Here I am again, reviewing a theatrical performance, which to be honest isn’t really my thing.

But this performance deserves a special mention. This is the Carlton Operatic Society’s fabulous performance of Kipps – based on the musical “Half a Sixpence”.

Whenever I think about amateur dramatic societies, I immediately start to lower my expectations. I mean, they will never be as good as professionals, will they?

Go wash your mouth out Robert!

Kipps is the story of Arthur Kipps and his childhood sweetheart Ann. When Arthur comes into some money, he suddenly finds himself elevated into high society, leaving Ann behind. Will true love prevail? You will have to watch the show to find out.

The story is easy to follow and fun to watch it as it unfolds on stage.

I’ve seen a few ‘Society’ productions in the past, and while they are good, they aren’t perfect. Carlton Operatic Society describe themselves as a “proud group of talented singers, dancers and actors who come together to perform professional-standard productions”.

For most that may seem a little conceited, but not for this group. They are spectacular, the productions are polished and I could have easily forgiven myself for thinking I was sat in the West End watching the show.

The other thing that may deter people from watching is the Society’s name – Operatic. While I haven’t yet seen anything operatic (but would love to, its on my bucket list) there is absolutely nothing operatic about this production and no-one should be put off by the title of the group.

The lead character, Arthur Kipps, was played by Lu Anthony – while this was their first performance with Carlton, they have a proven track record with other societies with a string of well known productions.

A very talented performer, Lu gave us an amazingly strong deep voice when it suits, interspersed with a timid endearing Souf’ England accent, and is an exceptional singer. Throw in some amazing dance moves and a solid tap routine, and Lu’s first outing with Carlton was a 100% outstanding success.

Ann Pornick was confidently played by Sarah Thompson who also has a talented singing voice, a good comedy timing and competent dance skills – I especially liked her duet with Flo, played by Alison Watkins, both of them giving a very strong performance that was well received by the audience.

The cast was huge, too big to give everyone a mention here, but I will single out Helen Tunnicliff who played Lady Punnet, who added a very funny comedic touch to the number “Pick out a simple tune”. I don’t know if it was accidental or deliberate, but on occasion there were shades of Julie Walter in her performance, which I particularly liked.

The choreography was exceptional, the whole cast’s timing and positioning was perfect – we had a particularly good overview from the back of the dress circle and I never saw anyone out of place or out of step.

But for both myself and Sue, the thing that stood out was the sheer energy on stage. It is a fast moving show with many fast moving numbers – “Flash Bang Wallop” was the highlight for me and exceptionally well delivered – and the energy just didn’t stop. Straight after the show ended and the cast made their bows and left the stage, the rear curtains re-opened to reveal the cast re-assembled for an additional short musical routine with every cast member seemingly playing a banjo, and if that wasn’t enough, they then did a short dance reprise to many of the show’s songs while the orchestra played out, finally bringing the whole theatre to their feet for a well deserved standing ovation.

I think the most exciting and heartwarming thing for me was the huge smiles on all the cast’s faces all the way through the show, and especially at the final curtain when they were positively beaming.

And why not? It’s not a job, they do this for sheer enjoyment, and they were certainly well received and justly rewarded last night.

Don’t be put off – this is a class show and you will be missing a treat if you don’t get yourself down to the theatre before it finishes on Saturday!

(We paid full price for our tickets and have no links with the Carlton Operatic Society)