A hugely impressive production of this difficult piece, with the talented cast excelling in their complex roles. Rating
Excellent
Handsworth and Hallam Theatre Company has built a reputation for selecting shows seldom performed by amateur groups. Their rehearsal schedule is incredibly tight and their production quality is to a professional standard. They attract exceptionally talented local performers, and theatregoers are always keen to see what production will be selected next.
This time, their first choice production, Titanic, had to be changed just after it was cast and this unforeseen iceberg left a ridiculously tight deadline of only eight weeks to bring Stephen Sondheim‘s vocally demanding Company to the stage. So has HHTC risen to the occasion? Oh absolutely, without any shadow of a doubt.
This production is tight and polished with its cast of 14 all giving terrific performances. Sondheim is known for creative but difficult compositions. Most people either love or hate his work. These songs are complex with clashing harmonies and tricky counter melodies. Absolute credit to Musical Director Steve Trotter for achieving such impressive vocal quality from his cast.
Company is an exploration of relationships and marriage. It is Robert’s 35th birthday. He is still single. All his friends are in relationships or married. Robert can’t decide if he should be married too. We see him visiting with each couple, trying to work out what he wants. It is a series of unrelated scenes with no real narrative flow.
Robert is played convincingly by Joseph Walker. He’s better known for comedy roles, and while there are comic moments here, this performance shows that he is equally comfortable playing conflicted, complex roles. He sings with clarity and conviction, especially in ‘Being Alive’ where Robert’s vulnerability is exposed.
The ensemble cast is equally impressive, each member excelling in their role. Real life married couple Richard Granger and Katie Granger are perfectly cast as antagonistic and competitive Peter and Sarah, each striving to correct each other’s errors and faults. Their comic timing is spot on and their amusing karate display is excellently choreographed and performed well. Bethan Griffiths as Marta performs ‘Another Hundred People’ superbly, with excellent diction. Her trio ‘You Could Drive A Person Crazy’ with Grace Hadabora and Sara Ross as Robert’s former girlfriends is also a delight with witty choreography. Sarah Buckley as embittered Joanne performs the powerful ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ with raw emotion.
The stand out for me, though, is Katie Dolling as neurotic Amy. It is the comedy performance of the night. Her facial expressions are hilarious but never overdone. Her patter song ‘Getting Married Today’ is comedy perfection and delivered brilliantly. She has a compelling stage presence and her frustration with fiancé Paul (Sam Widdowson) being too nice is very funny.
There are some interesting directorial touches from Matthew Walker. The couples’ outfits are colour co-ordinated to highlight their unity. As the only bachelor, Robert is the only character dressed in black and white. The five couples remain on stage throughout the production. They all observe Robert’s scenes with other people. This is a clever idea, emphasising how each of them tries to interfere in Robert’s life, criticising his girlfriend or trying to set him up with someone they know. They only leave when Robert is finding his own answers during ‘Being Alive’.
Many congratulations to the whole company on producing such a professional production in such a short timescale. The talent on display tonight was outstanding. Sondheim might be a marmite composer, but this production hits all the right notes.
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Book by: George Furth
Directed by: Matthew Walker
Assisted by: Jane Jefferson-Blythe
Choreographed by: Hayley Wilbourne and Beth Cooke
Musical Direction by: Steve Trotter
Lighting by: Dylan Phelps
Sound by: PM Productions
Company plays at the University Drama Studio, Sheffield until Saturday 20 June.
