Hand Clapping, Foot Tapping Crowd Pleaser

MADCAPS have used Martinborough Town Hall for their performances since 1982. It was fitting that they dedicated this year’s performance to the centenary of the Hall.  Stalwart supporters of saving the Hall, Chairperson, Jim Clark wrote in the programme “… enjoy the show in what is a very special building, one that could never be replaced…Enjoy the atmosphere and acoustics of this great auditorium and sit back as we entertain”. ENTERTAIN they did!

Sentimental Journey was the show’s theme; taken from the popular song of 1944, it took us on a slick, fast paced, decade by decade, musical journey from 1912 to 2012. Producers, Mary Smith and Pat Houghton, selected well known melodies from each decade. Their choices captured and engaged the audience right from the opening bars of Sentimental Journey, the introductory melody.

On the night I went (Friday) the chorus and soloists had the audience clapping their hands, tapping their feet and singing along. The audience just loved Yellow Polka Dot Bikini with the trio of gorgeous, bikini clad “ladies” dancing along with the chorus.

Memories were evoked of original artists – Debbie Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Fats Domino, Simon & Garfunkel and many more. Skits which interspersed the songs had the audience giggling, especially the Doctor’s explanation to the perplexed elderly father as to why his recently born offspring had red hair. Rust!
Ladies you were great! However it was the men who stole the show in the solo and ensemble items. From a somewhat inauspicious start the Marty Boys turned on a performance that was memorable. They sung Sherry with the falsetto from newcomer Steve Lewis bringing the house down. Audience delight continued when the bracket ended with Big Girls Don’t Cry.

The final item This Old Hall and Along Came Old Crez parodied the debate on saving the Town Hall. It acknowledged the persistent advocacy of prime mover for saving the Hall, Ian Cresswell. This was humour with a serious message. It vindicated Council’s decision to strengthen the Hall.

Others made the show “sing” too. The clever auditorium decor designed by Michael George set the atmosphere. Versatile pianist, Peter Totman, and the Band were toe tapping, supportive accompanists.

MADCAPS is an inclusive community event special to Martinborough and South Wairarapa. They never disappoint. Roll on the next performance!
Winifred Bull