Web master F J Parker

 Stepping Out With LADS.
Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) latest play, studded with lively tap-dancing routines to music by Berlin, Gershwin, Porter and others, contained all the elements necessary for a truly memorable and thoroughly entertaining evening.  Not a musical, but a musical play Stepping Out by Richard Harris takes a mixed bag of women and one solitary man attending a beginner tap-dancing class set in a dingy church hall, from a hesitant start, to a public performance.  It scratched at the surface of each character to revel hidden secrets, hopes and fears in an entertaining mix of wit and poignancy; and was another first for LADS.
Mavis (Heather Knights) takes the dance class which attracts all sorts of people and abilities and supported by her piano player Mrs Frazer (Sheila Brown) a cantankerous old woman.  Dorothy (Anita Crayton) enthusiastic but a bit dotty, Sylvia (Liz Eagle) disillusioned with marriage, Vera (Hilary Whale) with grand illusions of herself, Maxine (Tracy Carmichael) always looking for a sale, Andy (Claire Fishleigh) shy and lonely, Lynne (Kate Hancock) searching for confidence, Rose (Alison Corner) disillusioned with life and Geoffrey (Phil Blackwell) wanting company, all interact and eventually become a whole when they are asked to perform at a local charity performance.
The finale a spectacular display and very creditable performance of the tap routine thanks to the Director (Pat Minett) and Choreographer (Heather Knights) as many of the cast had to learn tap from scratch. Technically a very difficult play to put on needing precise timing of routines, lighting and sound.  A first class evenings entertainment and we look forward to their next major production “Oliver” in January as an opener to celebrate LADS 150^th year.
Margaret Parker the Society’s Chairperson said “In selecting this play we knew the cast would have to attend tap-dancing class in addition to learning their lines and routines a commitment that started in the autumn of last year.  All the hard work and dedication of the cast is recognised and appreciated.  In the weeks running up to the production there was a hive of activity in the costume department, set building, properties, structuring the lighting and sound and publicity and finally the week of the play a dedicated backstage and front of house team.  All of these members and helpers played a vital role in making this a successful production”.