WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND to 6 June 2009.

Wellingborough.

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell adapted by Russell Labey and Richard Taylor music and lyrics by Richard Taylor.

The Castle To 6 June 2009.
Runs 2hr 15min. One interval.
Review: Geoff Ambler 6 June 2009.

The Wellingborough community whistles down the wind.
This Richard Taylor adaptation of Whistle Down The Wind stays close to the original 1961 movie and the novel that inspired it, keeping to the familiar North Lancashire town setting and while the Lloyd Webber version shares the same story, there the similarities end. Musically as different as two shows can be, Taylor’s score is quite magical, at times soaring then sedate, music that surprises and subtly influences the scenes it complements.

Cathy, Nan and Charles make up the three siblings who discover The Man hiding in their barn and believe him to be Jesus Christ rather than the man the police are searching for. Sharing their secret with the local children, they never question their faith - a faith bolstered by Sunday school teaching and church sermons. Their parents eventually discover the secret and the police arrive to arrest their quarry. However, The Man disappears when the barn is set on fire. Whistle Down The Wind explores a child’s capacity to believe what they are told, set against their parents' instinct to doubt.

It is a wonderful story told with a lot of humour, which Nik Ashton’s direction emphasises and his community cast embrace wholeheartedly. Notably, Elliot Griffiths as Charles, Cathy’s young brother, was not only a credible northern lad, with shorts past his knees and a ready scowl, but hilarious.

Wellingborough Castle Theatre’s community production draws on a professional creative team coupled with a vast cast of locals of all ages, over-endowed with enthusiasm and choral talents. Together they have created a show both entertaining and surprising. The ensemble numbers throughout are remarkable, no doubt thanks somewhat to Musical Director Jonathan Gill’s diligence and passion for the piece.

Cathy: Amy-Beth James.
Nan: Amelia Bell.
Charles: Elliot Griffiths.
The Man: Ian Stark.
Dad: John McIntyre.
Auntie: Jo Gent.
Policeman: John Hanson.
Vicar: Phillip Money.
Miss Lodge: Jen McMahon.
Elizabeth: Lucy Spreckley.
Raymond: Tom Bull.
Eddie: Tim Allebone.

Director/Designer: Nik Ashton.
Lighting: Heath Garrioch.
Sound: Kai Fallon.
Musical Director: Jonathan Gill.

2009-06-14 13:36:41