Flashdance – Bingley Amateurs

WHAT TO do on a dull Thursday in June? A last minute decision was made to see the latest show by Bingley Amateur Operatic Society (BAOS) put on at the Bingley Arts Centre.

I have some involvement in amateur dramatics and it's always interesting to see what other groups are doing.

The show kicked off with lots of engineering noise, real sparks from grinders, and enthusiasm, the performers throwing themselves in whole-heartedly to the first song Steeltown Sky.

There may have been a few minor gremlins in the sound system, which diminished the performance slightly, but these appeared to be resolved quite soon, and the audience were treated to a fast-paced and rocking first half finishing with My Next Step including rain flooding the stage and buckets of water falling from the rafters, to create a big finish before the break.

After much mopping and a well-earned rest, the second half set off like a train with I Love Rock 'n' Roll, and by the time we got to the Flashdance song (What a Feeling), the audience had been taken to laughter, tears of joy and sadness in equal measure.

For me special mention must be made of Pip Barton, who played Alex Owens, and Abi Sheldrake, who played Hannah, Alex’s mother.

I don't think that either missed a word or a note, and put in really strong vocal performances. Jamie Rogers, playing Nick Hurley put in a great effort for the boys.

The use of the whole stage, and clever use of steelwork to create a flexible set is a credit to the designer.

While I have picked out some star performances from individuals, it must be said that the whole cast were right on the money, and the hard work they must have put in certainly was visible.

All in all a good night. If Legally Blonde The Musical is as good in November, then we're in for another treat.

Paul Hall

Chairman, Cullingorth Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS)