Shine… a beacon in the seasonal gloom

REVIEW: Shine – Swan Theatre, Worcester (Tuesday, November 11 to Saturday, November 15).

Showtime! stars rating: * * * * *

A TIME of joy and justified celebration… but with just a tinge of sadness.

This year’s presentation by Worcester Musical Theatre Company marked 15 years since that very first outing in 2011 - and what a rip-roaring, champagne corking, popper of a show we’ve had this week down at The Moors.

But that anniversary also saw the passing of costume mistress Carole Bradley, who had been with the company since its inception, and tributes were paid to her contributions down the years. In fact, some of the outfits being worn were her creations.

When it comes to excellence, Worcester Musical Theatre Company’s yearly extravaganza at the Swan has become its own very hard act to follow.

There are not many producing groups that can be said about, but in this case, it’s an established fact. Because every year, the company’s self-imposed benchmark gets higher… and ever higher.

Why? Because it’s clear that director Val Knight tirelessly drives the standard up and up for each successive show.

And that is why this year’s offering – the endlessly enjoyable Shine - not only stays true to the company’s proud tradition, but in some ways amazingly seems to even surpass that which has gone before.

There are some truly innovative sequences, perhaps too many to mention. But I will pick out just a few.

Dancing Fool by Harlequin Stage School was incredible. Country, created by Gee Sproul and Jade Merry, moved along with all the pace of a cattle drive from Texas to the Kansas railheads, and Keep Haulin’ – by Val Knight and Graham Irving was extremely moving.

And a special mention should also be made of Miriam Knight’s vocal skills. She has a very rich soul and jazz-influenced voice, and I would like to have heard a bit more. Maybe a couple more solo spots next year?

This year’s charity is the Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group and compere Steve Carley – in one of his rare, serious moments – spoke eloquently about this disease which afflicts so many men.

Otherwise, of course, he was the usual Steve Carley, with his Tommy Cooper style of delivery. Take that as a compliment, mate. After all, I used to work with you, if you recall.

So let there be no doubt whatsoever. Shine is a magnificent monster of a show, packed with primary colours, keenly delivered choreography, and songs that resonate in one’s head long after the final curtain has fallen.

True to form, this annual production is the sum of its many parts. No show would be complete without the stunning professionalism of the world award winning Harlequin Stage School, their routines prompting gasps of admiration and encouragement from the audience.

Worcestershire is well-blessed as far as dance schools are concerned, and Harlequin is truly up there with the best of them.

Then there’s the contribution made by the children, who notwithstanding their tender years, have also been put through their paces under the watchful eye of Val Knight.

And once again, Himbleton CofE and Flyford Flavell Primary Schools keep the show on the right track with their contributions during the show’s first half.

I’ve been reviewing the WMTC’s annual outing ever since the company was formed and can say that without any shadow of a doubt, each production just gets better each year.

Yes, it’s a hard act to follow, all right. And yet… they do it every time.

Footnote: Don’t forget that in addition to the evening show, there’s also a matinee performance of Shine on Saturday.