Spread A Little Happiness (Salisbury)

This trip down memory lane is very cleverly written and directed by Ben Occhipinti and Mark Powell. It is presented by four highly accomplished and versatile performers, who sing, play numerous instruments, act, impersonate and dance through two hours of sheer delight. The quartet takes us on a journey from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. They include works from Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, Noel Gay, Lionel Bart, Sandy Wilson, Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more great British composers and lyricists which are all taken from the Great British Songbook.

The musical director Rob Hiley skilfully wrote the musical arrangements in an exciting variety of styles and genres. This keeps the audience surprised and captivated as the show unfolds.

The intimate atmosphere of the Salberg Studio is perfect for this innovative piece of theatre. The huge screen on the back wall skilfully shows newsreel footage, which imaginatively blends the history with the narrative and chronological musical numbers.

One experiences many swings in mood; poignant, rousing, patriotic fervour, and in some parts, great hilarity. The four artistes balance each other perfectly and the acappella singing is sublime.

Personal highlights include; ‘Mad Dogs and Englishman’, superbly enunciated and acted by Graham Lappin, ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ tragic and soulfully performed by Joanna Hickman the hysterical and romping duet of ‘The Ballard of Barry and Freda (Let’s Do It) by Jenni Bowden and Graham Lappin originally written and sung by Victoria Wood and an interesting jazz adaptation of ‘Any Dream Will Do’ by Matthew Crowe.

Although the show ends on a tender reprise of ‘We Said We Wouldn’t Look Back’ we are so pleased you did. As ever, the Salberg Theatre at the Salisbury Playhouse has provided another delightful alternative to the traditional pantomime in the main theatre, which is both relaxing and vastly enjoyable.

- by Veronica Crowley