June 18, 2009
This excellent musical play tells the story of Kathleen O’Neill, evacuated with her sister Christina from the East End of London to an unnamed village in the English countryside early in the Second World War. They journey by steam train with some equally bemused companions, each equipped with an uncomfortable gas-mask and a Paddington Bear label. The focus then shifts to Kathleen’s unhappy experiences of misunderstanding, bullying and prejudice in her “billet” and her consequent escape into a fantasy world of Fred Astaire musicals. Kathleen has been taught to dance by her unmarried Irish mother, so she imagines herself in assorted Top Hat scenarios with her rag doll, named after Ginger Rogers. There is a further storyline, which includes a nod to Whistle Down the Wind, and which leads to the resolution of the dramatic tension.
The writing of the play’s author, Neil Duffield, captures the mood of the times perfectly. It is quite an intense play, relieved periodically by the music, the dancing and his deft touches of humour in the script. The cast put tremendous energy into the performance, dancing whilst singing full harmonies a cappella, and having to remember a bewildering series of costume and character changes. It all works brilliantly. The whole production is a tremendous success for all involved in its creation, and I can recommend it highly to everyone.
In an after the show session, members of the audience and company met up with evacuees to hear their stories and discuss the play. This added to our understanding and revealed just how well the author had researched his subject, because the individual stories were just as moving as the play had been.
The Oxfordshire Theatre Company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2009. It could not have chosen a better production for this special year.
Dancing In My Dreams can be seen at various locations throughout the local area until Saturday 11th July.
The writing of the play’s author, Neil Duffield, captures the mood of the times perfectly. It is quite an intense play, relieved periodically by the music, the dancing and his deft touches of humour in the script. The cast put tremendous energy into the performance, dancing whilst singing full harmonies a cappella, and having to remember a bewildering series of costume and character changes. It all works brilliantly. The whole production is a tremendous success for all involved in its creation, and I can recommend it highly to everyone.
In an after the show session, members of the audience and company met up with evacuees to hear their stories and discuss the play. This added to our understanding and revealed just how well the author had researched his subject, because the individual stories were just as moving as the play had been.
The Oxfordshire Theatre Company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2009. It could not have chosen a better production for this special year.
Dancing In My Dreams can be seen at various locations throughout the local area until Saturday 11th July.