LETTER: Hard to believe show was by amateurs

I have to admit that musical theatre has never been something that I have enjoyed but I was persuaded by friends to go and see the Chesterfield Operatic Society’s production of ‘Hairspray’.

As I sat waiting for the show to begin I was filled with a sense of doom. I thought that I was in for a very unhappy evening. Then, the music began and the first lines of the first song rang out and from that moment I was completely drawn into the performance, mesmersised by it, and left feeling very appreciative and happy.

I find it astonishing that this was a production by an amateur company. I have seen performances by professional groups that have not had quite the panache as what I saw and heard on that Saturday night.

It would be unfair of me to single out individuals because everyone on stage was giving their all to create something that was memorable, highly enjoyable and, I would say, magical.

This applies equally to the main cast, the supporting actors, singers dancers and, not to be forgotten, the musicians, stage crew, directors and choreographers, all the production team and the staff of the Pomegranate Theatre. I know nothing about dancing but I kept looking at what the cast were doing and was just astonished at how polished their work was and the same applies to the acting and the singing. There was clearly such a vast amount of talent and skill on the stage and a great deal of effort, time and hard work had obviously been put into the show by everyone.

There is not the space here to say how and why each performer was brilliant. Nevertheless, I must give one example. As I sat in the full theatre I was struck by the thought that the people playing Edna and Wilbur Turnblad had created a comedy double act that could have given Morecambe and Wise or The Two Ronnies a run for their money!

Thank you, well done and congratulations to all concerned at Chesterfield Operatic Society and the Pomegranate Theatre for this marvellous production.

If it was not for the fact that I cannot sing, dance or act I would be tempted to go along to the society’s open rehearsal for the next production on May 8 after seeing for myself how excellent their shows are.

Victor Ruck

Chesterfield