(Photo by Barry Meehan)
Enjoyable
programme includes numbers as heard on LM Radio’s Top 100 playlist. (Review by
Caroline Smart)
Spot
Light Productions new show, LM Radio’s
Top Hits, recalls the history of the glory days of this hugely popular
radio station which still broadcasts from Mozambique. The enjoyable programme
includes numbers as heard on their Top 100 playlist.
Running
tonight and next weekend, the show is directed by Sharon Watters who features
in the eight-member cast, which also comprises Caeley van Doorn, Alexandrea
Dawson, Dani Cook; Sharon Ditchburn and Shonan Doger de Speville as well as
John Bell and Ross Lottering.
The
company is showing a major improvement since I saw one of Spot Light’s earlier
shows. There is better connection with the audience, movement sequences and
more suitable costumes.
Van
Doorn opens the show with a raunchy rendition of Satisfaction, after which the six female vocalists perform
effectively as duos, trios or quartets. Numbers that impressed were Radar Love; Rockin’ all over the World; Let
It Be; Little Lies; Cotton Fields; Africa and Band on the Run.
Originally
seen with his shaven head, John Bell undergoes a fascinating transformation
with wig and hat to take his place on the side of the stage as an LM Radio DJ.
There are the familiar LM jingles and in the style of all radio stations
there’s a quiz for the right answers to questions relating to numbers in the
show.
The
other male member of the cast, Lottering, only makes a few appearances but I
enjoyed his Layla, and Hey Jude with Doger de Speville and Dawson.
There is
joyous audience response for their favourites such as California Dreamin’, Mamma Mia, Stuck in the middle with you; and Spirit in the Sky.
(Alexandrea Dawson. Photo by Barry Meehan)
Undoubtedly
the most stand-out performance comes from Dawson in numbers like a sensual Black Velvet, a poignant and wistful Creep, Final Countdown with Ditchburn, and Piano Man.
The set by
Ross Lottering consists of a white backdrop decorated with palm images, orange
and lime green drapes and hanging feather boas. A few props would be
beneficial, such as a potted palm in one corner. With only one access to the
stage, it makes a smooth flow of scenes difficult but I felt that more could be
made of exits.
Sound is
by Kevin Lee-Hillier, with lighting by Gabrielle Rio Stow. The back lighting is
effective and the show proudly involves the use of a spotlight which makes a
great deal of difference to the quality.
Once
again, I congratulate Spot Light for putting on a production in these difficult
times for Durban theatre. I strongly encourage support of Spot Light
Productions as I believe they have the capacity and passion to grow and take
their place in Durban’s theatre world.
LM Radio’s Top Hits will be “broadcasting live” (in
other words, performing) from the New Germany Sports Club tonight (July 21 and
again on July 27 and 28, 2018). Food and drinks will be available at the venue.
Doors open 19h00 and the show will start 20h00. Tickets R100 pp booked through
Sharon on 082 997 0709. – Caroline Smart
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