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Return to the Forbidden Planet - Musicality - A Night Out With Courteney Cox - JCS - Joseph - ART -  Musicality2 - Tommy

TOMMY

The best just got even better, 'How do you think they do it. I don't know, what makes them so good'...... CM

A true professional show in every sense of the word... JLM

Better than the west end version, especially the second half, left me in crying with joy and sadness.. BS

Raised the roof of the Hawth, so slick, powerful and Amazing... LM

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I came to see the Ariel Company Theatre's production of Tommy last night at The Hawth theatre. I brought one of the students from the QEII School who also attends your youth drama group on Saturday mornings. I felt I had to write this little note to let you know that I thought it was an absolutely fantastic production. I enjoyed it so much that when it came to an end I was really disappointed and hoped that you might be coming on for an encore! Everything about the show was so professional - the acting, the timing, the singing, the music, the choreography, the costumes, the make-up, the casting (particularly that character actress you had slipping in to several of the scenes!!), the setting, the lighting, that revolting uncle, those gorgeous little boys..........what more is there to say! Please thank everyone involved so much for giving us such an enjoyable evening. I can't wait to see your next production!! Linda Pothecary
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My name is Alan Chivers and I took a party of 4 to Tommy at the Hawth last night. You ask for feedback so here is mine. The two boys playing Tommy were beyond excellent in what was a very difficult role. The lighting was extremely good. The whole company performed at the top end of great.
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What a night! Great show on all counts – I have been telling anyone who’ll listen how you have gathered the different ingredients you have at your disposal together to create an amazing show. Great set, great lighting, great band and of course a great cast. A very striking performance that surpasses what many pro-shows, both on tour and in the West End, manage to achieve. A great atmosphere among the cast and crew as well – also very nice to see. I look forward to Les Mis – and I’ll see you at your concert on the 23rd. Stephen C.
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The show was truly amazing! We were really impressed and a credit to you all. Look forward to the next one. Faith

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I thought Tommy was wonderful. Move over Tina Turner, Claude is the tops. There were outstanding cameo performances from David Goodall and Mark O’Connor who really got under the skin of their characters. They must have been tempted to go professional full time. Interestingly enough, I went to the West End last night to see Lord of the Rings. The person playing Strider had a very weak singing voice and David Goodall or James Hadden would have run rings round him (excuse the pun). Good on you for such a great evening’s entertainment. Kind regards, Dianne Jones, Mid Sussex Times.
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Just to say thanks again for having us on Friday night - the show was simply great and I hope that Saturday went just as well. Well done and we'll look forward to seeing you for the next one!!
Caroline and Damien from JW
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I saw Tommy tonight at the Hawth and wanted to say how brilliant & professional the actors/actresses came across.   The vocals were superb throughout & the set was as good as any professional show I've ever seen outside of the West End Elliot Mason

Hi there just have to say as a member of the crew that is working on Tommy this week and having got through the first show what a great show you have there!! I was amazed at the quality and professionalism you all showed. The singing is fantastic and you have one of the best sets I have seen in a long time too. My congratulations to the team for securing such a great set and lighting such a great show. I urge anyone who has not seen this show to go and see it. I would also like to say I know its only been first night tonight( Tuesday) and a "newbie" to the group, this being my first production working with Ariel, I just wanted to say how great all you guys are, very friendly, and say a huge thanks to you all. I really enjoyed working the first night ,but also wanted to thank the cast member who came round to thank the crew after the end of first performance ! that was so good and such a nice and refreshing change. Very often when you work as crew you are all to easily forgotten. I hope to enjoy helping you guys out for the rest of the week ,and all of you have a fantastic rest of the week with the show - U guys really know how to rock !!!  Neil - Crew

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I came to see your production of Tommy at the Hawth last night and felt I had to write to say how good I thought it was. I think it's probably the best amateur production I've seen round here (and better than some professional productions!) The singing was fantastic as was the band and the set. We had a great evening - thank you so much. Sarah Leppard

