For one night only, Oldham-based Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, New Music performed songs from Musicals on the theme of love for Valentine's Eve at The Grange Arts Centre, Oldham.
The auditorium though, despite the love theme, looked very bare and foreboding. We were presented with a totally empty and black stage - the only decoration being two small bunches of red balloons on the back wall either side of a projection screen. However, once the performers took to the stage, we forgot the lack of decoration, as we were swept away by the energy and enthusiasm of all involved. The show started with a full chorus rendition of the song from the title, Seasons Of Love from Rent, and from then on we were treated to solos and duets from Broadway hits spanning several generations; although the vast majority were current.
There were even a couple of numbers in there that although I hate to admit it, were new to me! I don't know the Musical, Heathers, and I've never seen Ghost - The Musical, and so these two songs were both a delight and a surprise!
Obviously some of the songs were better sung and suited the singers' voices better than others, but I am not here to judge the performers - this isn't The Voice - it was a celebration of all the different aspects of love (see what I did there??) found in Musical Theatre joyously performed by some of the best amateur singing talent that Oldham has to offer. I enjoyed and appreciated every item, but my personal favourite was without doubt, Master Of the House from Les Misérables. 
As all who were there last night can attest to, there was one thing which really most unfortunately spoilt the evening, and that was the sound. The mic levels were, for the most part set too high, there was feedback on almost every song and in some songs the buzz created by this was so loud and deafening that it is a wonder in itself that the singers actually were able to carry on; but continue they did in true professional fashion and even though they must have been bitching and crying about it back in the Dressing Rooms, they never for one moment let this technical problem put them off their stride once on stage. - Massive kudos to all of you!
Actually the mics were really quite annoying in any case. It seemed that there were two radio mics and two cordless hand-held, which kept getting switched from singer to singer as the need arose; with some preferring to use the mic on a stand and others not. Surely the whole thing could have been simplified by using stick mics at the front of the stage, and not micing any single performer individually (?) The auditorium isn't so big as to warrant any great amplification.
The evening saw 21 performers ranging in age from early teens upwards, all wearing black, and even when they changed costume for a particular song, it was changed to another black one. Not really sure whether that worked or not. It was the director's style, but I think given the 'love' premise, I personally would have gone for more colour.
The whole event was directed and produced by Rob and Linzi McCoy.
I should also say a huge thank you for allowing me into your VIP area. I felt rather honoured, and you have an excellent taste in chocolate!!
A very enjoyable evening from a lovely group of talented people! For more information on New Music Society then you can visit www.newmusicaods.com
Reviewer: Mark Dee
Reviewed: 13th February 2016
