It became apparent fairly quickly that this production contained nearly forty cast members. The ensemble was formed with a range of thespians in both age and ability. However, for such a small stage and venue, such a large cast at times drowned the stage and scenes quickly became busy, chaotic such as when cast was leaving the stage, there were delays to the next scene until the cast left. We then met Ado Annie Carnes, portrayed by Sarah Bartlett. Bartlett had great make-up that suited her character and she delivered her lines with confidence and determination with good use of timing, facial expressions and eye movements to match. Ali Hakim was played by Nick Lowe. As a supporting actor in this production, Lowe made this character a vital part and an enjoyment to watch and kept his Persian accent maintained throughout most of the performance. He was sleezy and creepy as you would expect of his character. His scenes alongside Jo Burton were strong, humorous and natural. During the story, to his discontent, Ado’s father Andrew Carnes, played by John O’Brien, forcefully set up an engagement to his daughter. Lowe was witty, quick and had the audience laughing on several of his scenes. John O’Brien was equally as strong in his characterisation skills and demanded the attention of the cast and audience during his scenes and you dare not look away. He was protective of his daughter and any man in Oklahoma couldn’t cross him. Although I cannot fault O’Brien, when he informed everyone he had come back from hunting rabbits, he revealed a stuffed toy rabbit from his hessian sack, which the audience laughed at, but made the production seem very amateur and degraded the scene as it became more of a parody and the creative team should remember the demeanour and setting of the musical. Gertie Cummings, played by Rebecca Tonge, had a cracking laugh throughout the production, much to Adam Cornettas Will Parker Sarah Bartlett as ASdo Annie Nick Lowe as Ali Hakim
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