hucknall Dispatch - October 2005
'Wartime Memories Set To Music'
It is not often Hucknall Lovelace Theatre Group has the chance to stage a world premiere.
But members made the most of this golden opportunity with a high-octane production of 'Make Do And Mend', a musical set in Nottingham during World War Two The show had the stamp of authenticity as writer Steve Wallis had based it on wartime memories related to him by his grandmother, 90-year old Elizabeth Simpson.
The production was a personal triumph for Lydia Cockcroft, who showed star quality worthy of TV's 'X-Factor' in the central role of Flo, a studious girl whose life is transformed when she meets and falls in love with an Army sargeant, Billy (Jonathan Kenworthy). The same actor also played Billy's brother, Dunn, who enters Flo's life at a time when it has taken a tragic turn through the deaths of Billy and her sister, Freddie.
Nottingham Arts Theatre's actress of the year, Cassandra Stone, showed she also possesses outstanding off-stage talents by directing the show, while Josh Goodman brought off the remarkable feat of composing 14 original songs for the musical. As Flo's other sister, Beth, Kim Storer made the most of her big number, 'Where Are You', and Bianca Brewin contributed a spirited portrayal of Marge, the tart who proves to have a heart.
A noteworthy feature of the 'story of love lost and found' is the lack of false sentiment. Indeed the show's concluding message is 'Don't Get Attached'. While a tad more emotional depth would have been welcome in some scenes, the youthful cast rose to the occasion in fine style to make the production a memorable offering.
A £4000 grant from Awards For All enabled the group to aquire the services of an 11-piece band, which did wonders for evoking the atmosphere of the Nottingham Palais in the 1940's, enhanced by the choreography of Becs Mayes.
The show more than made up for the society's huge disappointment earlier this year when it had to cancel a major production of 'Allo Allo' because of an electricity problem at the centre.
Dennis Robinson