Shrek Review, November 2022 - Basingstoke Gazette

We all know and love the friendly green ogre Shrek from the film Oscar-winning Dreamworks Animation film. Now, BATS has brought the loveable character to life with its big-budget £75,000 production, set to delight families this week at The Haymarket.

The tale of the unlikely hero Shrek, played by Reece Fitzgerald, follows him on his life-changing journey alongside the wisecracking Donkey and feisty Princess Fiona.

The show was a joy to watch, with colourful costumes, an impressive set, superb singing, hilarious characters, expertly choreographed dancing and a few jaw-dropping surprises.

It is always amazing to see how incredible BATS’ productions are, and Shrek did not disappoint.

Ian Moseley, chairman of BATS, said the show is its biggest budget production in history and this is clear to see from the constantly changing sets including a castle, forest and church to the incredible life-sized smoke-breathing dragon.

However, while this was all impressive, it is the talented all-singing all-dancing cast that made this show yet another triumph for BATS.

There were laughs a plenty for both kids and adults – the burping and farting were guaranteed to have the younger members of the audience in hysterics.

Characters including the short-tempered bad guy Lord Farquaad, played by Ben Kennedy, and Donkey, played by Richard Bond, will have even the most serious in the audience cracking a smile.

Credit must of course be given to the talented Reece Fitzgerald for singing and acting so well with a full green ogre face mask on.

While special mention must go to the incredibly talented younger members of the cast, including Theodore Hartgill (younger Shrek), Amelia Ellis-Cosgrove (young Fiona) and Olivia Kingham (teenage Fiona) who showed real star quality in their performances, and will no doubt have a bright future ahead on the stage.

Louise Travis played a superb Princess Fiona whose character is a far cry from a traditional fairytale princess. She is not afraid to embrace her individuality and flaws and the story is as much about her journey as it is about Shrek’s.

The uplifting performance was a joy to watch throughout and ended on a high with a full cast rendition of I’m A Believer, which had everyone clapping along in celebration.

Emily Roberts

One Show At a Time Reviewer Joins Us at a Shrek Rehearsal

A mixture of fairytale creatures from pigs to a fairy, a princess, and show-themed t-shirts galore all in an echoey church hall…it can all only mean one thing: there’s another show being rehearsed!

Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) are back in the room rehearsing their next musical; this time it is the family fun show Shrek The Musical. I was kindly invited along to their rehearsal to see what they’ve been up to, and what a treat it was – you know you’re having a wonderful time when you’re dancing in your seat as you make reviewing notes!

If you don’t know Shrek the Musical, it’s easy enough to explain. It’s the hugely popular movie about the ogre – Shrek – and the ever so lovely Princess Fiona, but on stage. All the best parts from the film are there, the characters everyone knows and loves, but it’s just been stepped up a gear – and of course, everyone is singing and dancing! The musical is hugely popular and has been on Broadway, in the West End and on a UK tour, and now it’s headed to Basingstoke. It may be an amateur dramatic production, but that certainly doesn’t make it any lesser of a show. With a fantastically uplifting soundtrack of songs such as ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’, ‘Forever’, ‘Let Your Freak Flag Fly’, and the ever-iconic ‘I’m A Believer’, BATS have chosen to do a show that has something to make everyone smile; a perfect family favourite choice. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see Shrek and Donkey singing a duet together? Can you think of anything else that is more the definition of fun than that? Because I can’t!

With just under 2 weeks to go until shows begin, it’s all go for BATS to be show ready in time, and from the looks of their rehearsal, they’re pretty much there and it is now just a case of finessing the details. Shrek is a very visual musical so there are parts where I wasn’t sure what was happening or parts where my imagination was having to fill in gaps based on what I know from the movie, but this only made me more excited to see the finished piece.

One thing is for sure though, where the visuals may have been lacking, this is more than made up for with enthusiasm and passion. The whole cast is absolutely all ready to go, with their characters all fully fleshed out. It was a joy to see everyone’s characters overflowing with personality. With Shrek, it’s not less is more, it’s more is more. Something the cast have nailed. The show and the characters are silly, fun, over the top, and sometimes a little bit ridiculous. But that’s exactly how it should be – and it is brilliant!

The rehearsal period of a show is one of unfathomable support. This is one of the few times where cast members will be able to see parts of the show they’re not in, as once they’ve moved into the theatre, it’s all full steam ahead to get polished for curtain up. The atmosphere of everyone rooting each other on and enjoying each other’s scenes was heartwarming and infectious. That feeling of community working together and supporting each other to make theatre and give audiences a good time is unmatched.

