1. STEPPIN' OUT -Noarlunga Theatre Company Sunday, 10 May
2015 16:14 Reviewed by Dave Smith May 2015
Sue Oldknow wrote, directed, designed, choreographed and
performed in Steppin’ Out, the pastiche of songs and comedy
skits from the 1930s to the 1950s. It was some task she set
herself, and to a large extent she succeeded. The songs were
very familiar to the opening night audience which filled the
cabaret-styled auditorium. Many hummed and sang along with
such favourites as Come Fly With Me, I’ll Be Seeing You, I Got
Rhythm, and many others. The songs often became chorus
pieces with basic, yet lively and appropriate choreography to
illustrate them. The programme flowed smoothly, with the
songs interspersed with comedy sketches featuring a number
of the era’s writers and performers, and even some of their
familiar lines, most notably Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on
First. Transitions between scenes were either announced by a
cast member as narrator, or were linked by the context of the
most recent song or skit. It was a pretty even ensemble piece
over all, with individuals impressing in their cameo roles.
Deirdre Quinn struck the right mood with Lili Marlene, Julie
Oldknow and Sue Oldknow brought spark to Lullaby of
Broadway, Alex Ling showed a relaxed, agreeable persona in
his songs and sketches, and John Martin’s smooth baritone
gave surety and class to all his work, particularly the
emblematic A Foggy Day In London Town.
Also, Sue Cherry, Clint Mullins and Kirsty Battersby were lively
and engaging. As a piece of entertainment, it held together well
and was warmly appreciated by all.