Neil Speight reviews TOPS' production of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at the Thameside Theatre, Grays.

ONCE again, a performance by award-winning TOPS brought rapturous applause from a delighted audience at Thurrock's Thameside Theatre on opening night (Thursday, 18 June)

Since 1978 TOPS have showcased their talents at the Orsett Road venue but this is the first time they have tackled the classic Seven Brides For Seven Brothers – a production that featured 25 performers, who somewhat miraculously sang and danced their way on the compact stage in another triumph for choreographer Victoria Purton.

Recent performances have seen TOPS take on the challenges of modern West End successes, including most latterly Calendar Girls and Come From Away – which were magnificent.

Those productions had relatively small casts and TOPs decided they wanted a shop that opened up roles to their long list of talented performers and volunteers. Producer Luke Coldham took on the task of direction – and starring – in the show and once again he delivered.

Was it the best thing I've ever seen by TOPS? I honestly can't say it was. But was it absolutely enjoyable and thoroughly appreciated by everybody in the theatre? Of course it was – it was a joyful night out.

THE WALKDOWN:

As well as directing, Luke stepped in the giant boots (literally) of 6'4" brawny Howard Keel – one of cinema musicals' biggest names. He looked the part but for once, in what has been an illustrious succession of performances by Luke, I felt it fell marginally below my expectations.

Such is my admiration for Luke that I had a ridiculous expectation he would dominate vocally, aka Mr Keel. That, realistically, is an impossible ask to match Keel's rich bass-baritone, but I hope he takes it as a credit, not a disappointment that I think he's that good. In every other respect he had the emotional swagger and he was a true leading man with a bouffant that did match Mr Keel in every way!

The leading lady, Angela Philips was a joy. She rode the emotional roller-coaster of the role with ease and truly was a memorable 'Milly'.

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Usually in my reviews, I pick out all the cast members, but with another 23 names to fit into a review we'd be here for an age. But everyone (on stage and off) does deserve a name-chack, so here they are:-

There were some familiar faces and some new ones. I was privy to seeing some video clips of rehearsals and the band call (well done againt Clare Benson & Co) and they all looked to be having a ball.

On stage they stepped up another notch. Singing and dancing across every inch of the stage. Once again TOPS managed to make the fairly miniscule Thameside stage look twice its reality. One day they may get round to staging a Doctor Who derivative and prove that the Thameside really is a TARDIS!

In tonight's production there were some memorable showcases, for me most notably 'Goin' Courtin' – a fabulous transition piece.

TOPS' last triumph, Come From Away was a very modern musical. Seven Brides is a very old one and it encapsulates exactly what AM-DRAM is all about. Lots of local people coming together having a good time and most importantly entertaining everybody else.

I doubt anybody who was at the Thameside Theatre tonight wasn't thoroughly entertained.

This production is the sum of all of these parts. It was a genuine pleasure to sit through it all.

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The pantheon of talent that TOPS have at their disposal was illustrated by the fact that leading lights from previous shows, were in the supporting casts. Taking part is what it's all about. For example, Ian Benson, who has played so many lead roles in recent years, was quite happy to sit back and take an ordinary cast member's role which is just again sums up what a great community group this is

Bless all their beautiful hides!

Three performances remain: https://thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173666636