Shrek the Musical is the definition of Theatre with a capital T. There are jazz hands, clicking, tap dancing – the whole shebang. Sometimes multiple of these at once! And with everyone doing it in synchronisation! I adore the movie of Shrek and I love the musical, so I had high hopes prior to my visit. Now having seen what they’ve done so far, it seems with everyone in BATS working together and their hard work, they’re all very close to being stage ready. The rehearsal run-through alone made me laugh and had me dancing in my seat and left me with even more eager anticipation for the finished show. So with the cold nights creeping in and post-Halloween sadness where Christmas is still a bit too far away, why not take yourself and your family on a fun trip to the theatre to boost your mood and bring a smile to your face? Duloc and the residents are waiting to welcome you!

Leyla Demirel
One Show at a Time

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - National Operatic and Dramatic Association

Scenery/Set/Properties: The main backdrop (a large, of stained-glass arches) was most impressive and of the highest quality. There were a variety of scenes inside the Convent (refectory, dormitory, Mother Superior’s office and Confessional) and on the outside, the night club, police station and the street. Some sets were made up using basic properties enabling quick changes to keep the action moving and the props, when necessary, were well used by the cast. There was good attention to detail including a walking stick that lit up which was in keeping with the upbeat nature of one of the songs.

The programme was colour, glossy and of superior quality. There was a message from the Chairman, photos of the cast, some rehearsal photos and details of future productions and auditions. It contained all the necessary information about the show and there was also some information about the group and how to get involved.

Costume/Hair/Make Up: The costumes were brilliant, smart, in keeping with the characters and displayed great attention to detail. Deloris’ ‘fur’ coat, the nun’s habits with ever changing front pieces, pyjamas, Monsignor’s vestments, costumes for night club patrons and people in the street, and even the Pope’s vestments were all authentic. Eddie’s on-stage change from police to ‘Vegas Elvis’ white jump suit and back to police uniform was magnificent and well executed. Most of the cast’s hair was hidden under their nuns’ headdresses but the 70s wigs for Joey, TJ and Pablo were just right.

Lighting, sound and special effects: An excellent use of lighting beautifully brought the stained-glass arches to life during scenes inside the chapel, while effective use of multi-coloured lighting and a glitter ball created the lively nightclub atmosphere. The cast sounded terrific. Sally Manning as Mother Superior was outstanding. She was grounded, note perfect and sang with self-possessed authority. Kirsty Kingham had irresistible energy bringing great gusto to the role, (if perhaps just a little over-amplified in the opening number) In complete contrast, Rhianon Mone’s solo ‘The Life I never Led’ was beautifully sung with innocence and dignity.

The production: This feel-good show was a triumph from start to finish. It was energetic, hilarious and joyful. The show was filled with great moments and the cast shone. The direction and choreography by Louise Travis was excellent, creative and filled with humour; the cast being in synch with the music and each other. The laughter was particularly evident when Joey, TJ and Pablo sang and engaged with the audience; particularly one lady! Luannsa Goodman was cheeky and charming as the exuberant Sister Mary Patrick. Deloris’ journey takes her from selfishness to responsibility and sisterhood and Kirsty Kingham took the audience with her.

This was a well-crafted show with huge talent both on and off the stage. There was a great deal of comedy and a theme of genuine affection and friendship. All in all, a fantastic evening that enabled the audience to leave the theatre with beaming smiles.

Chris Horton
District 14 Regional Representative
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - It's All An Act

Firstly can I say what an incredible sound this society make! Adam Blosse (Musical Director) deserves a medal for the quality that he has drawn out of this fabulous cast.

The show began with a bang, vocally and visually with Kirsty Kingham (Deloris) providing the lead vocals being back by Kirsty Bennett (Michelle) and Rachel Potter (Tina) and accompanied by the glamorous drag queen dancers Ben Waines and Ben Shallow. We started as we meant to go on.

Joining the ladies on stage was the male entourage bringing a new element to the stage in the form of Paul Morris (Curtis), Richard Bond (Joey), James Young (TJ), Bryn Hughes (Pablo), it was clear that all the males had been given clear direction for their characters as they were all believable and reacted well to each other's character.

