If you had to pick out one all-time favourite amateur production, then surely the choice must be The Desert Song.If you had to pick out one all-time favourite amateur production, then surely the choice must be The Desert Song.
Its combination of colour, romance, mystery and memorable songs including "One Alone," "One Flower in your Garden," and "It" have made it a winner from the start.
To carry it off you need a confident collection of principals and a strong chorus, both of which coped with remarkably well here for an amateur production.
Bill Pringle takes the dual lead role, leading the chorus well as the dashing Red Shadow, although less convincing as his wimpish alter ego Pierre. Its a shame his side kick Sid El Kar (Peter Kelly in fine voice) doesn't get the chance for more solo singing - his numbers are worth waiting for.
Gillian Wilson pushes amateur acting to its limit as the excitable native gorl Azuri, commanding the stage, but always falling short of going over the top, Janet Dodds too, as the hapless Margot, caught between three (or is it two?) men always a delight to watch and listen to.
Strong chorus singing is an important part of this production as are the belly dancing and Spanish dance sequences of choreographer Susan Casey.
Book your ticket to Morocco: the show is on tonight and tomorrow night at the Vane Tempest Welfare Hall, Seaham.
