Now although this musical was first produced way back in 1966 with direction and choreography by the great Bob Fosse, and has had several revivals and a movie version as well, it was the first time I had seen it its entirety, having only seen a much adapted Fringe version some years ago.

Lochgelly and District Amateur Musical Society have been around much longer, since 1935 in fact, but I had not seen them perform before either so a double first for me with this production.

Unlike so many musicals that I have witnessed recently that are truly ensemble pieces; this is a vehicle for one, the eponymous role, plus support. The character of Charity Hope Valentine really has to be top notch or else the show flounders and I am delighted to say in Elinor Burns, who played this demanding role for all she was worth, they have such a performer. Ms Burns can sing, dance, act and totally commands the stage such is her stage presence. 

The story line of a somewhat gullible, always optimistic, desperate to be loved hostess dancer flits from one disastrous ‘relationship’ to another in her search for her goal, always with her fellow hostesses Helene, Hollie Hastings and Nickie, played by Lisa-Marie White, lending support and advice.

Disastrous experiences with Charlie, a rebound fling with movie star Vittorio Vidal, Craig Smith, following Vidal's row with his girlfriend Ursula March, Lia Tazioli, lead our heroine to meet up with Oscar Brubeck, Craig Tait, and things seem to be getting better with her life...or are they?

As with most amateur musicals the quality of the actors vary, some excellent others less so, but I think that LADAMA can count themselves fortunate to have more near the top that the bottom in this respect.

With a cast of around 40 sometimes direction and choreography can suffer, but I feel that the production team did an excellent job in this matter, the featured dancers had a number of chances to showcase their undoubted abilities not least of all in the excellent sequence during the Rhythm of Life number that had virtually everyone on stage and involved in the spectacle.

This was the opening night so one or two techy things maybe didn’t go as well as they might, but it really didn’t detract very much from an enjoyable performance. I’m sure the gremlins will disappear and the show tightens up slightly as the week progresses. 

If you are like me and haven’t seen it before, you still have a chance to do so as the show runs at 19-15 nightly until Saturday 19^th, contact the Lochgelly Centre box office or company members for tickets.

Lochgelly Centre
LOCHGELLY CENTRE
BANK STREET
LOCHGELLY
KY5 9RD

Date:15 Apr 2008 - 19 Apr 2008
Time: 19:15
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Charge: Tues £9, Wed-Sat £10/£9