Downtown!

Six years and six months ago (to the day) I saw the first production of Downtown in Ballina, as staged by Sue and Paul Belsham’s company SUPA NORTH, and this restaging of the “Mod Musical” was an inspired choice as Ballina’s re-emergence post COVID-19.  The audience (reduced in size to comply with restrictions) loved every minute of this trip down memory lane.

Featuring 30 of the hits from the 60’s and 70’s, the production had the pace, colour and vitality of the era through the eyes of five all singing, all dancing “mod” young ladies: Red Girl - Tamra Degotardi, Orange Girl - Gemma Broadley, Yellow Girl - Laree Smoother, Green Girl - Ella Jackowski and Blue Girl - Angelina Marchant, with Alex Geikie and Helen Zaat playing several cameo roles.

Hardly off stage, the five girls worked well together, each complimenting the contributions of the others and, although still in their teens, performed with all the confidence of seasoned artists.

On a bare stage, the girls created the “Carnaby Street” atmosphere with the use of a stool, plus an umbrella and a small prop box, each in their respective colour, plus a few hand props. The minimalistic staging enhanced by projected footage of Britain during those emerging times, giving the audience an insight into the youth of the day.

A small four piece combo of Drums – Paul Belsham, Keyboards – Marie Caldwell and Warwick Binney and Bass – Hudson Birden, gave great support to the singers and the overall real of the show.

Those were the days, my friend………

Roger McKenzie