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What an absolutely amazing spectacle. There were so many wonderful things happening on that stage last night that my brain is working to fast get them all down. Neil, you've really outdone yourself this time .... talk about wow factor. The staging gets harder and harder for you and this comes over in the vision.
Not since Sweeney Todd have I heard such a complicated score. The band sounded great, you guys are certainly not hearing the magic through your fold back, coz it was amazing out front.
My favourite choreography to date, really worked well and the dancers (all great by the way) were obviously into it. All very exciting to watch. Couldn't keep my eyes off Gemma, wonderful presence.
James, performance as Tommy, moved me so much, I can't tell you. I could listen to your voice night after night after night. I have worked with an awful lot of singers in my life and I couldn't imagine one of them moving me vocally the way you did last night. You have this magical charisma and aura about you and you light up the stage. Every time it was you and the boys, I found it so haunting it was difficult to control my emotions.
Anna, as Mrs Walker you blossom with every performance that I seen you in. A truly wonderful actress who just happens to be an awesome singer.
David H, as Mr walker just when I think your voice can't soar anymore, it just does. A very moving performance from you.
David Goodall as Cousin Kevin It's rock and you rock!!!!
Claude, as the Acid Queen I don't know you, but a truly commanding performance. Your singing was too amazing to mention but it was your whole physical presence that blew me away.
Mark, as uncle Ernie....... I blame Neil!!!! have to say though baby, wow! big respect, you PULLED IT OFF brilliantly!
Jo, you just have one of those voices again that I could listen to night after night. You told me you couldn't act. Liar!!!!!
Both the boys, You made me so proud. Both of you gave the most mature and haunting performances.
Nicci, I hope you are very proud of yourself. You looked absolutely beautiful and your vision and skill in costume design made everyone look beautiful. Well done.
Another brilliant professional show! Karen Draper

MUSICALITY2 (an evening of)

'Fantastic show. Absolutely the most professional thing I have seen for years yet again. How can you keep this up. Marvellous '  M. H.

'yet again another slick professional show from what undoubtedly is the company to follow.

 C. G.

'Every number portrait each show as if I was there. Truly spectacular. it made me cry. J. B.

Each time a new number started yet another stunning professional voice appeared. What a cast to die for. Ariel are so lucky & talented! C. B.

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The talent Ariel houses is incredible, what a professional performance!  The sincerity and expression projected by the cast is moving to say the least. 

Musicality2 - a collection of numbers from internationally acclaimed shows such as Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia and many more.

‘Only The Good Die Young’ (from the hit show We Will Rock You) brought tears to my eyes as did ‘Come What May’.  I loved this song in the film Moulin Rouge when sung by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor but Ariel’s rendition was performed with such feeling a lump came to my throat.

‘Lady Marmalade’ - also from Moulin Rouge - was excellent, very powerful.

‘Girls Of The Night’ (from Jekyll & Hyde), wonderfully performed - captivating.

Ariel’s arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody was amazing, very few artists have managed to serve this classic track with the justice it deserves but Ariel did - I was blown away and, may I add, covered in goose bumps!

I could list each song giving their individual merits but, as there were no less than 27 numbers excellently performed, I thought it best to name but a few.

I would sincerely recommend you go see Musicality2 for yourself, you’ll see then exactly what I am talking about. Well may be next time as it's SOLD OUT! (Book earlier next time so you don't miss it

Congratulations to Neil Hopson and his team for another excellent show.

Janice Martin Nov 06

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ART          

Yet another captivating production from Ariel.

felt compelled to write after the emotional and humorous journey I went through whilst watching the final night performance of Art last night.

I saw this play in the West End and hated it. I was bored and I didn't understand it. As a supporter of Ariel's work, I read the review of the first night's performance and thought I would give it a go and I am so glad that I did.

The performance was brilliant and I immediately engaged with all the characters. Having a "please others" driver I really connected with Ivan.

