High kicking their way to success!
You’ve got to be brave to go on stage in tap shoes and fish net tights when you’ve never tap danced before. But last month the Veryan Players took up the challenge. As word spread about how good the show was, their production of ‘Stepping Out’ was a virtual sell-out.
Anyone who has been a regular member of a fitness class – be it dance or exercise – will recognise how a random group of people can be brought together and find common ground through a single interest. With enthusiasm and flare the cast drew out the individual characters of the dance group who are then faced with the challenge of their first public performance.
Most plays rely on the cast learning their lines and developing their characters, but this production went one step further. It asked the performers to master the art of tap dancing as well. And their hard work paid off. It earned huge respect from the audience who were taken on a journey through the ups and downs of training in the capable hands of teacher, ex-professional dancer, Mavis.
Moments of humour, crisis, sadness, soul searching and job searching, were explored through the different members of this small but eclectic class.
Reserved and self-conscious Geoffrey is the loan male and the subject of much discussion and speculation among the rest of the group.
Flamboyant and snobby Vera constantly puts her foot in it with well-meaning but often outrageous gaffs. There’s happy-go-lucky Sylvia. Her carefree attitude to life is little understood by quiet do-gooder Andy – who has set her sights on Geoffrey to escape an unhappy marriage. Timid Dorothy’s job in the Department of Work and Pensions puts her at odds with Sylvia and Sylvia’s husband’s dodgy working practices. Good hearted wheeler dealer Maxine supplies the group with costumes and words of advice while vivacious but caring Rose keeps the group entertained with song and dance. Meanwhile sensitive Lynn struggles with the reality of her nursing job.
And then there’s frosty Mrs Fraser the pianist with her curt one liner’s keeping the group in check.
The show ends with the grand finale as the cast reveal their perfected dance routine. They made us wait while the set was prepared but when the moment came it was a showstopper with glitter curtain, high kicks and top hats and tails.
All credit to everyone involved – from the cast and production team to those who worked behind the scenes and front of house. It was entertainment from start to finish. For four nights Veryan Parish Hall echoed with laughter and the audience left with smiles on their faces – you can’t ask for more from amateur dramatics.
And if you want to learn how to tap dance Sophie Mydlarz, who taught the cast their routines, has a tap ‘fun’ taster session at 7.30 next Thursday the 7 December at Veryan Sports and Social Club. Everyone welcome. If you want to book or know more just WhatsApp Sophie 07553 980723 or email her sophie@rechargetherapy.co.uk
If enough people are interested she plans to run more sessions in the new year.
