Reviews for Viva Las Tavern
- September 2006
Review by Nettie (04.10.06)
Many months of hard work by the cast and crew of Viva Las Tavern came
to an end last Saturday with an outstanding show.
We should have known that there was a new professional attitude to PVADS
traditional carnival show from the highly effective promotional t-shirts
worn by cast and crew during the preceding weeks - to the laser light show
in the Bouverie Hall car park on the night of the performances. There was
evidence of particular attention to detail from the quality of the posters
to the 'chips' on the tables in the hall and this continued throughout the
whole show.
There were two main factors that helped the show to exceed the expectations
of the familiar audience. Firstly the execution and choreography of the
dances was incredibly professional - well done to Emma Drinnan and Rachel
Veale. Secondly the costumes were outstanding - every chorus member benefited
from several bright outfits - all designed and perfectly fitted by Tiggy
Holmes and Lesley-Anne Hornbogen.
The comedy sketches were mostly slick and effective, with Darren Little
and Stuart Jackson showing perfect comic timing, particularly in the 'Hedge'
sketch and Paul Hornbogen adding great humour in various sketches, as well
as his 'Elvis' and Compere.
Highlights of the evening were the 'Irish Tap Dance', which was mesmerising,
'Moondance' where the whole atmosphere was perfectly captured with mood
lighting, mist, dancers and superb singing from Lesley-Anne and the simple
but hilarious 'Custard Pie sketch'.
For me there were a couple of sketches that were overly complicated, UV
dances remind me of pantomime and the Rock and Roll and finale dances lacked
a bit of zest.
Although there were one or two calls for the usual 'Music Man' ending -
I think it was absolutely the right decision not to spoil the professionalism
of the show with such an old finale.
I attended each night of the performances and the audiences on all three
occasions were very impressed with the show. The technical team worked seamlessly
and the cast exuded energy and enthusiasm.
Well done to Paul and John for having the vision and determination to produce
an excellent Tavern, and to the cast for bringing their vision to life.
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