NODA Review

Author: Julie Petrucci

Please note the reviewer watched a Saturday performance and therefore not all of our amazing acts will have been included in this review.

When VAMPS’ proposed production of Calendar Girls the Musical fell through they decided the “show must go on” as the intention had been to raise funds to support the work of Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN). With that in mind the society conjured up the idea of involving other local performers to join them to entertain and raise funds for HCCN calling the showcase St Neots Fringe.

With VAMPS on home turf at the Priory Centre, Musical Director Tim Gardiner and Choreographer Lucy Ali set about creating the musical items VAMPS would perform. There was certainly no doubt that, even with a short(ish) rehearsal period, a huge amount of work went into producing some very slick and entertaining sets. The opening number Rock from Come From Away got things off to a great start. Unfortunately the sound was very loud and whilst the singing was fine the dialogue – which tells part of the story – was unintelligible. Similarly in the second half in the excellent song from Waitress. VAMPS other offerings were Backstage Romance from Moulin Rouge, a super tap dance from Chicago by Stacey and Debi, Huw & Emma with Fine from Ordinary Days, the (unnamed) Menopausal Poet and an excellent finale from We Will Rock You. All these were exceptionally well done and nicely costumed.

VAMPS also provided the efficient stage crew and technical team which gave the other participants of the show excellent backup.

The incredibly impressive local Bees Dance Academy’s first half routine was breathtaking and their second half dance though completely different in style was equally impressive. The talent (and flexibility) of these eighteen young dancers has to be seen to be believed. DSM Dance with Lynne (community dance fitness) gave a more ‘sedate’ dance in the first half with scarves which lulled the audience into a false sense of security as they had people on their feet in the second half with their energetic version of Mamma Mia.

Professional support came from Gilly Lee a singer/songwriter and guitarist, Mark Wales an acoustic guitarist/folk singer and RAW Theatre Productions with a mini murder mystery and a short cabaret.

All in all a lively, well organised show enjoyed by an enthusiastically voluble audience. Thank you VAMPS.