His emotional plea towards the end of the play had me in tears, I'd be his friend any day. This was immediately followed by incredulity and anger at the throw away line from Serge "could we try to steer clear of pathos tonight?". It left me wanting to jump out of my seat and plant one on him, such was the brilliance of this performance.

Outstandingly acted and directed - who needs the West End when we have talent like this at home?

Congratulations Jackie Cooper

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Well, what can I say about Art?????? I haven't seen a straight play in absolutely ages. and what a FANTASTIC play to see to get back into it! I came to see it twice as I couldn't believe how good it was! Everything was thought about and there wasn't one point in the show when I thought 'oh dear'.
The direction was perfect, all the actors had really got inside their characters and portrayed them as people, not just as parts. which is not easy!!

The set was so simple, but so effective. It could so easy have been overdone but the fact that the only thing that changed was the painting was simple to grasp and made you focus on the acting.

The lighting was phenomenal. The actors knew exactly where to stand so that they were lit (which in armature, and sometimes professional productions doesn't happen) and the fact that there was no colour in the lights was very effective, without making everything else washed out!

The costumes were very clever, in the way that everyone was wearing similar things, but their clothing was individual to the characters. Which worked rally well!

Even the small section of music was a good choice! It stirred up emotions, which made me want to cry at some points, and laugh at others.

The olive scene was great, right down to the noise that the pips made chiming into the bowl!! And when Ivan was looking for somewhere to put the pip was absolutely class, and the whole sequence looked like a new thought process every night!! Amazing! Debbie

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I had no idea what to expect before I went to the theatre but knowing the quality of Ariel's productions I was not at all wary of being bored.

An hour and twenty minutes of dialogue, against a white background, between three men each with completely different characters.

The simplicity of the lighting, set and music only enhances the genius of the dialogue.

Friends for 15 years, the three men suddenly become aware they have outgrown each other - moved on you might say! (well temporarily at least).

This discovery is made only when one of them purchases a piece of art and through this purchase the insecurities of the three friends come to the forefront.

The characters are portrayed with outstanding reality.

Steve Butler as Marc brought this moody character to life ….. An adult man having a temper tantrum the like of which I can only describe as that of a 4 year old, the only difference being he uses grown up words! 

The Mother in me wanted to send him to his room until he’d calmed down!

Chris Wilkinson as Yvan, always wanting to please and never wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings.  Chris portrays Yvan brilliantly, I felt like giving him a hug and saying ”there there don’t worry everything will be alright”!

David Goodall as Serge, the Professional who instigates the upset by buying the piece of art because he loves it … he says … although I suspect it is purchased more as a status symbol!  David portrays Serge wonderfully, as I sat there I could visualise his apartment as being decorated in black, white and chrome with a minimalist overtone so .. Yes the white painting would fit perfectly.

The simplicity of the lighting, set and music only enhances the genius of the dialogue.

My thanks and congratulations to all concerned … as always a wonderfully entertaining evening courtesy of Ariel Company Theatre.

Janice Mitchell

25^th October 2006

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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

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We have been yet again been inundated with genuine feed back on this production.......... here are just a few on Adult/young actors production of Joseph.....................................

Joseph was a truly stunning, magical, wonderful show that even our children asked to come back and see again! Congratulations to all involved - the kids were amazing and worked brilliantly with all the adults. It was great to see a wide variety of ages and sizes in the brothers - what talent!

