Pippin

In this age of noise and gimmicks, it’s refreshing to come across a great “old fashioned” show with a great sing-a-long score and a variety of colourful costumes.

Pippin first came to Broadway in 1972 and, since then, has had a number of international tours and revivals.

Spotlight’s staging is around a carnival trailer surrounded by a black stage, which became a trifle boring (considering their last production was also basically black).

A strong performance by Clay English kept the play together with supporting roles lacking some conviction or “over the top”.

Director Trent Ivett could have bought out a stronger character in Pippin: John Davidson, while still portraying his softer nature.

Choreographer Abby Swinborough, really put the cast through their paces and the music under the baton of Matt Pearson, was exciting.

The supporting cast included Nathan Skaines as King Charlemagne; Farryn Davies as Fastrada; Andrew-Cockroft-Penman as Lewis; Harmoney Breen as Catherine and Henry Roberts as Theo.

I trust that with a couple of performances under its belt the show will tighten up.

Roger McKenzie