From the Top

“Two delightful young ladies playing the principals: Charlotte Gessey (George) and Georgina Jones (Alice) were a real asset to this company. Other good parts were played by Mike Fleming, Paul Wescott, Nick Whitehouse and of course the author (great script) Dave Crump – Nanny Trellis herself. I often think those on stage enjoy themselves as much as the audience – no harm in that – as they are always fun for us too. Lots of popular musical numbers which we could hum even if we didn’t know all the words. Well done to the Musical Director (who was also prompt) and the Producer. “ Margery Carmichael NODA

I got a kick out of amateur show's professional finish

Cole Porter's classic Anything Goes sailed into the Crescent Theatre Birmingham with a full crew of starring performances and a cargo load of fun, thanks to Sutton Coldfield-based From The Top theatre company.

This was an amateur production in the making, but a professional one in the performance, as the applause at the end testified.

The show follows the SS American, on route from New York to England, and the antics of its many eccentric passengers.

On board is gangster Moonface Martin (Paul Wescott), his 'floozy' sidekick Erma (Trish Brookes) wealthy debutante Hope Harcourt (Louise Blackburn), her fiance and wealthy Lord, Evelyn Oakleigh (Rich Greene) her mother Evangeline (Mary Dodd), nightclub singer Reno Sweeny (Debbie Crump), wealthy New York businessman Elisha Witney (Peter Dent) and his stowaway assistant Billy Crocker (Mike Fleming).

Billy boards the ship with a stolen passport, determined to win the heart of long-lost love Hope.

But she is engaged to Lord Oakleigh and is due to tie the knot with him on board. Meanwhile, Reno falls for the well-spoken Lord and hatches a plot to seduce him, leaving Hope free to marry Billy. After a series of comedy happenings, Moonface escapes the long arm of the law, Evangeline maintains her social status.... and the girls get their guys.

The cast were well-rehearsed and knew their characters well, and despite a few gremlins in the microphones, and slow scene changeovers, they were convincing and a pleasure to watch.

Support cast, in the form of dancers and singers – all taking on the roles of sailors and passengers – were energetic and kept in time and it was obvious to all that they enjoyed the show, as much as they hoped their audience would.

The costumes and scenery were very well thought-out and the singing was always excellent.

Familiar songs such as Anything Goes, I Get a Kick Out Of You and It's De-Lovely certainly got the feet tapping along, and From The Top's ability to portray humour got laughs in all the right places.

A few of the cast would be right at home touring in national productions, in particular Debbie Crump, who was also the show's choreographer, and Paul Wescott, who proved a firm favourite with the audience despite his bad-boy role.

All in all, this show had a winning formula, and I would buy a ticket to board that ship again.

“These pantos are always a bit of fun, plenty of jokes, some old some new but always funny when told well. The energy put into this production by the cast is always worth seeing. Some good singing particularly Robin (Louise Blackburn) and Maid Marion (Kate Langford), who blended together very well. Great comedy from Will Scarlet (Mike Fleming) and the dame, Nora (Meirion Buck). A very nasty Prince John (Nick Whitehouse) and Sheriff (Les Holgate) got lots of boos, and a delightful performance from Mary Dodd as Fairy Blossom. In fact it had all the main ingredients for a good night out.”

"STAGE versions of TV series with which audiences have had years of familiarity are among the biggest challenges for theatre groups. Everyone turns up with an image of the original character in mind and just wonders whether the people on stage will come anywhere close to it. This latest effort is a splendidly brave one, and in two instances especially it succeeds beyond all expectation. From the beginning, Paul Wescott is bang on as René. His accent, his gestures and his bearing are excellently accomplished and he ensures that the amusing script by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft springs irresistibly to life. Dave Crump, as Herr Flick the Gestapo man, has the po-faced gravity and the awkward walk. And there's splendid support, too, from Mike Fleming (Lieut Gruber), Nick Whitehouse, as the apoplectic General Von Schmelling, and Peter Dent, who has a high old time in the second half as Capt Alberto Bertorelli. Mary Dodd's enterprising production continues until Saturday."

Quite a novelty production written by the chairman and the Front of House Manager and therefore scores extra points! It was very amusing with some lively performances from the ‘gang’ who finished up behind bars (not the drinking ones) Good singing from Trish Brookes and Louise Blackburn particularly in the Cell Block Tango. Also good strong impressive parts from Paul Wescott and Rich Greene; congratulations to Nick Whitehouse and Dave Crump who kept up the momentum throughout. Well done to the Procution team and the Musical Director; you have a good team here.


