Past Shows by Dengie Hopes and Dreams Stage Company

Here are the reviews of our past shows

The first show took place in Autumn 2000 to celebrate the Millenium and it was such a success that we have been producing a show every year since then.

THE SEVEN SIDED DICE - 2009

A Musical Tale

"Four children, on holiday, discover a pair of odd - shaped dice that have magical properties. Transported into the land of Lady Fortune, the games of Snakes and Ladders, Space Invaders, Monopoly, Cluedo and Chess are played for real."

CRAZY CAPERS, DODGY DEALS - 2008

This is the story of the world's worst bungling burglars who decide to burgle the bank by digging a tunnel through from a local hotel. Unfortunately for them they choose to stay at the hotel the same week as everyone from their old school. The school reunion offers everyone a chance to talk about what they have been doing and rekindle old friendships, not to mention putting a couple of burglars back on the straight and narrow.

REALITY - THE MUSICAL 2007

Reality was great fun and based on a game show, with the game show hosts interupting the show every now and then. The real life adventure was happening on the railway station platform and the moral of the story was be careful what you wish for because things may not turn out as you planned!

TREASURE ISLAND 2006

BLACKOUT 2005

Dengie Hopes & Dreams Stage Company lined up its sixth summer show ‘BLACKOUT’. It told the story of Rachel who was evacuated from London to spend the war years in the relative safety of the countryside. It was a realistic and often heart-breaking story which provided its younger performers with an insight into the war-time experiences of many of the older members of our community.

BLACKOUT – 2006 – reviewed by Sylvia Paine

This year’s show chosen by Dengie Hopes and Dreams was a tribute to the older citizens and acknowledged all that is owed to them by present generations. It was the story of Rachel who represented “one evacuee in a thousand”.
It certainly was not an easy show to perform or sing but Hopes and Dreams did magnificently - and all in a week! The performers’ ages ranged from 11 to adult but most of them were in the 11-16-age range. Had I been in one of London’s top theatres I could not have found more talent, the singing the sensitivity of the acting, so many emotions, it was all there.

The cast were superb and carried their parts extremely well. Narrators (Liz Holliday, Charlotte Smith & Amy Moss – land army girls) did a superb job in singing the story line and such lovely voices. Hannah Rees (Rachel’s best friend) and Jemma Walshley as Doreen Reid were both quite brilliant in their supporting roles with Rachel. The Eagle family, Phil Merriam (dad) Jennifer Hammond (mum) & Theo Perry (Brother) really took you back to how a family from Bethnal Green in the late 30’s really were and the snobby Johnson family played by John Holliday (Dad) Rosie Smith (Mum) and brother Harold (with a lisp) Jack Saunders were such a great contrast. Yet again the mood changes when Rachel finally settles with a very kindly family – the Reid Family –Gordon Anderson (Dad) Eloise Ash (Mum) and their daughter Doreen(Jemma Walshley).

Along with a chorus of Mums, evacuees, school children, billeting officers, teachers & newsreaders all too many to mention by name. Although I would like to mention the “Clean up Gang” a group made up of young men who brought a real bit of comedy to the show – they were fantastic.

Each and every member of the cast deserved a bouquet but of course the biggest bouquet of all had to go to the leading lady Jessica Merriam who played Rachel – she was amazing - one moment she had you laughing the next you were searching for the tissues. An absolutely faultless performance.

Congratulations also to the people who work so hard all week behind the scenes, preparing food, rehearsing, and all the many other jobs that are required to be done to get a show like this on the road. Ann Barrett, musical director, Sue Lucas, Nick Perry & Allan & Sue Watkins who provided excellent musical backing. Wardrobe too deserves a mention – so authentic and where did you find the gas mask?

And last and by no means least Mr Tom Cooper the Director who used his own personal magic to bring this absolutely magical performance to us. Thank you Dengie Hopes and Dreams for a most amazing show – you are all Stars!

This show deserved a packed hall each night but where were you Burnham & surrounding villages? Stir yourselves and get out you will find it is far, far superior to
anything on TV!
Sylvia Paine.

