Highcliffe Charity Players 
Regent Centre, Christchurch
Carole Gadsby 
25 July 2024
This was not a show I was familiar with although I had seen the movie many moons ago. I was not disappointed – it was full of joy, fun and laughter from beginning to end. It captured the spirit of the 1980s, leaving the audience nostalgic and totally entertained. It was apparent that the cast were having a ball up there and embraced the show with vigour and excitement. They displayed a level of enthusiasm and dedication that elevated the entire performance.
The lead actor John-Luke Greenacre, playing Robbie Hart, brought an infectious energy to the stage. His charisma and vocals shone through, especially during the show-stopping number ‘Somebody Kill Me’. There was obvious chemistry between him and Harry Young who played Sammy and Stan Smith who played George. Harry a lovable yob, his energy and vitality held the stage, and Stan’s larger than life performance hammed up his role to perfection. Having watched Stan in many productions over the years, this was his best to date. His costumes were magnificent, I was eagerly awaiting his every entrance. They were an awesome team very well cast together as each brought something different to the stage.
Georgie Carter who played Julia, was superb throughout the show, her singing voice shone through, and she acted with confidence and expertise, I loved her performance.
Val Gillard who played Rosie was funny, lovable and charming in equal measures, a very good performance. I particularly loved when she came on and did back-flips across the stage, it was so convincing and very amusing. Holly, who played Olivia Reeks, had a wonderful singing voice and she moved around the stage effortlessly, she was very convincing as a good friend to Julia. Shannon Cook, who played Linda, who dumped Robbie at the altar, was sexy and fun to watch and she embraced her role with enthusiasm and gusto. Not forgetting Glen, the chauvinistic fiancé of Julia played by Oscar Trehane, who probably had the most difficult part to shine in, however he gave it his all and held the stage.
The choreography by Gabby Travers was a definite highlight of the show, it was full of high-energy dance routines that effectively captured the spirit of the era. The ensemble worked seamlessly together, executing complex moves with impressive coordination. There were a few minor hiccups, but this did not detract from the overall impression.
The live band led competently by Stuart Darling delivered a robust musical performance, nailing the rock-infused score that characterizes the 1980s to perfection. The director Adam Myers deserves commendation for maintaining the pacing and ensuring that the comedic elements of the script landed perfectly.
The production was Stage Managed well by Pete Whitaker and his team, and the set design was cleverly crafted to transport the audience back to the 1980s, with vibrant colours and iconic props that sparked nostalgia. The transitions between scenes were smooth, maintaining the flow of the story. Costume design was an absolute triumph, with the cast adorned in era-appropriate outfits that were both flashy and fun. The attention to detail, added an extra layer of authenticity to the production. There were a few minor mishaps with sound and lighting, but all was well managed.
This production of The Wedding Singer was a resounding success. The combination of spirited performances, lively choreography, and nostalgic elements made for an evening of delightful entertainment for all. The audience went out smiling.
