Viva Theatre’s production of ‘Prime Time Murder’ had all the requirements of a good night’s entertainment. The cast knew their jobs. The characters were clearly defined. The action moved smoothly and realistically. Michael Burrell’s script was deliciously savoured, especially the witticisms and strings of ‘one-liners’.

The audience became an integral part of the set immediately as they found themselves seated in a ‘TV studio’ during the recording of a game show called ‘If the cap fits’. At appropriate moments the audience was asked to vote as individuals, holding up their ‘if the cap fit cards’ when they thought a particular description of the background of a person matched the name given.  In others’ hands, such activity could have easily detracted from the dramatic events on stage, but with this team, it became a natural and effective ingredient.

Central to the plot was the arrogant Game Show Host Jimmy Roscoe (played by Jon Bridgeman). His narcissism, meanness and history as a sexual predator darkened a script that was packed with the jaded banter of studio staff trying to overcome the inevitable in-fighting of such a tightly-knit community. The Director, Mary Haskins (Jenny Aspland), did indeed ‘direct’ proceedings and her calm authoritative voice brought sense and structure to a group of varied, sensitive beings.

Jackie (Delia Tickner), the Production Assistant, was everywhere, cheerfully battling to keep order relieving the tensions of her job with crowning moments of dry humour.

A delightful array of contestants enlivened events: Terrence Rainer (Lee Sherwood) and his macho crassness contrasted well with celebrity guest Veronica Mellows (Ann Pallet).  More spice was added by Susan Barnold (Sara Lang), a well-focused driving test examiner, and the erudite Professor Humphrey Blethyn (David Tickner) pontificated wonderfully.

Events were further enhanced with Veronica’s two squabbling children Tom (Philip Evans) and Lucy Emily Palmer). Tom’s ‘look’ at the end of the show was priceless. Vision Mixer Michelle (Kim Turner), the calm assuredness of Inspector Wormald (David Moat) and his obliging constable PC Butterfield (Scott Robertson) and Studio Security (Josh Schunmann) were also essential contributors.

One of the most entertaining characters for me was undoubtedly the Make-up Artist, Susan Roach (Esther Hiller). Her naïve timidity and heartfelt outbursts as events turned out quite differently to those she had expected were portrayed magnificently. She was indeed one of the best of an outstanding cast.

Producer David Tickner is to be congratulated for a fine show supported by an excellent team, namely: Costumes (Lynn Quelch), Lighting and Sound (Nigel and Simon Thompson), Cameraman (Steve Evans), Box Office (Martha Waterhouse and June Lawrence) and Publicity (Alison Palmer and Oliver Waterhouse).

Viva Theatre’s expected participation in the RSC Open Stages project with a production of ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ at Anglesey Abbey next July is a fitting complement to their admirable achievement tonight.

- Rosemary Westwell

Viva Theatre Company, the adult dramatic group for people over 18  years, swept the board at the Haverhill Drama Festival with their entry, The Ark, starring Lesley Wood, Esther Hiller and Kirsten Green.

Sarah Dowd-Crosby, Director of The Ark, commented: “This was a well-deserved accolade for the group, who pulled together in less than four weeks to put on the show. All our members are incredibly committed – whether they are on the stage or off and it’s as a group we have won these fantastic awards. I would like to congratulate the cast personally for all their hard work.”

The award categories won were:

• Best Show in the Festival – The Ark
• Best Actress – Esther Hiller as Agnes
• Best Director – Sarah Dowd-Crosby
• Best Stage Presentation – The Ark (special thanks to Treasures of Newmarket)

To celebrate this win and to encourage new people to join this fantastic group, Viva Theatre Company is hosting an open-house BBQ at the Ship Public House in Soham on Sunday 19 June from 2 pm – 5 pm.

Anyone interested in joining either as actor, director or backstage help should come along – for more details email info@viva-group.org.uk or call 01353 722228.

Despite the seasonal chill of the Cathedral, the unique venue contributed a great deal to this exciting production. The large performing space created underneath the Lantern, supporting simple scaffolding, provided a very versatile stage with a variety of access points and several different acting levels. The acoustics enhanced both the quality of the music and the voices of the performers. The strongest challenge of this show is usually getting the choreography right and, in particular, finding and developing sufficient dancing ability within the male gang members. In this Viva were particularly fortunate and, again, the size of the stage helped. The choreographed movements were simple but very effective and the enthusiastic company all performed them with complete confidence. I liked the use of individual soloists for the ‘Somewhere’ sequence and the way in which the large company and different levels were used throughout the whole presentation.

There were some strong individual performances and this was especially the case within the two gangs where the different personalities were well expressed and complemented each other perfectly. Ben Clark as Bernardo, Lee Sherwood as Action, Mikey Kowalczyk as A-rab, Ryan Hutten as Baby John and Simon Jones as Pepe all impressed. Duncan Earlan was also quietly effective in the difficult role of Chino. David Tickner brought a useful gravitas to the role of Doc.

As Riff, Simon Thompson produced a very sympathetic interpretation and acted, sang and danced with great strength and ability. This was a very memorable performance. Similarly, Emily Norman was a perfect choice for Anita. She sang and danced beautifully and extracted a great deal of emotion out of the part.

In the important central roles of Tony and Maria, Matt Johnson and Shellie Baigent made an attractive romantic couple and coped well with the tremendous demands on these characters, both physically and emotionally. Shellie, in particular, displayed a lovely singing voice and both soon established a strong rapport with the audience. However, the strongest overall impression of this production would have to be the teamwork, total commitment and sheer energy of all the young performers which all combined to produce a show of considerable quality.

– Michael G Williamson

NODA Regional Representative : District 1

West Side Story Credits:

Director: Dan Schumann

Musical Director: Stephen Kenna

Choreographer: Alex Broadie

Performed in Ely Cathedral on 29^th January, 2011

Fully central heated, this new space is a real jewel in Viva’s crown and is available at very reasonable rates.

To hire, call Peter Lawrence on 01353 722228 or email vivayouth@notmail.co.uk

The new centre will host a completely revamped shop selling fantastic items of clothing for the whole family, with an enlarged women’s clothing section and book market.

In addition to this, the long-awaited café will also host a wide variety of delicious treats and will welcome customers 9.30 am – 3.30 pm Monday to Saturday.

Keep an eye on the website for more details as to dates and times of the opening.