A CHORUS LINE

"A Chorus Line - the usual musical it is not! Kentish Players, as always, came up with a cracker of a production, adding to their already long list of outstanding shows. I have nothing but praise for Claire Jennison's choreography, beautifully devised and immaculately performed by her team of extremely high standard dancers - the girls were simply marvelous, but boys only slightly less so! Well done lads, it can't have been easy keeping up with all those glamorous young ladies! It would be wrong to pick out individuals in this show; everyone is a star in his own right. The whole show is made up of the most exciting dance routines, loud music and song, all under the guise of auditioning for a Broadway show. There are no breathing spaces in this show (no interval) and the quick change for the finale was something else! The cast, who danced their socks off, were not costumed until the finale when they all appeared in the most glittering of outfits. A glittering end to a sparkling show. Veronica Corry's direction led the production smoothly to its sparkling finale, with the audience thoroughly enjoying this challenging and exhilarating performance."

Director: Veronica Corry Choreographer: Claire Jennison Musical Director: Martyn Clements

Principle cast: Catherine Alder (Judy), Ann Boarer (Connie), Jo Clements (Bebe), Nikki Cordell (Diana), Rachael Cordell (Val), Tia Crayford (Cassie), Debbie Corry (Sheila), Claire Jennison (Kristine), Karina Malone (Maggie), Joleen Sture (Larry). Paul Atwell (Zac), Simon Barnard (Mike), Jimmy Burton (Paul), Trevor Cleaves (Mark), Scott Highway (Bobby), Mark Jennison (Don), Andy Kemp (Al), Chris Smith (Richie), Alex Sykes (Greg).

Dancers & Booth Singers: Claire Bramley-Harker, Clare Curtis, Maria Martin, Luke Stevenson, Katie Strevens

GODSPELL. . .

.In November, the company moved into the Brook Theatre with its new production of Godspell. With a cast of just ten, rehearsals for this production were intense and involved a very busy summer of singing tuition, improvisation sessions and demanding dance routines. The cast were really put through their paces to deliver a very different sort of production for the KPs...and Godspell was received every night by wildly enthusiastic audiences. Godspell is based on the gospel according to St Matthew and was a success for the Kentish Players back in 1984. The 2000 production was brought bang-up-to-date by its production team who swapped the traditional flares and tinted glasses for combats and war paint.

Director: Rachael Cordell Choreographer: Claire Jennison Musical Director: Stephen P Brown

Cast: Simon Barnard (Judas), Emma Burford, Nikki Cordell, Jennifer Herron, Mark Jennison, Andy Kemp, Maria Martin, Guy Pascall (Jesus), Philippa Reed, Chris Smith

FAME. . .

In June, more than 30 actors, dancers and musicians stormed their way through an exhilarating production of FAME. The first amateur showing of the hit musical took place at the Central Theatre, Chatham, and despite the sweltering weather and the final performance clashing with the England v Germany match of Euro 2000, the show was a huge success! The production was directed by Veronica Corry, with choreography from Helen McNally and musical direction in the control of Martyn Clements. Based on the hit TV series of the 80's, Fame the Musical follows the story of a group of talented young students at the New York High School of Performing Arts, on their journey from Freshman Year to Graduation. Songs from the show include Hard Work, Bring on Tomorrow, I Want to Make Magic, Think of Meryl Streep, and of course Fame. The show had a very successful run in the West End and completed a national tour before being released for amateur performance. It has since returned to the London stage.

Director: Veronica Corry Choreographer: Helen McNally Musical Director: Martyn Clements Dance Captain: Claire Jennison

Principle Cast: Catherine Alder (Iris), Simon Barnard (Joe Vegas), Lee Batt (Schlomo), Estelle Burfoot-Reed (Lambchops), Rachael Cordell (Serena), Itse Iyonmike (Tyrone), Heather Notley (Carmen), Guy Pascall (Nick)