Shine will lighten up the autumn gloom

PREVIEW: Shine: The Swan Theatre, Worcester (Tuesday November 11 to Saturday, November 15).

MY adopted city of Worcester has seen a lot of changes down the years. Many, if not most of the old industries have disappeared, new people have moved in, and once familiar shops gone the way of all things.

The city has burst its old boundaries, witnessed the growth of new housing, and there are now lots of new faces to be seen on the High Street...

Yet if there is one thing that has remained unchanged, then it is the community spirit of the Faithful City’s inhabitants.

And there is no finer manifestation of this than the various amateur dramatic societies which have sprung up down the years, Worcester Musical Theatre Company being a prime example.

I’ve been reviewing the company’s annual shows at the Swan Theatre for quite some time now and never cease to be amazed by the quality of the performances.

Did I say amateur? Well, I can say without any shadow of a doubt that there is a keenly driven professionalism displayed by WMTC which energises every show, and this year’s offering – Shine – looks like being no exception to the rule.

An enormous amount of time and effort goes into these shows, and it should be said that the stunning choreography is the key to the company’ continuing success, the performers being put through their paces by director Val Knight long before the curtain rises on the first night.

For Val’s skilled direction is indeed a steady hand on the tiller, as she tirelessly rehearses the cast until everything is as good as it should be.

And it is this, combined with close harmony singing, tight routines, and swift scene changes that power this yearly extravaganza along at a cracking pace.

As the autumn days grow ever shorter, Shine shows every indication of lighting up the seasonal gloom. Packed with more than 70 songs from the world’s greatest artists and showcasing Dance World Cup and All England winners Harlequin Stage School, there is something for everyone in this family show.

Alongside the WMTC regulars and the Harlequin dancers, the next generation of performers from Himbleton CofE and Flyford Flavell Primary Schools will be appearing in Act 1.

Oh yes. It’s always a great night out and I can firmly recommend it.

For bookings, please contact Worcester Theatres on 01905 611427 or online at www.worcestertheatres.co.uk or through the company’s website www.wmtc.org.uk/tickets