Get ready for a play full of laughs, humour and joy!
Lend Me a Tenor is a comedy play by Ken Ludwig. Set in September 1934, we see action unfold backstage at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company as they prepare to put on a production of Pagliaccli. However, everything does not go to plan and we soon see a whirlwind of mischief, including romantic entanglements and frantic disguises. This production runs alongside three others as part of Sheringham Little Theatre’s Summer program. We had the privilege of watching Little Shop of Horrors earlier this week.
This production was directed by Simon Thompson, who has been able to capture the hilarious comedy that Lend Me a Tenor offers. The show is typical British humour, with doors opening and shutting, misunderstandings and any overall funny premise. The costumes, that were designed Jacqueline Rose-Barker and Liza Birch, were period pieces that matched the atmosphere well. Other creatives involved included lighting designed by Tom Kelly and sound designed by Mark Fawcett, musical director from David Ballard, Florence Mason and Caius Law as stage managers, ASM as Rosie White, furniture by Kees van Woerkom and produced by Debbie Thompson. The set utilises doors which are used to split the room into two. This works well, allowing for action to happen on both sides. Lighting and sound were also integrated effectively into the production.
Julia (the chairman on the opera guild) is played by Sue Harding. Harding is able to play the regal character with posture: adding flair to her motivates to elevate the material. Diana (a soprano) is played by Anu Akinseye. Akinseye captures the diva energy Diana has which worked well with her character. Bellhop is played by Jonathan Houlston. Houlston continues to be overly dramatic in this production which works incredibly well: making him very engaging. Maria (Tito’s wife) is played by Lucy Connor. Connor’s accent felt secure and her interactions with Wyatt as Tito were humorous.
Tito Merelli (a world famous Tenor, known also to his fans as II Stupendo) is played by Harry Wyatt. Wyatt’s comedy timing is spot on, often receiving laughs from the audience, as well as having a great accent. Saunders (Maggie’s father, manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company) is played by Donald Forbes. Forbes is able to capture the manic energy of the situation, often over elaborate actions which works well for a comedy. Maggie (Max’s girlfriend) is played by Rachael Cummins. We previously saw Cummins in Alligators at Westacre Theatre, where she was great: as she was in this production too! Cummins was hilarious to watch and she got continued to grow more funny as the show went on. Max (assistant to Saunders) is played by Jonathan Iceton. Iceton steals the show again with his dynamic energy which is admirable. The way he embodies each character is superb and he has the perfect characteristics for Max.
Lend Me a Tenor continues to play throughout August. Book your tickets here!
Tickets for this production were provided complimentary. Many thanks to Sheringham Little Theatre for organising tickets.
Max
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