past productions | news articles - Song of Norway

Going out with a song
Glasgow Light Opera Club's 70th anniversary production, "Song Of Norway," is the last of the amateur musicals in the Winter season at the King's Theatre in Glasgow.

Ostensibly the story of Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg, the operetta never quite comes into any comprehensible focus, and although much hard work has obviously gone into this recreation of Norwegian characterisation and folklore, the point is frequently submerged in some rather below - par acting - well short of the normally high standards one has come to expect from this distinguished club.

Janis Proctor as Nina and Bill Robertson as the composer, Grieg, are both in splendid voice, as are Jess Cairns, a majestic Louisa, and Stanley Watson, an authentic Rikaard.

Some light relief is provided by the diminutive and comic Gordon Crockert whose outrageous overacting almost steals the show - but not quite because "Song Of Norway" is a triumph for its two choreographers, Effie McCowan and Bonita Willies.

The production which continues at the King's until Saturday, is in aid of the Leukemia Research Fund.

JOE McDONACH