PEPYS SHOW 2004
by Debbie Campbell

PEPYS SHOW GOES LIKE A DREAM

The Hopes and Dreams team has created another success.

For the fifth time local audiences have had the fun of seeing just what can be achieved in a week by entertainers of mixed ages and varied abilities, everyone determined to prove that enthusiasm is all you need. Seeing the confident acting and musical performances it was hard to realise that most of the work had taken place in just five days with Caroline Ryan directing, Ann Barrett as musical director and Sue Lucas a stalwart supporter as the accompanist.

The choice of Pepys’ Show by Debbie Campbell was a good one – entertaining and ideal for young performers with a simple story and catchy tunes. It was just amazing that such a gifted team could be found in the local villages and that so many fine portrayals could be hung on the skeletonal plans made in the Spring when work on the production began.

About 30 people appeared on stage, supported by nearly as many behind the scenes, and this year they could – thanks to various grants – parade in more elaborate costumes, with the stage better lit than before and the whole thing just a little more professional. Each year there are signs of small improvements to every aspect of each play and those involved – both the organising committee and those who perform – must be immensely proud to be part of this unique annual achievement.

A simple set, with Samuel Pepys seated to one side at his desk, complete with quill pen, reading from his famous diary in the 1660s, allowed the stage to fill with characters who enacted London’s history through the Restoration of King Charles II, the Plague, the great Fire of London and the triumphant rebuilding of the City that followed these disasters. Scene changes were limited to the simple expedient of of altering London names on a signpost and visual effects for the fire were cleverly managed with lighting, dancing and wind-blown columns of fluttering cloth.

Several of the youngsters played their parts with impressive skill, some of the singers were just astonishing with the power and range of their voices and the stage movements of large groups indicated careful concentration at rehearsal. When success ahs been achieved so notably by a team effort it seems unfair to pick out anyone specially because every member of the Hopes and Dreams team deserves unstinted praise for contributing to such an entertaining show.

Anne Burden

THE KING WITH COLD FEET 2003

Words and Music by Alan Simmons

The setting is a kingdom that belongs to no particular time, but to every time. The King is thoroughly modern and hopelessly old fashioned. He is beloved by his people and his kingdom is a radiantly happy place. But there is a problem. In spite of his doctor's best efforts, the King has cold feet! There is only one thing for it. The King must send his loyal subjects into the great unknown to find a cure.

The enthusiasm of the young cast shone through their confident singing and disciplined dance routines. The young soloists were a delight and more than did justice to Alan Simmon’s beautiful music.

The minimal set allowed for quick changes of scene with effective costumes and imaginative lighting conjuring up the atmosphere of the Ice Queen’s palace.

And now all the company has to do is find a home for a pair of size 110 feet! Anyone interested?

JUKEBOX 2002

The SHOWBIZ Musical!
: Words and music by Cenarth Fox

This show was something of a departure in that it had a secular story but nonetheless relied on the characters pulling together in order to defeat the machinations of the evil Ivana and her sidekicks.

The action is set in an old café in the quiet country town of Sleepy Hollow. Georgie has inherited it from her grandfather and she likes the peace of the rural environment. When the local council supports a development proposal everything is under threat. The town will be flooded with tourists and concrete. Worse still, Georgie's café will be demolished. Just when things look really bleak, Georgie gets a surprise gift from an old timer. This turns out to be an old jukebox which doesn't play songs, but people! When the buttons get pushed Sleepy Hollow gets the surprise of its life.

Needless to say, the famous entertainers that emerge help to make the café a real success and the developers fail to implement their plans.

Again, Jennifer took the main part and she was well supported by the youngsters playing her friends and the council members. The famous artistes were amazing; Natasha as Judy Garland, Tom as Al Jolson and Paul as the one and only Elvis.

Again, the standard of singing, dancing and acting was incredible and well supported by imaginative costumes, atmospheric staging and lighting, not to mention the band.

All of the shows have had live musical backing adding real sparkle to the productions. We are so grateful to Sue who has provided the brilliant accompaniment to all rehearsals and performances.

