Here's What They Said About......

Viva Mexico 2003
UMT were awarded Best Staging (Musical) by NODA at the NODA North West Awards 2004.

Pictured above is Anita Partridge, the chair of Urmston Musical Theatre, receiving the award from Whit Stennet, the Mayor of Trafford. Special thanks must go to Rick Lipman, a student at Manchester Grammar School who was the designer of the Viva Mexico set and to our marvellous backstage team of John Cockshott, Neville Parkinson, Bill Palmer and Brian Verity .

Reproduced from the Stretford and Urmston Messenger 16/10/2003

The people behind Urmston Musical Theatre's next show are clear about the effect it will have on the audience - they promise: "You'll go home feeling bright, cheery and full of summer sun,"

The director of Viva Mexico says it reminds her of old Fred Astaire films Doreen Cockshott said: "It's a lovely show. It's light, fun and colourful."

Written for amateurs, she admits the society chose it with members in mind Doreen said, "Because it has lots of choral work, it's fun to do. If a company are enjoying what they are doing, people will feel the vibes and their enthusiasm will rub off on the public." She continued, "It reminds me of old Fred Astaire films - dance routines, then a song, then a bit of a story."

The plot centres on Ramon, otherwise known as El Zorro, the bandit, played by former youth member, Matthew Darsley. He robs a coach at the request of Mendoza, Mexico's wildest revolutionary. Doreen admires the way veteran performer Ralph Etherington puts across Mendoza, a man prone to getting his words mixed up. "Ralph's delivery is so good no punch line is lost on him."

Viva Mexico is well known for its humour, particularly when henchmen Pepe and Pablo appear. Played by pantomime twosome, Aidan Kielty and Gareth Jones, they can't go wrong when it comes to getting laughs. Viva Mexico is showing at Urmston Sports Centre in Bowfell Road fom October 28 to November 1. To book tickets telephone Kath Brockbanks on 718 1010

Julia Taylor

Reproduced from the NODA Magazine

Phil Park's Latin American musical was presented with energy and enthusiasm against an in-house set which was equal to anything you may hire. The cast had a satisfying determination which was needed because the text is trite and the well known tunes hold the show together.

Those tunes were pitched for an era when the word operatic in a society's title reflected the musical style which doesn't sit well on today's singers.

Cast devotion, scenery, costumes and good tunes were the ingredients that gave entertainment value to this night at the Poolside Theatre.

Comedy was in the safe hands of Ralph Etherington as the Malapropos Mendoza. Due to ill health chairman Anita Partridge had to stand in for the Priestess miming to the fine voice of the chorus mistress Eileen Salt. Congratulations to everyone, your hard work came across.

John Flay