FOR fans of music theatre then there is only one place to be next week and that’s the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
Mack and Mabel bursts on to the stage packed with Jerry Herman songs, a touching storyline and more than a whiff of the glamour which always surrounded the world of silent movies.
And that is what lies at the heart of this much-loved show. Meet Mack Sennett, one of the great silent movie innovators and a man with much to look back on. Mack is in nostalgic mood, reminiscing about his life in the movies and in particular about his relationship with Mabel Normand, the sandwich delivery girl who turned up with his lunch and stayed on to become a screen star.
Huddersfield Light Opera Company has pulled out all the stops to make this a show-stopper of a production packed with big tunes, performances to tug at the heart strings plus a helping of classic knockabout slapstick style humour.
The music is by the American Jerry Herman, whose show La Cage aux Folles was such a big hit for the company last year. Herman sent them a message of support which provided the icing on the cake for what was a memorable show.
Little wonder then that the Light is delighted to be back doing more of Herman’s music.
Top notch producer and choreographer Pam Strickland is back to ensure that this will be another all-singing, all-dancing big production number from a company which has produced a series of theatrical crackers in recent years from Copacabana to Summer Holiday.
Anne Levitt is back too to take charge of the band as musical director and the cast is packed with talent.
Anne is an accomplished musician and teacher and among her many commitments she is the accompanist for New Mill Male Voice Choir.
Nigel Dixon and Neil Broadbent, who shared the spotlight in last year’s Le Cage, return to play major roles once more.
Over the last 25 years Nigel, who lives in Hightown, Liversedge, reckons he has appeared in more than 50 musicals productions for seven local amateur companies.
Nigel made his Lawrence Batley Theatre debut with the Light last spring and is clearly happy to be back for more. He takes on the mantle of movie mogul Mack while another familiar Light Opera name, Nicci Cooney steps into the spotlight for a taste of film star style and glamour as Mabel.
There’s plenty of experience on this movie set with Jayne Davison, an experienced director as well as actress, playing Lottie and Dom Moccia featuring as Freddy. Both impressed in the Light’s successful panto outing earlier this year.
For those not familiar with the show, cast your mind back to the early Eighties and the star quality of ice dance heroes Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill who chose the overture from Mack and Mabel’s story for one of the routines that saw them win gold-plated admiration worldwide.
The Light Opera’s version of this delightful show opens on Monday in the LBT’s main house. Ever the innovators, the Light is billing Monday’s show as a preview performance with tickets selling on a buy one get one free basis.
But remember, that preview tag means that if there are any hiccups or problems and the production team want to stop the show, they will.
From Tuesday through until Saturday performances will run at 7.15pm – without a hitch! Saturday’s matinee is at 2.15pm.
Here’s your chance to support the best local talent around in the theatre that was converted to give them a home. And boy, how the town’s amateur societies have repaid that investment.
Box office is on 01484 430528.