The star of the show was the jukebox itself. We were indebted to Jo and Bernard of the Blackwater Task Force who transformed a humble wardrobe into a miraculous machine. Greg's impressive smoke and lighting completed the magical effect. Three miracles in a row!

DANGEROUS JOURNEY 2001

Songs by Paul Field: Drama by Susie Pottinger with Jacqui & Rob Frost

Based on the story of "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan, the book was written in the form of a dream. In it Christian, the hero, leaves the City of Destruction to look for the Celestial City. On the journey he has many doubts and encounters fears and temptations in the form of the Slough, Apollyon, fierce lions, giants and the pleasures of Vanity Fair.

This show gave us plenty of dramatic scope and again resulted in some memorable performances. Heidi and Charlie were hilarious as the wimpish giant and his nagging wife as were Ezme and Lizzie who played Formalist and Hypocrisy as two archetypal Essex girls. Tom provided the frightening voice for Graham's amazing creation of the monster, Apollyon and Paul became Worldly Wiseman, the host of the Wiseman TV show and a real contender for Jerry Springer's job.

Many accolades went to Jennifer who played the demanding part of Christian with great professionalism. The chorus also deserved praise for its versatility in metamorphosing from circus performers at the Vanity Fair to the writhing bodies of the Slough of Despond. Once again we had achieved a miracle!

HOPES AND DREAMS 2000

A New Musical for a New Millennium: Lyrics and Music by Paul Field
Drama written by Stephen Deal

The show was based on the words of the Lord's Prayer. The music, dance and comedy explored the many facets of what is probably the best known prayer in the world.

The beautiful songs and powerful dance were interwoven with thought provoking and highly amusing sketches. Who will forget Charlie and Ian as undercover angels sweeping up the mess people make of the world we live in? Then there was the nightclub scene with Laurie and Brigid as Old Nick and his apprentice. The moving Hopes & Dreams theme song was made even more powerful by the cast "signing" the words as they sang and the finale showed the cast in their gold finery - a heavenly hoedown!


	Here are the reviews of our past shows
	The first show took place in Autumn 2000 to celebrate the Millenium and it was such a success that we have been producing a show every year since then.

	THE SEVEN SIDED DICE - 2009 A Musical Tale "Four children, on holiday, discover a pair of odd - shaped dice that have magical properties. Transported into the land of Lady Fortune, the games of Snakes and Ladders, Space Invaders, Monopoly, Cluedo and Chess are played for real."

	CRAZY CAPERS, DODGY DEALS - 2008 This is the story of the world's worst bungling burglars who decide to burgle the bank by digging a tunnel through from a local hotel. Unfortunately for them they choose to stay at the hotel the same week as everyone from their old school. The school reunion offers everyone a chance to talk about what they have been doing and rekindle old friendships, not to mention putting a couple of burglars back on the straight and narrow.

	REALITY - THE MUSICAL 2007 Reality was great fun and based on a game show, with the game show hosts interupting the show every now and then. The real life adventure was happening on the railway station platform and the moral of the story was be careful what you wish for because things may not turn out as you planned!

	TREASURE ISLAND 2006 Stephen Kingsbury has brought this universally known story to life with an injection of song, dance and humour. The original plot is woven into a superb musical version. All the original characters appear - Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, Ben Gunn etc with a few new ones added to provide additional parts and storylines. Go to www.playsandmusicals.co.uk for more info.

