However I really shouldn't have worried. What I watched yesterday afternoon was, possibly, the best SOS production I have seen.
The 10 principle actors all did a stellar job - it could be said it was the strongest principle line up the society has presented.
Allister Smith gave a solid performance as Chad, the brooding roustabout. Elvis-esque but not trying to impersonate the King (which was my worry).
Joanna Hunt was superb as Natalie/Ed. She sang brilliantly and her facial expressions as Ed when he was being seduced were well timed and hilarious.
The character of Dennis was played expertly by Jamie Fudge and was pure comedy from start to finish. His characterisation was brilliant. I liked how he kept his 'geek' voice when singing and was in character the whole time. Little movements and facial expressions he did added to the impact and made the performance so funny to watch. It could be said that his performance stole the show.
Miss Sandra was played by Louise Byrne and was played in excellent contrast to the other characters. Sexy looking and sounding, her voice worked so well in this role.
Kate Smith and Robert Phillips played Sylvia and Jim Haller and worked well playing off of each other. As did Kerry Cooke and Bill Jaycock as the strong and feisty Mayor and hen-pecked Sheriff, and Liberty Watts and Greg Morgan as the young lovers, Lorraine and Dean, who both did an excellent job.
Favourite / stand out musical moments for me in this show jam packed with songs (32 according to the programme!) included Teddy Bear / Hound Dog, Can't Help Falling In Love - an excellent full company ending to Act One and There's Always Me - sung beautifully by Kate Smith.
A special mention has to go to the maraca players in the bus queue who, and I don't know why, made me laugh so much.
I would also like to congratulate the MD and orchestra. The music was so flawless that it really didn't occur to me that it was a live band in the pit.
Shenfield's next production is to be Bugsy Malone in June 2019 and I look forward to seeing how the society adapt what is primarily seen as a show to be performed by children.