Oklahoma

If you have never been to see a show by the Thurton and Bergh Apton Players, I urge you to go and see the next one. And I can guarantee that you will come back again year after year after year.

Tickets for these shows are so popular, some nights sell out up to a year in advance!

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the dress rehearsal in order to review this show and was not disappointed. Where do I begin?

Set in the Indian territory of the American West at the turn of the century - against a background of conflict between farmers and cattlemen - it is the story of Laurey and the two rivals for her affections: Curly, a cowboy, and Jud, the hired farmhand.

The show opens with 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' and contains a abundance of wonderful songs such as 'The Surrey with The Fringe on Top', 'People Will Say We're in Love', 'Many a New Day', 'I Cain't Say No', and the final rousing chorus of 'Oklahoma' - it is a musical treat for all the family.

The sets are amazing – you will find it hard to believe that you are in a village hall deep in the heart of Norfolk. The sets are designed and created by Simon Peck and team, whose attention to detail is amazing, making you feel that you have been transported back 100 years.

That’s enough about the background, let’s talk about some of the cast.

Simon Peck – a regular of the Thurton boards, plays a convincingly evil, pathetic and frightening Jud Fry - someone I wouldn’t wish to meet on a dark night.

Sharon Aitken makes the part of Laurey her own. Making her debut with the Players, the scenes with Jud Fry are electric and will have you on the edge of your seats – and she has the voice of an angel. It will surprise you when you discover this is her first ever acting role and she also choreographed the show – is there no end to this young lady’s talents?

Played by an elfin Faye Liddle the portrayal of the flirtatious, Ado Annie is extremely well cast. She relentlessly teases the hapless Ali Hakim throughout, played by John Ducker

Two stalwarts of the players have been excellently cast; Will Parker played by Steven Robinson who has risen through the ranks of the Players and Paul Bassingthwaighte, who returns to the Players for a second year. Paul gets a special mention for his strong lead of the chorus of ‘The Farmer and the Cowman’ in his role as Farmer Carnes.

Very credible roles are also made of Aunt Eller played by Becky Sprunt– and Gertie Cummings played by Dawn Wilds whose laugh will make you laugh - and then haunt you for days afterwards (if you come see the show, you’ll know exactly what I mean) –fantastic!

All supported by a strong chorus this production is sure to be another success.

However, the star of this year’s show and the last word on the cast has to go to the young and brilliant James Crabtree. James has been with the group for over 10 years and has taken his first opportunity of playing the lead part of Curly like a duck would take to water. Having played many smaller cameo roles in past shows, James has risen to the challenge of a lead role and it suits him very well. Very much a home grown star.

Every year, the director, Ray Wharton promises that next year’s show will be bigger, better and even more spectacular. I don’t know how he does it but he’s been fulfilling that promise for the last 25 years – and doesn’t look like slowing up – never mind stopping.