	BLACKOUT 2005 Dengie Hopes & Dreams Stage Company lined up its sixth summer show ‘BLACKOUT’. It told the story of Rachel who was evacuated from London to spend the war years in the relative safety of the countryside. It was a realistic and often heart-breaking story which provided its younger performers with an insight into the war-time experiences of many of the older members of our community. BLACKOUT – 2006 – reviewed by Sylvia Paine This year’s show chosen by Dengie Hopes and Dreams was a tribute to the older citizens and acknowledged all that is owed to them by present generations. It was the story of Rachel who represented “one evacuee in a thousand”. It certainly was not an easy show to perform or sing but Hopes and Dreams did magnificently - and all in a week! The performers’ ages ranged from 11 to adult but most of them were in the 11-16-age range. Had I been in one of London’s top theatres I could not have found more talent, the singing the sensitivity of the acting, so many emotions, it was all there. The cast were superb and carried their parts extremely well. Narrators (Liz Holliday, Charlotte Smith & Amy Moss – land army girls) did a superb job in singing the story line and such lovely voices. Hannah Rees (Rachel’s best friend) and Jemma Walshley as Doreen Reid were both quite brilliant in their supporting roles with Rachel. The Eagle family, Phil Merriam (dad) Jennifer Hammond (mum) & Theo Perry (Brother) really took you back to how a family from Bethnal Green in the late 30’s really were and the snobby Johnson family played by John Holliday (Dad) Rosie Smith (Mum) and brother Harold (with a lisp) Jack Saunders were such a great contrast. Yet again the mood changes when Rachel finally settles with a very kindly family – the Reid Family –Gordon Anderson (Dad) Eloise Ash (Mum) and their daughter Doreen(Jemma Walshley). Along with a chorus of Mums, evacuees, school children, billeting officers, teachers & newsreaders all too many to mention by name. Although I would like to mention the “Clean up Gang” a group made up of young men who brought a real bit of comedy to the show – they were fantastic. Each and every member of the cast deserved a bouquet but of course the biggest bouquet of all had to go to the leading lady Jessica Merriam who played Rachel – she was amazing - one moment she had you laughing the next you were searching for the tissues. An absolutely faultless performance. Congratulations also to the people who work so hard all week behind the scenes, preparing food, rehearsing, and all the many other jobs that are required to be done to get a show like this on the road. Ann Barrett, musical director, Sue Lucas, Nick Perry & Allan & Sue Watkins who provided excellent musical backing. Wardrobe too deserves a mention – so authentic and where did you find the gas mask? And last and by no means least Mr Tom Cooper the Director who used his own personal magic to bring this absolutely magical performance to us. Thank you Dengie Hopes and Dreams for a most amazing show – you are all Stars! This show deserved a packed hall each night but where were you Burnham & surrounding villages? Stir yourselves and get out you will find it is far, far superior to anything on TV! Sylvia Paine.

	PEPYS SHOW 2004 by Debbie Campbell PEPYS SHOW GOES LIKE A DREAM The Hopes and Dreams team has created another success. For the fifth time local audiences have had the fun of seeing just what can be achieved in a week by entertainers of mixed ages and varied abilities, everyone determined to prove that enthusiasm is all you need. Seeing the confident acting and musical performances it was hard to realise that most of the work had taken place in just five days with Caroline Ryan directing, Ann Barrett as musical director and Sue Lucas a stalwart supporter as the accompanist. The choice of Pepys’ Show by Debbie Campbell was a good one – entertaining and ideal for young performers with a simple story and catchy tunes. It was just amazing that such a gifted team could be found in the local villages and that so many fine portrayals could be hung on the skeletonal plans made in the Spring when work on the production began. About 30 people appeared on stage, supported by nearly as many behind the scenes, and this year they could – thanks to various grants – parade in more elaborate costumes, with the stage better lit than before and the whole thing just a little more professional. Each year there are signs of small improvements to every aspect of each play and those involved – both the organising committee and those who perform – must be immensely proud to be part of this unique annual achievement. A simple set, with Samuel Pepys seated to one side at his desk, complete with quill pen, reading from his famous diary in the 1660s, allowed the stage to fill with characters who enacted London’s history through the Restoration of King Charles II, the Plague, the great Fire of London and the triumphant rebuilding of the City that followed these disasters. Scene changes were limited to the simple expedient of of altering London names on a signpost and visual effects for the fire were cleverly managed with lighting, dancing and wind-blown columns of fluttering cloth. Several of the youngsters played their parts with impressive skill, some of the singers were just astonishing with the power and range of their voices and the stage movements of large groups indicated careful concentration at rehearsal. When success ahs been achieved so notably by a team effort it seems unfair to pick out anyone specially because every member of the Hopes and Dreams team deserves unstinted praise for contributing to such an entertaining show. Anne Burden

