Set Design and Construction, --- Rob Thorpe and Sarah Carter.--- this was a very simple set but had the basic ingredients for what was required.  

Sound, --- Rob Evans, and Lighting, --- Chris Osland.
Both did a very efficient job, with no apparent problems.

Wardrobe Mistress, ---- Christine Jones.
Overall the effect was fine, but there were times when I felt there was a miss-match.  Some of the Cowgirls skirts were very short, and one member in particular kept pulling at her skirt, as if she felt very self conscious.!

The earthy browns and beiges gave us the ideas of poverty, and this contrasted well with the outfits worn in the Ballroom scene, showing the gentility and style of another 'class', and the strong ceremonial style of the Indian scene demonstrating tribal customs. One realises then, the effect of colour, is so important in a production such as this, in order to create the dramatic atmosphere. Congratulations on a job well done.

Make-up, and Hair, --- Elaine and Jo Kerswell.
I have no complaints about the hair styles, but overall I was disappointed with the make-up.  

Props.
You did a fine job, as there are so many 'bits and pieces' that have to be found. Were you sent enough ammunition for the rifles,--- as it seemed more practice needed to have taken place with the individuals using them. ??

Programme, --- Dave and Rosemary Stickland.
This was fine, --- produced on good quality paper, and had all the essential information in it, for the audience to read.

Principal Cast.  
Unicyclist, --- Simon Cramp, --- also Pawnee's Messenger. --- nice way to open the show.

Charlie Davenport, --- Andy Thomas.
As manager! felt he was a little too 'laid back', --- there were times when he needed to be more aggressive, ---- as he wanted results, --- I expected more of 'the wheeler dealer' image, but perhaps he played it the way the Director wanted. He was as mentioned very relaxed, and some of his comedic lines came over well to the audience. His singing voice was tuneful.

Dolly Tate, --- Linda Collins.
Dolly was Annie's rival for Frank's attentions and there was plenty of confrontation between the two e.g. the 'business', of the table clothes before the first shooting match. I liked the scene between her and Annie's family during the gun cleaning, and her attempted bribery of young Jake 'I wanna buy you an ice cream'. A competent and expressive singer. A confident performance.

Foster Wilson / Porter, / Pawnee Bill, --- Mike Davies.
A 'man of many parts', --- as the hotel owner, who was so impressed by Annie's bird shooting skills, and suggested her as a challenger to Frank in the competition. Mike's character was important at the beginning of Act One and helped to set the scene for the action to follow. This was fine, but I did not find sufficient change in his character when he had to be Pawnee Bill. --- and again this is so important in a show.--- now he is a businessman, and entrepreneur, rival to the flamboyant Buffalo Bill. This was a clear characterisation of a powerful man equally at home whether setting up a new business merger or hosting a Grand Ball.

Annie Oakley, --- Anya Rollings.
Anya performed miracles with this difficult role of this raunchy character, her voice was able to cope well with the more 'gusty' musical numbers. She performed all the romantic numbers beautifully, and her sweet and tuneful voice was heard to excellent effect especially in 'I got lost in his arms'. She also had good breathing control holding such a long note, during 'Anything You Can Do', and her dancing was joyful and expressive. You have come on in leaps and bounds since Gertie in Oklahoma. Congratulations on a superb performance.

Frank Butler, --- Rob Thorpe.
Frank liked 'the dainty kind' of woman, and during his early meetings with Annie, advised her to stop shooting, saying 'Get yourself a pair of knitting needles'. His rudeness extended to most of his female fans and when Sylvia, his 'latest' invited him to some clandestine meeting saying' I'll hold my breath until you come', Frank's unpleasant reply was 'You do that'!
I'm not convinced that Rob understood fully this complex character that he was playing. I did not see the two contrasting sides to his character sufficiently, and to me he didn't end up as the hero of the story, --- as he should have.
His singing voice was fine, but he was not always in time with the orchestra, a glance occasionally at the M.D. would have been of benefit.! Makeup, --- where was it ?? --- on one occasion you took off your hat, --- ( I have yet to work out why that was necessary) --- it did not seem relevant to the script. !! --- and the semi bald white patch at the top of your head was so clear, and pathetic. Your picture on the front cover of the programme did you more justice. You are a character on stage, --- not Rob Thorpe.

