Chocks away… and this show takes off!

REVIEW: Love is in the Air – Worcester Musical Theatre Company (Tuesday, November 10 to Saturday, November 14). Saturday matinee 2.30pm.

Showtime! stars rating: * * * * *

HAVING always been rather partial to a play on words, I find the title to this year’s show particularly appealing.

Very uplifting in fact. Eighty songs and not a dud among them, each one taking off and whisking the listener straight up into the clouds before you can say… chocks away!

The company has always raised money to support good causes and the designated charity for 2026 – the Midlands Air Ambulance – has got to be right up there and flying high with the best of them.

Now, nothing but a top-quality show will do for those heroes and heroines of the skies. And mark my words folks, this is exactly what the company serves up with this year’s offering at the Swan Theatre, Worcester… song after song, dance routine after dance routine.

Having followed the progress of the WMTC down the last few years, it’s clear to me that the company’s professionalism and prowess has come on by leaps and bounds, with the moves becoming tighter and sharper every time.

And for that we must thank director Val Knight, who has been a steady hand on the tiller of the company, tirelessly pushing her charges to ascend even greater heights every time they take to the boards.

And this year certainly proved to be a milestone, one of the key features being the keen attention being paid to the need for convincing and sustained acting, something that is absolutely vital within the realms of musical theatre. And there was certainly plenty of that, mark my words.

Yes indeed. It’s a bit like television’s Strictly, only with more people on the floor at any one time, and without that old misery Craig Revel Horwood looking like a bulldog chewing a wasp every time he passes judgement.

Mind you, one of the problems a reviewer such as myself faces when there’s a large cast – and this show does indeed feature a pretty big complement – is that there will always be someone missed out who arguably deserves a mention.

So, this year, while playing a bit safe, I must say that… well, they’re all top notch, even if an ever-diminishing minority of the men need to smile a little bit more. Come on, boys, chin up, flash those munching tools, let’s have a few cheesy grins all round please!

So. Favourite routines? Ooh, that’s a difficult one. However, if really pressed I would say…

No show would be complete without performances by All England winners Harlequin Stage School, and this year’s contributions really take one’s breath away. Worcestershire people can justly be proud of these young dancers, many of whom must surely be destined for future professional careers on the stage.

Talking of which, the same could be said to apply to the next generation of performers from Himbleton C of E and Flyford Flavell primary schools. These youngsters took the stage with confidence, conquered whatever nerves might be present, and literally put their best feet forward. They deserve nothing but praise and endless further encouragement.

And this reviewer’s favourite routines? Travels with the Beatles by Miriam Knight, Havana Nights, created by Bex Brown, and Step into the Spotlight with Flashlight by Jade Merry and Gee Sproul.

Love is in The Air makes for a fabulous night out, raises funds for a worthy cause, and is therefore firmly recommended. The production runs nightly at 7.30pm until this Saturday, November 14, with a matinee also being staged on the last day at 2.30pm.

To book a seat please go to www.wmtc.org.uk/tickets, call or pop into the office at Huntingdon Hall, call on (01905) 611427 or contact online at www.worcestertheatres.co.uk