The show moves towards the police station where we met ‘Sweaty Eddie’, I mean Eddie Souther played by Ian Moseley. His moustache which was something to be admired - a solid performance from the man throughout the show including his solo.

The time came in the show when we entered the Nuns’ convent and this was where most of the laughter from the audience came from, not just from the script writing but for the comedic timing and facial expressions from every single nun that was on stage. Each nun had their own personality which was clear and shone through and the attention to detail did not go unnoticed.

There are a few nuns that are worth mentioning as they had stand out performances. Sally Manning (Mother Superior) - this hilarious woman never failed to get a laugh from the audience. Rhianon Mone (Sister Mary Robert) portrayed the timid and shy nun character that was expected and sang wonderfully in her solo. Luannsa Goodman played the energetic and excitable Sister Mary Patrick to the letter and filled the stage without fail. Kirsty Kingham (Deloris/Sister Mary Clarence) whether a nun or not, she was the right person for this part and made this character her own with the vocal ability and emotional character portrayed throughout.

On the other side within the convent was Anthony Mitchell (Monsignor O’Hara) with his optimistic Irish charm to complement Mother Superior.

There were a few hiccups with the sound but the cast continued through like professionals, I found that some of the scene changes were a little awkward and distracting from the actors sometimes, but apart from that I must say that the lighting for the show was phenomenal and added a real classy element to the show.

I must finish where I started by saying that this society makes an incredible sound, whether it be full cast, three-part harmonies or solos - the singing made this show.

Jaz Wilson
It's All An Act

Sister Act Review, May 2022 - Dress Circle Antics

Sister Act Is An Uplifting Show That Everyone Could Do With A Dose Of.

Following the rehearsal of Basingstoke Amateur Theatre Society’s (BATS) Sister Act, I was looking forward to seeing the finished show. And it provided the fun, high energy and laugh a minute show everyone could do with a dose with from time to time. Under Lousie Travis’ direction and a cast determined to give audience members a night to remember, the theatre was full of well-deserved applause and cheers by the end of the show, showing gratitude to a company that have worked tirelessly hard to give audiences a good night out and a show to enjoy.

Leading the show is Kirsty Kingham as Deloris, a role with big expectations. Yet Kingham does not let this phase her. Her vocals are incredible, and she is perfectly cast in this role – capturing the cheeky yet loving essence of Deloris the whole way through. She carries the show tirelessly – even more admirable is how she learnt the role in just 6 weeks. Bearing in mind as this is amateur dramatics, that’s not 6 weeks of all day everyday rehearsing, but 6 weeks of a few hours, twice a week. You’d never tell, as Kingham looks as though she was born for the stage and brings Deloris to life wholeheartedly and wins us all over.

Opposite of Deloris, you have Paul Morris as bad guy Curtis, supported by Richard Bond, James Young and Bryn Hughes as his wannabe back up men – Joey, TJ and Pablo. They bring the comedy to the show and never miss the mark with the comedic timing and punchlines. All three are just naturally brilliant by being these comedic characters without having to try too hard. They are very convincing, perfectly finding the line between playing the nice guys who end up with bad jobs.

It can safely be said Sister Act is an ensemble show through and through. The stellar ensemble elevates this show, filling the theatre with their strong vocals and the energy that is palpable from all four corners. In the more full-on numbers, such as raise your voice’ and ‘Spread the Love Around, it’s hard not to get caught up in the show and be rooting for everyone on stage.

It’s amazing to see how far the show has come from the rehearsal I was invited to watch just a few weeks ago. The rehearsal then was something special, but to now see the finished piece filled out with the costumes, set and props was a wonder – the stained-glass windows all beautifully lit up, the nuns habits with the added glitter and glamor as they perform for the pope, Deloris’ epic big and blonde wig…all these details just really pull the show together that bit more.

This may not be a West End company, but the love and support everyone has for each other is unmatched. To see everyone beaming with joy and putting all they have into their performances on stage is nothing short of wonderful, and for that, BATS cannot be praised enough. Sister Act may be rough around the edges at times but given this is a show put on by people in their own free time after their usual jobs, fitting this into their lives as an added extra, they have done themselves proud by creating such a joyous and fun-filled show.

The humongous effort and hard work every person has put in is starkly clear from the first to the final note, and there was never any disappointment watching. Sister Act is the uplifting show everyone could do with a dose of, and BATS has more than provided that.

Leyla Demirel
Dress Circle Antics