I've seen 'Joseph' several times professionally performed, but your show outshone all of them by miles!!! Ruth & Angus

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In the industry you see lots of shows and are frequently asked to review scripts and short films. I have now seen most of your productions. The later being 'Joseph' at the original venue which I happened by chance to see your 'Jesus Christ' a few year back. Let me say this, I have never seen the constant passion, feeling, direction and pure joy in theatre from (if you must be classed in this field) A Non Professional (please note I do NOT use amateur here) company as I have experienced with Ariel Company Theatre productions. "JCS" was a deep meaningful dark rock tribute to the feelings of spiritualism that is missed in this production. "Planet" was an exhibition in perfection very rarely achieved inside and outside of the West End (Please note! I do know what I am talking about here). Now onto "Joseph"....... Ok a lot of children on stage is every producer and directors living nightmare (trust me). However once again you guys pulled off the impossible to deliver what can only be described as a colourful, warm, vibrant, slick, professional new awakening of as you say on your web site "a timeless classic". Every child radiated their love to be on that stage and give the audience their all. The Adult principles never once looked down on those kids but played as equals. This ensured a truly magical evening for all in the theatre. I must once again praise your direction, lighting, costume and staging in what I now know (having talked with one of the technicians at the theatre) is a nightmare to rig, with its various restrictions in flying. The way you used the non LX (without the usual OTT movers) was a masterpiece especially integrated with the heavy haze.

Joseph is done every where, Schools, Churches, Tours and Summer schools. (I know as I have seen a lot of them). However you applied a new dimension to this show that deserved a bigger stage and a longer run. Please don't let this version be 'chained and bound afraid alone' to coin the lyrics from the show. Put it on again for future generation to see, what I can only describe as my favourite version. Shane
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To everybody involved with the production of Joseph - I just wanted to write to express my congratulations on a show well executed.
I came to see Joseph on Friday - my first ever journey to Chequer Mead having seen Return to the Forbidden Planet at the Hawth in June earlier this year.
I don't usually "go in" for children's shows but as I was so blown away by your masterful planet production, I just had to come and see what was next in store from you guys.
Was I disappointed ?? Was I hell !!! From now on, consider me a convert to the Ariel Theatre Company way - I shall be coming to see everything you guys do.
Once again - a huge "well done" to all concerned !!!  J Colgan

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Fantastic show. Everyone in Joseph brilliant. Can't stop singing the songs! F Creed

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Just to say WOW and well done to everyone in Joseph! What a brilliant show. As a friend who came with me on Friday said she had seen another Joseph show but yours had "heart and soul" and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves and wanted to be there. I went 3 times and looked forward to seeing it again every night. Elvis was great, he made me laugh every time he appeared on stage (bless him) Joseph was super and what a voice!! The whole show was so professional and thank you everyone for such an entertaining time. C Willett

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Well done to everyone involved with Joseph. The energy of all the performances and the sheer enjoyment of the Children was a joy!
A stunning production!! M Roberts

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And too many to add..... thank you all for making those young actors dreams a reality. (Ariel)

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Return to the Forbidden Planet

We have been inundated with genuine feed back on this Adult production.......... here are just a few  on PLANET that rocked the Hawth June 2006

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So It's Official from credited professionals in the ARTS! 'PLANET' Rocked!

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WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 3000 WHO ALLOWED US TO BRING THE CHARACTER WE NAMED OUR COMPANY AFTER TO LIFE AT THE HAWTH ....

To Quote Prospero " Ladies and Gentlemen, this is ....... ARIEL".

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Another official mention from the tours write up >>> Select Here thank you Dom!

Saturday

Select here to read the official write up

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Many, many congratulations on yet another brilliant show!! RTTFP was absolutely amazing and I can only repeat again! That I never cease to be knocked back by the professionalism in all of your productions. I had to stay in my seat during the interval (not because the bar was heaving) because I was  still shaking emotionally from Cookies guitar solo!! I'm am still on a high from it all and its over a week now - scary!!

So thank you SO much Ariel for a fantastic show. I know only too well, how much time and effort you put into it. Your vision! see you on in September for ART. C.

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Just wanted to drop a line to say how much we enjoyed 'Forbidden Planet' - it was really great! The set, lighting, direction, singing & choreography were all excellent. It certainly had us rocking in our seats. Well done! it was Dame Good. N & J

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I can't stop singing 'Young girl' and I didn't even like it much when it came out. There were so many Excellent tunes in your show and you all sang them so well - your so lucky! Unless you spent time 'out front' you would not know how AMAZING the show was and Captain Tempest was ......... So Funny C.

