NODA REVIEW OF 'STEPPING OUT'

In March, the Pentyrch Village Hall was an appropriate setting for this clever play by Richard Harris, which gently probes into the lives of a desperate group of people who come together once a week in a dreary hall for a tap dancing lesson. Anyone who has been a part of an amateur group will recognise these people and perhaps see ourselves in the mirror. One by one we glimpse behind the facade and find that it is sheer escapism, a brief respite from mundane home life, their work, marriage, their loneliness which is the motivation and therein lies all the sadness, pathos, joy and humour of their strange association. As the play unfolds we care for these people. The enthusiastic, disillusioned choreographer, the sensitive crabby pianist, the superior organiser, the large brash lady, the timid one, the tactless, the hopeless and the one shy, introvert male. Each has a moment centre stage, we learn of their problems and the superficial humour becomes bittersweet.

In an impressive production by Ruth Crowder, assisted by Mary Hampson and well choreographed by Victoria Graham, an excellent and all-round balanced cast bristling with talent, gave defined and contrasting character performances rich in comedy, sadness and joy. In an extensive cast list no names, no stars. This is essentially an ensemble piece where each character is equal and dependent on the others and all come together in a jubilant and triumphant tap-routine exhibition finale.

Reviewed by Frank Wooles

Cast

Mavis - Angie Dymott

Mrs Fraser - Brenda Slaughter

Lynne - Jenna Claridge

Dorothy - Heather Major

Maxine - Siân Davies

Andy - Tracy Richards

Geoffrey - Ian Jones

Sylvia - Gail Alford

Rose - Tracey Francis-Hardy

Vera - Linda Coombes

Fairies - Helen Page, Sara Pickard

Stage Manager - Martyn Lench

Production Team

Producer / Director – Ruth Crowder

Assistant Director – Mary Hampson

Choreographer – Victoria Graham

Music – Robert Edmunds

Dance Captain - Angie Dymott

Stage Manager – Wayne Brewer

Properties – Raynor Phinnemore

Set Design and Construction – Wayne Brewer, Raynor Phinnemore, Josh Cripp, Nathan Brown

Lighting / Sound – Wayne Brewer, Nathan Brown

Continuity – Anne Morris

Wardrobe Mistress – Mary Hampson, Anne Morris, Karen Claridge

Make Up - Karen Claridge

Business Manager – Helen Page

IT Manager - Richard Jones

Local Publicity - Bob Petersen

Graphic Design - Robert Edmunds

Photography - Dai Williams

House Manager – Steve Williams

Bar Manager - John Major

House Staff – Members and Friends of Hilltop

Box Office – Heather Major