	*THE KING WITH COLD FEET 2003* Words and Music by Alan Simmons The setting is a kingdom that belongs to no particular time, but to every time. The King is thoroughly modern and hopelessly old fashioned. He is beloved by his people and his kingdom is a radiantly happy place. But there is a problem. In spite of his doctor's best efforts, the King has cold feet! There is only one thing for it. The King must send his loyal subjects into the great unknown to find a cure. The enthusiasm of the young cast shone through their confident singing and disciplined dance routines. The young soloists were a delight and more than did justice to Alan Simmon’s beautiful music. The minimal set allowed for quick changes of scene with effective costumes and imaginative lighting conjuring up the atmosphere of the Ice Queen’s palace. And now all the company has to do is find a home for a pair of size 110 feet! Anyone interested?

	*JUKEBOX 2002* The SHOWBIZ Musical! Words and music by Cenarth Fox This show was something of a departure in that it had a secular story but nonetheless relied on the characters pulling together in order to defeat the machinations of the evil Ivana and her sidekicks. The action is set in an old café in the quiet country town of Sleepy Hollow. Georgie has inherited it from her grandfather and she likes the peace of the rural environment. When the local council supports a development proposal everything is under threat. The town will be flooded with tourists and concrete. Worse still, Georgie's café will be demolished. Just when things look really bleak, Georgie gets a surprise gift from an old timer. This turns out to be an old jukebox which doesn't play songs, but people! When the buttons get pushed Sleepy Hollow gets the surprise of its life. Needless to say, the famous entertainers that emerge help to make the café a real success and the developers fail to implement their plans. Again, Jennifer took the main part and she was well supported by the youngsters playing her friends and the council members. The famous artistes were amazing; Natasha as Judy Garland, Tom as Al Jolson and Paul as the one and only Elvis. Again, the standard of singing, dancing and acting was incredible and well supported by imaginative costumes, atmospheric staging and lighting, not to mention the band. All of the shows have had live musical backing adding real sparkle to the productions. We are so grateful to Sue who has provided the brilliant accompaniment to all rehearsals and performances. The star of the show was the jukebox itself. We were indebted to Jo and Bernard of the Blackwater Task Force who transformed a humble wardrobe into a miraculous machine. Greg's impressive smoke and lighting completed the magical effect. Three miracles in a row!

	*DANGEROUS JOURNEY 2001* Songs by Paul Field Drama by Susie Pottinger with Jacqui & Rob Frost Based on the story of "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan, the book was written in the form of a dream. In it Christian, the hero, leaves the City of Destruction to look for the Celestial City. On the journey he has many doubts and encounters fears and temptations in the form of the Slough, Apollyon, fierce lions, giants and the pleasures of Vanity Fair. This show gave us plenty of dramatic scope and again resulted in some memorable performances. Heidi and Charlie were hilarious as the wimpish giant and his nagging wife as were Ezme and Lizzie who played Formalist and Hypocrisy as two archetypal Essex girls. Tom provided the frightening voice for Graham's amazing creation of the monster, Apollyon and Paul became Worldly Wiseman, the host of the Wiseman TV show and a real contender for Jerry Springer's job. Many accolades went to Jennifer who played the demanding part of Christian with great professionalism. The chorus also deserved praise for its versatility in metamorphosing from circus performers at the Vanity Fair to the writhing bodies of the Slough of Despond. Once again we had achieved a miracle!

	*HOPES AND DREAMS 2000* A New Musical for a New Millennium Lyrics and Music by Paul Field Drama written by Stephen Deal The show was based on the words of the Lord's Prayer. The music, dance and comedy explored the many facets of what is probably the best known prayer in the world. The beautiful songs and powerful dance were interwoven with thought provoking and highly amusing sketches. Who will forget Charlie and Ian as undercover angels sweeping up the mess people make of the world we live in? Then there was the nightclub scene with Laurie and Brigid as Old Nick and his apprentice. The moving Hopes & Dreams theme song was made even more powerful by the cast "signing" the words as they sang and the finale showed the cast in their gold finery - a heavenly hoedown!