Exeter Musical Society - Formerly Exeter Amateur Operatic Society - Established 1904
Show Reviews
 
Express & Echo - May 06, 2011, Superstar cast impress
 
I REMEMBER seeing Jesus Christ Superstar in the 1970s and thinking that it was little more than a hippie love-in with Jesus at the helm. However, having seen the show again on Good Friday, I came away with very different feelings.
The Exeter Musical Society's production of this show written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice, was one of great sadness. However, an inner joy prevailed. It was superbly directed, with a sense of reverence, by Martin J Kingston.
One of the things that impressed me most was the set. It had the appearance of a modern church with its triangular shaped window of stained glass, and steps, that led up to the high alter to where Christ was eventually to be sacrificed. Both cast and orchestra were fantastic.
From the first pluck of a guitar string, we were hooked! There was a wonderful freshness about this production. The show opened with an angry Judas singing Heaven On Their Minds. Matt Roberts was excellent as the cynical Judas, betrayer of Christ. He also showed up the jealousy of this tortuous man, particularly in the group song, Strange Thing Mystifying. Chloe Whittaker sang the role of Mary Magdalene beautifully. John Burgoyne was a traditional Jesus who understood the nature of suffering. In stark contrast was Adrian Fox who played King Herod, malicious mocker of Jesus! And Paul Luffman as the Pharisee, Caiphas, was very much the evil villain, as were his team.The Last Supper was inspired by Michaelangelo's painting. And finally, at the very end of the show, we saw Christ and Judas facing other. A shadow fell over Judas while Jesus was bathed in light before disappearing into their separate worlds.This wonderful show got a standing ovation.                                                                        
Maxine O'Reilly

Express & Echo - April 20, 2011, Amazing production has the quality of a West End show
 
EXETER Musical Society attracted a capacity audience for the opening night of their production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Everyone in the theatre was enthralled by the traditional production of director Martin Kingston, musical director Julia Green and choreographer Nicholette Pollard.
I never expected a community production to have the quality of a West End show. But the Exeter Musical Society cast were amazing, attaining pitch perfect deliveries – and enjoying every moment. The lead singers looked as though they were born to perform.John Burgoyne brings elegance and serenity to his powerful portrayal of Jesus, while Chloe Whittaker, as Mary, gives a beautiful rendition of "I don't know how to love him", which brought an emotional response from the audience. I felt that tingling electrical feel that one only experiences from exquisite singers.Judas, played by Matt Roberts, looked completely at ease delivering a stunning rock performance. Complemented by the strength of Pilate (James Dunk), the very camp but beautifully acted part of Herod (Adrian Fox) and a dedicated cast of 48, the crew and creative team have delivered a rock opera to rival any professional production.The icing on the cake was the quality of the outstanding costumes by Anne Penfold and the marvellous choreography.Many a time I have been to an amateur production where the costumes look tired and the dancing is ill timed and uncoordinated. Here the eye for detail has brought the story to life in an exceptional production that should not be missed.
This is musical theatre at its best.
Sharon Kemp
 
Express & Echo - September 23, 2010 , Anything Goes is a very polished show 
 
WE HAVE just returned from a fantastic evening of entertainment.Parking was easy and we enjoyed an excellent pre-show dinner in Bedford Square. Very happy with our Italian meal we made our way the short distance to the Barnfield Theatre. It really is a delightful theatre.Small but perfectly formed. The current show, Anything Goes, performed by the Exeter Musical Society, was fantastic.Very polished, full of fun and performed with great enthusiasm. There were glamorous costumes, slick humour and songs belted out in true Broadway style. Annie, the dog, performed like an old pro.As for the rest of the cast, one of the shows songs says it all.Frankly guys: "You're the top".
Pamela Bottomley 
 
Express & Echo - September 17, 2010 , Performance was worthy of West End
 
RAPTUROUS applause after the West End-worthy performance of I Get a Kick Out of You, announced the start of Cole Porter's timeless classic, Anything Goes, in the packed Barnfield Theatre.
The production, performed by the Exeter Musical Society, tells the madcap tale of a stowaway broker's quest for love. His pursuits result in a series of mistaken identities, romantic encounters and rousing songs, all on board an ocean liner.Based on the book by P G Wodehouse and Guy Bolton, the play was peppered with witty one-liners, plenty of outrageous accents and a very well-behaved dog.
The star of the show was clearly the fantastic Lyn Burgoyne, who plays Reno Sweeny, whose voice instantly absorbed the whole theatre.An excellent rendition of The Gypsy In Me by Martin Kingston was preceded by Blow Gabriel Blow, a dazzling array of sequins, mirror balls and sultry sax notes, which again gave Mrs Burgoyne a chance to show off her fabulous voice.Everything, from the slick choreography to the sterling cast to the feel good feeling on exiting the theatre, acts a stark reminder of why Government spending cuts should not affect local arts.A definite must-see for an evening of sheer entertainment. There is still time to see the musical, which is on tonight at 7.30 and tomorrow at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Barnfield Theatre. Tickets, at £13 (£10 conc), are available on the door.
Lima Curtis
 
Express & Echo - April 25, 2009, Operatic group gave us a smashing show
 
I'M sure I speak on behalf of all my friends (although I haven't actually quizzed them) when I say how much we all enjoyed Hello Dolly at Exeter Northcott, staged by the Exeter Amateur Operatic Society.It was a smashing production with good acting, great singing and dancing and a real feelgood factor. The cast must have been rehearsing for weeks, I suppose, but on the night it was worth it, they were so professional.They were supported by a very competent backstage staff and a group of talented musicians — all in all a wonderful end to Budget Day.I can't urge your readers to support them this year because the production will be over by the time you hopefully print this but a huge thank you to all the members of the amateur operatic society — we will see you next year!
Mrs C Lane (on behalf of the Wives' Group)