Buffalo Bill, --- Nigel Thornbory.
This actor had given much thought to his role, and he played it as a gentle giant of a man, -- a lovely larger than life character. He worked well with Charlie, and they were both involved in doing deals for the sake of the Wild West Show.
An experienced performer, Nigel brought the role to life, singing strongly in the quartet 'Show Business', and speaking clearly. A dignified performance.

Chief Sitting Bull, --- Michael Hurd.
This is a great character part, ----- and as well as Michael performed it, ---- I was expecting a little more, ----- as Chief of the Indian Tribe. ----- I expected a terrific amount of powerful, resounding speaking, strong body language, and the necessary stillness and unflappability
His feathered head dress was fine, but I would have liked to have seen him dressed in a more flamboyant, patterned garment, --- than a white shirt, and trousers.! ---- and I felt his makeup as a tribal chief was insufficient.
He had some good lines to say, --- his three rules in life being, ---- 'No red meat', 'No get feet wet', and 'No put money in show-business' !
I think he enjoyed playing the role, ---- as I did, having played it twice in the last fifteen years.! !

Mac, --- Lewis Shaw.
He was an invaluable assistant in the Wild West Show, and did all that was asked of him. I wish him every success as Bugsy, in the forthcoming production.

The Family:
Little Jake, ---- Scott Glover, Eric Morgan.
Nellie,  -------- Mia Collins.
Jessie,  -------- Megan Thorpe.
Minnie,  -------- Emily Stanyon.
These young performers were excellent. They were naturally confident, speaking clearly and looking delightful. Congratulations to you all. I'm not sure who took the part of Little Jake on Saturday evening. Charlie Thorpe, as the Indian Boy, came over well.

Supporting Roles.
There were so many smaller roles, which fitted into the chorus numbers, as well as the specialised dances, and the Ballroom number. All characterisations were true and well considered, and essential to the success ofthe show.

The Production.

Choreographers, ---- Gill Morgan and Deidre Jones.
Dancing was arranged and taught by Deidre, and Gill. Changes of speed, and positions on stage were well considered, considering the size to work with on stage, and the number of cast. Heads and arms were moved together, and most of the Dancers smiled, and gave the impression they were enjoying what they were doing.
Dance steps given to members of the chorus were simplified, yet well performed, adding much to the general movement overall.

Musical Director, ----- Nick Kenworthy-Browne,--- had a very balanced orchestra, which never overpowered the soloists.--- and it was nice to see a mixture of youth and more experienced members in the orchestra. The percussion had some extra parts written into their scores, ---- as mentioned earlier!!!
The show included many different styles e.g. the blockbuster, there's no business like show business', a real powerful, rousing number, the romantic, lyrical tune of 'They say its Wonderful' and the dramatic rhythmic style of the Indian ceremonial with the regular beat of the tom toms in the background. Everyone coped well with these contrasting numbers, with attention to pace, timing and tonal quality.

Chorus singing was fine, and the voices on stage were well balanced.

Director,
Gill Morgan --- directed the production with imagination, resulting in some very nice pictures to enjoy.
Good use was made of the auditorium for some scenes, and both stage entrances and exits were made use of in a functional manner, considering the limited wing space one has.
I would have liked to have seen more participation in the crowd scenes when the shooting contest was underway, with lots more cheering and raucous shouting.! Some members of the cast did not seem very interested, --- oh we've seen this all before!! --- everyone must keep acting, throughout the whole show'. It's surprising what the audience can see!!

The first Act is very long, and there were times when the pace dropped, and occasionally cues were not slick enough. However the 'flavour' of the Wild West was presented throughout, and everyone on stage gave a joie-de-vivre ending to the production, which always makes such a difference to a show.