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	Noda - January 2009 - The Old Woman who lived in a shoe “Two delightful young ladies playing the principals: Charlotte Gessey (George) and Georgina Jones (Alice) were a real asset to this company. Other good parts were played by Mike Fleming, Paul Wescott, Nick Whitehouse and of course the author (great script) Dave Crump – Nanny Trellis herself. I often think those on stage enjoy themselves as much as the audience – no harm in that – as they are always fun for us too. Lots of popular musical numbers which we could hum even if we didn’t know all the words. Well done to the Musical Director (who was also prompt) and the Producer. “ Margery Carmichael NODA I got a kick out of amateur show's professional finish Wednesday, October 08, 2008, Sutton Coldfield Observer Cole Porter's classic Anything Goes sailed into the Crescent Theatre Birmingham with a full crew of starring performances and a cargo load of fun, thanks to Sutton Coldfield-based From The Top theatre company. This was an amateur production in the making, but a professional one in the performance, as the applause at the end testified. The show follows the SS American, on route from New York to England, and the antics of its many eccentric passengers. On board is gangster Moonface Martin (Paul Wescott), his 'floozy' sidekick Erma (Trish Brookes) wealthy debutante Hope Harcourt (Louise Blackburn), her fiance and wealthy Lord, Evelyn Oakleigh (Rich Greene) her mother Evangeline (Mary Dodd), nightclub singer Reno Sweeny (Debbie Crump), wealthy New York businessman Elisha Witney (Peter Dent) and his stowaway assistant Billy Crocker (Mike Fleming). Billy boards the ship with a stolen passport, determined to win the heart of long-lost love Hope. But she is engaged to Lord Oakleigh and is due to tie the knot with him on board. Meanwhile, Reno falls for the well-spoken Lord and hatches a plot to seduce him, leaving Hope free to marry Billy. After a series of comedy happenings, Moonface escapes the long arm of the law, Evangeline maintains her social status.... and the girls get their guys. The cast were well-rehearsed and knew their characters well, and despite a few gremlins in the microphones, and slow scene changeovers, they were convincing and a pleasure to watch. Support cast, in the form of dancers and singers – all taking on the roles of sailors and passengers – were energetic and kept in time and it was obvious to all that they enjoyed the show, as much as they hoped their audience would. The costumes and scenery were very well thought-out and the singing was always excellent. Familiar songs such as Anything Goes, I Get a Kick Out Of You and It's De-Lovely certainly got the feet tapping along, and From The Top's ability to portray humour got laughs in all the right places. A few of the cast would be right at home touring in national productions, in particular Debbie Crump, who was also the show's choreographer, and Paul Wescott, who proved a firm favourite with the audience despite his bad-boy role. All in all, this show had a winning formula, and I would buy a ticket to board that ship again. “These pantos are always a bit of fun, plenty of jokes, some old some new but always funny when told well. The energy put into this production by the cast is always worth seeing. Some good singing particularly Robin (Louise Blackburn) and Maid Marion (Kate Langford), who blended together very well. Great comedy from Will Scarlet (Mike Fleming) and the dame, Nora (Meirion Buck). A very nasty Prince John (Nick Whitehouse) and Sheriff (Les Holgate) got lots of boos, and a delightful performance from Mary Dodd as Fairy Blossom. In fact it had all the main ingredients for a good night out.” Margery Carmichael NODA Rep District 9 - Robin Hood review Review of Allo Allo from John Slim ( May 2008 - Birmingham Mail) "STAGE versions of TV series with which audiences have had years of familiarity are among the biggest challenges for theatre groups. Everyone turns up with an image of the original character in mind and just wonders whether the people on stage will come anywhere close to it. This latest effort is a splendidly brave one, and in two instances especially it succeeds beyond all expectation. From the beginning, Paul Wescott is bang on as René. His accent, his gestures and his bearing are excellently accomplished and he ensures that the amusing script by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft springs irresistibly to life. Dave Crump, as Herr Flick the Gestapo man, has the po-faced gravity and the awkward walk. And there's splendid support, too, from Mike Fleming (Lieut Gruber), Nick Whitehouse, as the apoplectic General Von Schmelling, and Peter Dent, who has a high old time in the second half as Capt Alberto Bertorelli. Mary Dodd's enterprising production continues until Saturday." Quite a novelty production written by the chairman and the Front of House Manager and therefore scores extra points! It was very amusing with some lively performances from the ‘gang’ who finished up behind bars (not the drinking ones) Good singing from Trish Brookes and Louise Blackburn particularly in the Cell Block Tango. Also good strong impressive parts from Paul Wescott and Rich Greene; congratulations to Nick Whitehouse and Dave Crump who kept up the momentum throughout. Well done to the Procution team and the Musical Director; you have a good team here. NODA. - Gotta Get Out Review