1996 "Dazzle" by Lacey Green Productions
From Lacey Green History
1996 DAZZLED in the BARN
MUSICAL SPECTACULAR. Lacey Green Production’s musical, staged in the Wests' barn at Stocken Farm was an intergalactic spectacular. The advertisement read, “Flights depart on Wednesday & Thursday, 3rd & 4th July at 7.30pm, Friday & Saturday at 8.00pm & an additional flight for junior star-gazers on Saturday at 2.30pm. Unlike British Airways the bar opens before the flight, so come along early.”
SPECTACULAR THUNDERSTORM. Madeline Cleaver reported on the Friday show in Hallmark. “A lovely summer evening in July, a stroll down to Stocken Farm to see a lively show – what could be better? Actually, there could hardly have been a worse evening: lightning, thunder, heavy rain making fast flowing rivers everywhere, how much better to stay at home and watch “the box”.
FULL HOUSE. “Well, I couldn’t miss it whatever happened. People braved the awful weather and the barn was full. Some of us must have wondered what it would feel like if the grain dryer were to be switched on, as we sat in wet clothes and shoes. The audience was very appreciative. They must have been to turn up and stay that evening.
SPECIAL EFFECTS. The rather zany humour appeals to me. The songs were really tuneful and came over well. LGP member Nick Curwin was responsible for composing some very good songs and jingles, also orchestrating original music. A large part of the show’s success was due to the production team’s special effects. That team being Director, Val Brookhouse, Producer Madeline Tate and many people backstage.
UNKNOWN DIFFICULTIES The following difficulties for the cast were afterwards reported in Hallmark by Joan West. "When Lacey Green Productions take over our barn for their bi-annual musical they face 'difficulties', as par for the course. By the time we went to see ‘Dazzle’, which as usual was superb, several things had been “Sorted”.
The cows had perfected mooing during the silences.
The bull had got into the bar.
The Ridgeback dog was reluctant to leave the theatre, having chosen the position with the very best view of the stage, that is, in the main aisle.
This enthusiasm of the animals was, no doubt, no help to the players whatsoever. But these had all been resolved
We then did our bit to make their life even more difficult by letting an oil tanker bring down their electric cabling to the toilets. LGP are nothing if not versatile and the “loo cleaner” transformed into the 'electric cable mender' in no time at all."