By TheatreVillage 
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I recently went to see Bournville Musical Theatre Company’s production of The Wedding Singer at the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham. This production was an amateur production rather than the professional ones I have seen up to now.
Amateur productions are a fantastic contribution to the UK’s Theatre Community, as often renowned performers start their life in such productions before treading their way onto professional theatre productions.
Is is the Musical Theatre’s centenary year and 2019 was their last production due to Covid-19. The cast as a whole were very enthusiastic and were loving every moment.
In the title role as Robbie, was Stuart Mcdiarmid and Julia was played by Chloe Turner. Supporting these were Lewis Doley playing Sammy, Lisa Colvin-Grieve playing Holly, Robbie Love playing George.
This was an amateur production and therefore my expectations were not set high; however the cast delivered a very good show, with songs performed to a very good level. The finance corporation scene at one stage made me think I was at a West End Musical.
The lighting was good but there were some sound problems on the night, with a loud thud on the speaker when it seemed some particular microphones were switched on/off, also there was some microphone feedback which were creeping in. In addition there were musical numbers were the actor’s lines could not be heard, the tech rehearsal should have sorted these out.
The show was vibrant, funny and delightful to watch. I tried to look at the actors in isolation and to pick out which potentially could have a professional career ahead of them. Robbie Love definitely played the character of George very well, he brought humour and stage presence, he also had a song Move That Thang which was very good.
Stuart Mcdiarmid played a very good Robbie, but songs in groups, his voice was lost a little, whereas solo numbers he delivered a fantastic performance. Chloe Turner played a very good role as Julia.
My exceptional performance award though goes to Harriet Marshland who played the role of Linda. Her stage presence was similar to that of a West End performer and her performance could easily be seen on the West End. Casting wise, I probably would have put Harriet in the main title role of Julia and this is not to discredit Chloe in anyway who gave a good performance.
Sophie Wood also played her part very well and got into character. Phil Snowe also gave a good and convincing performance in the roles he played.
The rest of the cast were very good and this was a very good show put together, if they can sort the sound issues out. it would get a 5 star rating. Its on currently for a short time run, so get booking.
Well done to Bournville Musical Theatre Company!
