"There's no business like show business", sang Seaham's Vane Tempest amateurs last night — and went on to prove it with a glittering production of Irving Berlin's witty Western musical "Annie Get Your Gun." It's a show which is as much about show business - as it is about sharp-shooting, and a confident cast handle it well. And as befits a story of life under the Big Top, there are plenty of costume changes, each one more glamorous than the last.
Gillian Wilson, as Annie, and Tom Martin, as Frank, make an attractive leading couple, with the strong singing voices and acting ability to make duets like "Anything you can do" a pleasure.
Ann Jefferies and Keith Potts are as snappy a song and dance team as you're likely to see on the amateur stage, and scheming away behind it all is Betty Mileham, who plays Dolly Tate like one of the slick super-bitches from "Dallas."
Youngsters in the show carry their roles with the enthusiasm which promises a strong future for amateur operatics in Seaham. Ken Lynn is an imposing Chief Sitting Bull, able to command the stage with a single syllable, Charles Bond makes a dashing Buffalo Bill, and Derek Cooke adds comedy as the manager who knows just when to back off, As the company fills the stage with dancing and chorus singing in front of Graham Chaytor's meticulous sets.
Mark McAndrews' production means a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Add to that the show's well known tunes and this Western is certain to be a sure fire hit with Seaham audiences. It runs until Saturday in Vane Tempest Welfare hall.
