Oklahoma!

ALISON CROOSE

King's Lynn Corn Exchange

The best traditions of the amateur theatre were poured into King's Lynn Operatic and Dramatic Society's effervescent production of this favourite musical.

The talents of director Liz Dickerson, choreographer Sharon Fox and musical director Sam Ashby fused to create the winning formula for exhilarating entertainment.

They set high standards and assembled a robust line-up of principals and an excellent company whose singing and movement was the making of the show.

It fizzed from start to finish and the familiar, well-loved show-stoppers were given the full treatment.

Nick Brooks (Curly) and Sarah Mawby (Laurey) teamed up well in the leading characters and demonstrated their vocal talents while Louise Smith injected great vigour into the pivotal role of Aunt Eller.

Greg Hale and Lucy Crane gave spirited performances as Will Parker and Ado Annie, while Adam Howard shone as the peddler Ali Hakim and Chris Fox immersed himself in the role of the sinister Jud Fry.

Both the emotional depth of the story and its humour were exploited effectively, as was the drama of the demanding dream ballet. The show was slick, colourful and full of exuberance - and the audience clearly relished every moment.