Having seen the West End production of Copacabana I was keen to see what Gloc had up their sleeve with the first amateur version to be seen in the West of London. I was not disappointed. From the opening to the finale, the company had the audience eating out of their hand. Many congratulations to the Producer/Director Martin Elliff on an exciting and innovative production. Martin is a truly talented producer and he should be justifiably proud of his efforts. Musically, the company was extremely strong under the baton of Ken Williams and the Copa Band had all the right ingredients of a Big Band sound. A band can make or break a show and in this case the musicians certainly were of the highest calibre and the foot never stopped tapping! The play-out music deservedly claimed a standing ovation. I liked the touch of changing the cover on the front of the music stands which could so easily have been overlooked. My only criticism regarding the music was the over amplification of the bass but I am sure this was rectified during the run. The choreography for the show was imaginative, well executed and very enjoyable to watch. Linda Hayes assisted by Rick Myrtle, Martin Elliff and Linda Kinghorn choreographed some terrific routines and what I liked most of all was that they were all well rehearsed and polished and everyone looked as if they knew what they were doing. Martin Wilcox as Stephen/Tony was a tour de force. He not only gave a very fine performance as an actor, singer and dancer but what a talent to be able to play the piano as well. I have always enjoyed watching Linda Hayes and her interpretation of Samantha/Lola La Mar did not disappoint me. She made you believe that she was a young singer/dancer wanting work and falling for the old trick of "I'll make you a star" syndrome. She worked extremely well with Martin Wilcox especially in their dream sequence. On a production note, I found the dry ice from the flies slightly distracting and did not appear to add anything extra to the already good routine. I would like to have been a fly on the wall at the auditions for Gladys Murphy. Who else but Jan Marchant could have played the part with such humour and poignancy. Jan is one of those actresses who can tackle any part and always come up with the goods! Her Copa Girl number was tremendous and her rapport with Sam Silver was sympathetic. Dave Simpson gave a creditable performance as Sam Silver and whilst showed first night nerves when he started, he certainly made up for it in his number 'Who Am I Kidding'. Peter Campbell was quite nasty as Rico Castelli - I hope not type cast! However, I felt that Peter should have been nastier and more vicious - remember, this low life character would have been into everything that was evil. A good attempt at a difficult part and you thoroughly deserved your 'hiss' from the audience on opening night. Taking the words from the script - Yes! Conchita Alvarez was stunning! Conchita Alvarez was fabulous! Many congratulations to Sian Bowles-Bevan on a superb performance. You certainly deserved the sympathy and applause you got from the audience. A good presentation from Jonathan Wolff as McManus as the New York cop especially in the musical number 'Who Am I Kidding'. David Benny performed his role of Willy well, particularly when he was being threatened in the 'Kidding Preview' . Well done for having the courage to swing from that rope - looked a dangerous job to me! Rick Shaw was aptly chosen for the role of the house choreographer and David Smith made a very snooty Maitre D'. Sam Thomas was the perfect bodyguard to Rico both in looks and physique and I was delighted to see Ann Baldwin take on the cameo role of the Auditionee. The 'Hoover' Girls, 'I Gotta Be Bad' Girls and 'Who Am I Kidding' Showgirls (Dawn Slaughter, Margaret Kitchingman, Linda Kinghorn, Karen Steel, Stephanie King and Liz Yuille) all sang and danced well in their particular numbers. The Copa Girls were excellent - well drilled and confident. I enjoyed all the numbers, particularly 'I Gotta Be Bad' and the 'Bolero d'Amore'. One dancer in particular caught my eye - Emily Vaux - a real pleasure to watch. The Copa Boys were exceptionally good. It is not often you see such a line-up of boys in an amateur production performing as slickly and as sure-footed as these hoofers. The Gloc chorus were an integral part of the show and each and every member sang and danced their hearts out. It is extremely difficult standing at a bar or talking on stage and make it look natural but this chorus really managed to make it look easy. It was a real treat to watch Maureen Lippiatt in action! This show was the smartest and most colourful I think I have ever seen at Gloc. Many congratulations to the Wardrobe team - Liz Yuille, Karen Steel, Barbara Myrtle, Pam Smith and Jaqueline Wood. All the costumes were stunning - and the finale costume was the icing on the cake. Be careful though when adding the 'invisible' shoulder straps - the lights catch them and can be a little distracting. Hair styles were all in period and make up was correct so congratulations to Demelza Edwards, Caoimhe Arrigan, Caroline Dent and Marisa Downham. As an aside, it was quite noticeable that Linda Hayes and Linda Kinghorn both wore red wigs as they sang together in ' I Gotta Be Bad' . The set was very well designed by Wesley Henderson Roe. It was simple but most effective. Congratulations to the Lighting Director, Pete Balls, who produced an imaginative lighting plot, particularly in Havana. Sound Director, Richard Eliot, had quite a difficult job - particularly with principals working downstage front. Sound levels were slightly distorted on the first night but hopefully this was rectified during the week. Stage Managers, Kevin and Mary Good, and stage crew worked very hard, quietly and efficiently and scene changes were unobtrusive. Properties by Sam Thomas (and I am sure a few other people) were good, appropriate to the era and handled well by the company. Handbills by Ian Ferguson, Programme design by Martin Wilcox and Programme Biographies by Eva Dipon were excellent and most informative. The Front of House photographs by Tamra Cave were well displayed and it was good to see Jim Simpson as Front of House Manager who appeared to enjoy his role. Summary Gloc is extremely fortunate in having such a young, dynamic, talented membership. This company goes from strength to strength and this production was probably one of its best. It was well directed and choreographed, the music well interpreted and the whole company rose to the challenge. Well Done! Ruth Barber

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