Silchester Players

Those who attended Silchester Players' latest production found themselves treated to a great evening in front of the telly!

The production, a revue called 'Remotely in Control', was cleverly presented as two hours viewing on SPTV, complete with test card, news readers, weathermen, and an ingenious programme which doubled as a TV guide.

Directed by Kevin Belcher and produced by Jill Hutchins and Carline D'Arcy, 'Remotely in Control' provided an ideal platform for the group's musical and comic talents, drawing material from (among others) Victoria Wood, Peter Cooke, Monty Python, Michael Kilgarriff, and a host of other favourites.  The sketches included some real gems, such as a music and movement class brilliantly sent up by Mandy Oliver, Sarah Oliver, and Kay Poplar; a glimpse at an 'alternative' production of Hamlet (courtesy of Janet Taylor); and a classic rendition of 'The Molecatcher', with three timid yokels in the shape of Keith Graham, Mack Flemington and Bill Martin.

The comedy was interspersed with upbeat musical items, directed by Stephen Oliver with choreography by Trevor Dobson and Anita HArris.  The scene from 'Les Miserables' was particularly memorable, and provided some enjoyable and passionate solos from Pam Singfield, Nova Hutcheson and Bill Martin.  It would have been nice to have a little less comedy and rather more music, but perhaps the Players are saving that for another production.

The backstage team should be complimented on a series of seamless set changes, not always easy with this type of production.  A thoughtful set and bright costumes added to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  I look forward to the repeats!