October 06 - The Northern Theatre Company - Thoroughly Modern Millie (2/2) By Dirk Snatch

(1/2), (2/2)

One pair of misfits (who had obviously rushed a few lines of Lord Charles up their hooters before the curtain rose) simply walked out giggling hysterically, and though I was tempted to follow them and ask if they could spare a gram my legs had mysteriously stopped working so I had to remain seated, though I did feel like Malcolm McDowell in that scene from A Clockwork Orange being made to watch a horror show with my eyes forced open. Then something happened, something unexpected, and that something was Sarah Naughton. She played the wealthy socialite Muzzy Van Hossmere and as soon as she appeared on Stage in her delicious sparkly silver outfit crooning Only in New York, the entire production suddenly came alive.

Being one of the professional actors in the musical and having such a glamorous role, it stands to reason that Sarah would be one of the more capable performers, but the sight of this curvaceous senorita strutting her stuff on the stage provided the electric shock that kick started the entire evening. It was her talent and most of all, her presence which gave the show that much needed jolt. When the lights went up for the interval I was semi erect with a spring in my step, so much so that I decided to spurn the bar and head straight for a much deserved smoke.

Act Two brimmed with confidence and class. Everything that had passed me by in the first half I found a new appreciation for. Christopher Holmes did sterling work as the swaggering Jimmy Smith and Kaysie Healy managed to get over the disappointment of the first act to turn in a charming understated performance.

As for the rest of the cast, Andrew Pearson was his usual solid self and Marian McGowan was right on the money as the oversized Miss Flannery. One lady who I must give a mention to though I have no idea of her real name or character, is the girl who was one of the other residents of the Priscilla Hotel and wore a purple dress during the Speakeasy scene. She had short black hair, oozed confidence and sass and I was impressed by how she remained in character when the spotlight wasn't on her. She'd would make a good Rizzo (Grease) I think, or at least she will when she's aged a few years and bedded a few more men (or women for that matter).

So it all came together in the end. The costumes looked fabulous and expensive (even though they must have been made on a shoestring budget) and every single person who stepped foot on the stage did themselves and their director proud. What more can you ask for on a Tuesday night in Hull. Anyway, enough of all the gushing and plaudits. I wandered away from the theatre whistling show tunes all they way to the strip club, where, for the price of a pensioner's benefit cheque, I managed to secure the services of the lovely Angelina who didn't speak a word of the Queen's English but had an ass so fine it made me cry.

Until next time then musical lovers, keep your feet tapping and your tongues wagging. www.northernacademy.org.uk/default.aspx

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