Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society brought the warmth and gaiety of the Orient to a chilly November evening in Bolton last night when it opened a six-day run of the popular musical "Kismet" in the primary school.
With only the minimum of first-night hitches, the society presented a colourful and entertaining show and a real appreciation of Borodin's often difficult themes.
From a plot involving mistaken identity, intrigue and romance, the musical embraces such well-known songs as "Baubles, Bangles and Beads", and "Stranger in Paradise" in a Far Eastern setting.
And it was real entertainment as the singers and dancers swept through the musical as though the five months of gruelling rehearsals had never taken place.
It was the first time Tony Polding had directed the music for the society (he takes over from J. Arnold Thornton), and it was a tribute to his skill that the small band of musicians gave all the emphasis and power required for the strident music.
Alec Greaves as Hajj the poet gave a humourous and strong performance, a perfect foil for Jean Unsworth who fought off a last minute throat infection to give a sparkle to the whole production.
Her singing of "And This Is My Beloved" received the strongest applause of the evening from the 300-plus audience.
Arnold Knowles as the Wazir of Police and Valerie Walmsley as his wayward wife, Lalume, gave polished performances. Philip A. Kenyon fitted the part well in the romantic lead as the Caliph.
Also worthy of mention were Alan Lee as the Chief Policeman, Ernest Pollitt as Omar and Harry Lee as Jawan. Kenneth McMinn, Jeff Taylor, David Brockbank, Audrey Raistrick, Sylvia Fishwick, Malcolm Digner, David Wilson, Nora B. Holder, Dorothy Yardley, Julia Knight, Beverley Marshall and Linda Wild were also in the competent cast.
One of the production's most impressive assets was the scenery; the few basic sets were used to good advantage and props were moved swiftly and without intrusion on the plot.
