It would be impossible to come away feeling depressed from Walmsley AODS production of “The Merry Widow”. It had its first night in the school hall last night and continues for the rest of this week.
It is a gay affair in the proper sense of the word. The music by Franz Lehar is particularly tuneful and many of the numbers have become so much a national habit that we whistle them without realising where they have come from. Lehar was also a skilled orchestrator and the Walmsley orchestra, under the baton of J. Arnold Thornton, their musical director, take full advantage of the fact.
Musically, the show is a triumph with the lead singing by Valerie Walmsley (Anna) and Alec Greaves (Danilo) strongly presented. Both play delightfully, striking sparks from each other and making the most of the comedy. Arnold Knowles (the Baron) and Harry Lee (Njegus) are an excellent pair of comedians, William Livesey sings to great effect as Camille and is supported by Ann Haslam (Valencienne).
Basic strength in most Walmsley shows is in the excellence of costumes and scenery. This show is no exception. Both are of an order far beyond what is customary in amateur shows.
Producer Derek Taylor is to be congratulated on the resources both of manpower and creative talent, on which he can call.
