Elf - The Musical Review, November 2021, Deputy Mayor, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

The performance was anything but Amateur from the minute the curtain went up before a packed house. From the outset we were treated to a polished, professional standard evenings’ entertainment that would rival anything to be seen on a London stage.

The impact of the ‘Elves’ performing at the start of the show set the standard with an innovative display that really captured the audience and set the jolly mood that continued all the way to the final curtain call. The story line was probably very familiar to many of the audience, but it was the delivery of this performance with all the clever innuendos of today’s world that set the cheerful atmosphere we all needed after long months of restrictions.

The quality of the direction and choreography by Louise Travis was first rate and together with an enthusiastic and talented cast they really delivered an excellent show. It was only afterward we were told that the two principals on the night were, in fact, the understudies to the main cast members, but you never would have realised. The professionalism of the cast as a team was also evident when Buddy the Elf lost his ‘voice’ when his headset mic failed, and the smooth way he slipped off-stage to resolve the problem was unnoticed by the audience.

A most enjoyable and entertaining evening with plenty of laughs. Well done and thank you BATS!

Councillor Paul Miller (Deputy Mayor) and Mrs Sandra Miller (Deputy Mayoress)
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Elf - The Musical Review, November 2021, Jane Lewis

What a wonderful start to the Christmas season! Every single member of the cast gave a high-energy and excellent performance.

The costumes and choreography were inspired and overall created a wonderful production. Christmas hats off to the cast and crew! A fabulous cameo performance from the hot dog vendor can’t go unmentioned!

The audience thoroughly enjoyed every single minute and f anyone was wavering in their belief of Santa before the show, they were completely SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley when the left!

Jane Lewis

9 to 5 the Musical Review, November 2019 - NODA

9 to 5, music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick tells the story what happens when the tables are turned on a sexist, egotistical, hypocritical boss (who’s also a bigot) as three female office workers who are underpaid and undervalued, unite to get revenge. It’s full, friendship, love and bubbling performances, fantastic songs and sparkling performances. From the first few bars of the familiar opening song – 9 to 5 of the title – we know we’re in for an evening of high energy entertainment.

The production: The period feel of a 1980s office was beautifully recreated throughout the evening. There were some lovely performances – particularly from the three women battling to come out on top: Nicola Morrin (as Violet), Millie Clucas (Doralee), Laura Burrell as Judy and Stephen Westwood as Hart, their boss. Sally Manning as devoted secretary and office spy, Roz almost stole the show. The entire cast performed with supreme confidence and professionalism. The choreography by Nick Brannam who also directed, was imaginative and well executed. The songs were performed with warmth, precision and joyful emotion. Although the subject of the show had serious undertones, there was a feel-good approach to it and it was delivered with first class performances, enthusiasm and panache we have come to expect from BATS’ productions.

Millie Clucas as Doralee and Stephen Westwood as Franklin Hart Jr.

Costumes: The costumes were in keeping with period and narrative. There was great attention to detail and the dream sequence outfits were custom-made and of the highest quality. The hair styles complemented the 80s outfits.

Lighting and sound: The lighting was good although I struggle to understand why, on occasion, there was a smoky effect. The sound was generally good but once or twice dipped and made it difficult to understand some characters, especially when dialogue delivery was fast and heavily accented.

Scenery: The stage design was well conceived and of high quality. The backdrops largely pastel in colour and 80s style were very effective as was Hart’s office and the typing pool was realistically recreated. The Xerox machine and car – used for Hart’s kidnap – deserves special mention.

Chris Horton
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) South East Region, District 14 Representative

9 to 5 the Musical Review, Nov 2019 - Basingstoke Gazette

From the moment Dolly Parton's iconic song '9 to5' came on at the Haymarket the audience was fixed on Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society’s (BATS) production.

Based on the film of the same name, the musical sees three-woman Violet, Doralee and Judy are pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss.

From the off the show was fast paced, full of laughs and a lot of innuendo.

Nicola Morrin, was a dominant presence on the stage as Violet Newstead, with Laura Burrell acting as her perfect foil as the at time naive Judy Bernly.

Millie Clucas as Doralee

However, it was Millie Clucas giving her best Dolly Parton impression as Doralee Rhodes, who every time you heard that Southern twang you could be convinced you were no longer in Basingstoke.

As the performance develops, we see how the friendship between this somewhat unlikely trio unfolds before our eyes as they have to deal with being women in a men's world.

Stephen Westwood looked like he was having a bit too much fun in the role of sleazy boss Franklin Hart Jnr., but the best laughs were kept for Sally Manning's interpretation of brown-noser, Roz Keith.

As have become accustom with the many BATS productions I have attended, the choreography and set design is always something to behold, and even if there was a slight technical snag, it didn’t detract from the story.

Throughout the three leading ladies were completely captivating and each one let their characters personality shine through.

In a time when there are still ongoing fights for equal rights for women, it is a little bit jarring to think that the type of behaviour displayed in 9 to 5 for a long time was the norm.

That being said, BATS tackle the subject sensitively, if not with their own trademark brand of humour sprinkled throughout.

Despite minor technical difficulties BATS once again showed their quality in the performance and the depth of talent they have at their disposal.

Tim Birkbeck

Oliver! Review, May 2019 - NODA

Oliver! with music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart and based on the novel by Charles Dickens, was a successful film in the 60s and this stage production is stuffed full of all the well-known songs and characters that made the film such a success. From the opening ‘Food, Glorious Food’ to the great finale, the entire evening was full of memorable performances from this fine, talented ensemble.

The stage design which was dual level giving the impression of a bridge, combined with the lighting design helped to create the appearance of various settings: the orphanage, street scenes, the undertaker’s Parlour - was well conceived and of high quality. There was minimal disruption during the scene changes, sometimes during songs.

The costumes were in keeping with the period. There was great attention to detail and the costumes were well balanced. The lighting was effective and well controlled throughout. The sound was excellent with voices clear and blended well with the live music.

Kirsty Kingham as Nancy and Company performing Oom Pah, Pah

Director Liz Ilett is to be congratulated on directorial debut with this production. The cast were all on top form with some memorable performances, notably David Izzo as Fagin and Kirsty Kingham was a dynamite Nancy. This was an evening of classic songs, imaginative choreography and stellar performances, convincing accents and terrific singing which ended with a big round of applause from the appreciative audience. This was musical theatre at its best and lived up to the previous high quality shows we expect from BATS.

Chris Horton
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) South East Region, District 14 Representative