"Side Show"
Book & Lyrics
by
Bill Russell
Q.E.H Theatre
7th April 2003

OVERALL PRODUCTION

This musical tells the emotional and often sad but true story of the Hilton Sisters, conjoined twins. The opening is set in a "Freaks" show, when we are introduced to many poor souls who appear in the "Side Show" to be stared and wondered at. This first scene was almost disturbing and made one feel uncomfortable but this was as it should be.

We stared at the convincing cast but as they became people we relaxed and got into the story; listening to a great score interpreted so well by this superior cast and orchestra. Daisy & Violet Hilton (Vicky Huggins & Lisa Clifford) took us on a roller coaster of emotion when they fall in love with the two men who have taken them out of the "Side Show" and put them on Broadway. Both these actresses looked and gave beautiful performances and their finale song "I will Never Leave you" was outstanding. The costumes and makeup throughout was the icing on this rather special "cake".

"Theatreworx" performing for only the second time once again found an inspirational musical, which has only once before been seen outside America, they continue to challenge themselves and us, the audience.

General Comments

Following last years superb "Christmas Schooner" I arrived with high expectations of this society and I was not disappointed. Whilst the QEH Theatre does present problems, for this society I think it works in their favour. Facial expressions are easily seen and emotion can come across to the rather close audience, and this was certainly a journey of emotions! The opening was disturbing as we the audience felt we were staring; lighting was used to great effect to help create this "dark" corner of the world. The cast was convincing with only a couple not quite "holding" their characters 100% of the time, but generally the members of the "show" had attitude and great stage presence. The standard of acting throughout by the principals was of the highest and cannot be faulted. The "stage" was used most effectively with the director making good and interesting use of the space available. Entrances were never late and sets changed quickly and efficiently.

Set

The set was on two levels and this always helps to create interest and looked strong and worked well. It was especially effective when the girls (dressed in black & white) sit at the bottom and the Buddy & Terry are talking at the top, with Jake on the steps. It was also effective near the end when "The Boss" was on the top (stick across shoulders). Changes to the set were handled well with a small criticism of the upper set being covered with the black cloth, as Terry is alone on the stage as this did detract a little from him.

Props

Good use of props throughout.

Lighting

As often happens with "first nights" you did have a few problems with lighting, but overall the lighting did enhance this production, helping to create moods effectively.

Sound

I know that Steve was aware that during Act I the music was far too loud, not only could we not hear the words (and we really need to hear the words in this musical) but it almost hurt where it was so loud. This did improve for Act II.

Music

Music was very well interpreted (just too loud at times) and the singing throughout was excellent.

Costumes

This show presents a challenge for the wardrobe department. The "Freaks" had to look convincing at the opening and the sisters had to look good throughout. The men's suits also had to have the right look for the period. Costumes throughout reached the required high standard and the sisters looked really fabulous. (It was a treat just to see what the sisters were wearing - colours were good and styles appropriate). Well done.

Choreography

Good use of the stage and good interpretation of the music. "The Devil You Know" and "We Share Everything" were just two of the excellent numbers.

Casting

You had a great cast, all the principals were totally convincing and well backed by a strong chorus.

Individual Casting

Daisy	Facial expressions by this actress really conveyed the emotion she was feeling. This was a lovely performance and you held the audience in the palm of your hand.
Violet	This sister also gave a superb performance, showing the confusion that was going on inside of you.
Daisy & Violet worked so well together - they were believable as sisters and moved around together convincingly - both these actresses were excellent throughout - indeed memorable performances.
Terry	A strong confident performance throughout. We saw different facets to this characters personality and this was well conveyed. "Private Conversation" was superb. Another good convincing performance.
Buddy	The younger more eager of the men, the audience liked this character and so wanted him to "do the right thing" and marry Violet. We felt his emotion and still managed to sympathise with him when he changed his mind. An enjoyable and convincing performance.
The Boss	What great body language - we summed you up immediately! A great piece of acting throughout, strong and expressive. Very well done.
Jake	This actor totally had us on his side, we cared about him and soon forgot his deformities, and we so wanted Violet to love him. Well thought out expressive acting, an excellent performance.
This society has a chorus of great calibre and this was obvious throughout. As the "Freaks" you were alarmingly good! It would be difficult to single out people but I must congratulate the actress who played Baby Doll on a mesmeric performance.

In conclusion

I really enjoyed "Side Show", it is especially good that we have such societies in Bristol (where the standard for non-professional theatre companies is so high) that are prepared to search for something different that does not only challenge them but us the audience. It was a bit of a history lesson and also made you think - would we stare at people with such problems (a nice bit of direction on New Years Eve, where the guests were subtly talking and pointing at the sisters). Throughout the show we enjoyed some lovely songs, many of which were sung by the sisters such as "Like Everyone Else" "Feelings You've Got to Hide", "Who Will Love Me as I am" and the sensational "I Will Never Leave You". Terry singing "Private Conversation" was a great highlight of the show, well sung and very moving as Daisy "leaves" her sister - this was a great piece of theatre. Our hearts went out to Jake when he sang "You Should Be Loved".

Thank you for inviting me it was a pleasure to see this show and watch such a talented group of actors, backed by such a good team.

I am already looking forward to your next production!

Kathy Matthews
NODA Regional Representative
SW Area 2A