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What an out of this world show. I have seen 'Planet' over nine times and have never felt this emotional and come away on such a high. This is the best show I have ever seen here at the Hawth and in London. I should know as I've seen most of em! Thank you so much. When can I see this again I would be there every night? P. R.

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Having been to the Hawth recently. I was a bit sceptical to see another amateur show so quickly in succession. I should have left that feeling behind. From the first steps into the auditorium to my last step out. I can say, that I have never experienced such a wonderful journey, that as you state in the programme you will take us on. I am greeted by a very sexy an beautiful ensign who showed me to my seat and regrettably left to attend another 'passenger'. Then into a whirl wind of lights, sound, movement and most importantly ROCK. This clever and brilliant musical by 'Bob Carlton' lifted the roof of the Hawth and was match in pure harmony by its talented, professional and energetic cast.  A true company that can be classed as 'raising the standards' to new heights in local 'Amdram' circles. Wow what an ACT too follow. A dramatic piece! The only one, I have truly enjoyed this year.

W. E .F. (new)

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I had to write to you, as I have just seen Planet and found it the most amazing, Sensational, Mind blowing 'Planet' I have ever seen. The Cambridge was dazzling and new. But this was fresh, alive, vibrant, reborn, and most important of all true to what the original would have been, if it was put on today for the first time. Can you thank your Director, Choreographer, Cast and Crew for bringing my love and need to see 'Planet' back after six years in a vacuum! 'Live long and Prospero Ariel. Brian.

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As a pro stylist for major pro productions, I have to say that a friend of mine introduced me to Ariel two years ago when I came to see JCS. Then I thought that the mood and effect of the costumes was stunning, next came your Musicality, that was inspirational and extremely effective for the genera. Now I find that you have taken what all other other production out side of the Cambridge have fail to do. i.e. infuse 50s style sci-fi with modern day colour. The sheer perfection on having the girls in the same blue wigs and the Nav Officer as the only pink but in the same style was brilliant. The men in those 'Galaxy Quest and spock style black same cut wigs perfect. Many may have not noticed the slight style change in the 'dancers' (but all cast moved professionally) costumes with hot pants, so right. I like that fact that Tempest was NOT in the boiler suit and this ensured continuity, where most companies would opt out for the easy option. The captain hat was correct and ensured that same ethos as the show dictated. Cookie fitted in seamlessly, where as some opt for jeans or those bright coloured jester trousers. Your black and white gave him that edge. Loved Miranda pink but not too 50's grease reject as is some times the case. and the gold dress well as it should be. but the greatest aspect for me was to have Gloria in a silver version of the Girls under her lab coat always hinting that Sexy under played side of the ensemble (the thigh boots were brill). Loved so much Ariel with his Black and Silver approach. This gave us the fluidity along side the metallic look and feel he should portray. L.

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WOW WOW WOW.... the show was absolutely brilliant, the BEST SHOW we have ever seen, and whys that?.... because its Ariel That's why, what more can we say!!! YOU ALL ROCKED XXX

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I thoroughly enjoyed last night show, well both shows, it was like going to see one of Bob's production, it had the "feel good" feeling, which sadly the Basingstoke production certainly didn't have! I was blown away by the talent of your cast and I cannot believe they are not all professional actors! You have a wonderful Theatre Company there, I only wish I lived closer so that I could get involved!
When I see Bob, I will tell him how good it was!

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I was so completely blown away by the whole thing. Not only the wonderful performances but the lighting, costumes, musicians and whole spectacle of it.
Ariel just gets better and better.
I consider myself to be an expert on that show having seen it professionally 9 times. I have never been so moved by it as I was last night. Mum ran out of tissues as I was blubbing through most of it with sheer pride. Well done to everyone.
Oh well, on to the next.

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I am a friend of the Hawth and never in my time have I experienced a show that have literally lifted my spirits to new heights. I was in awe, wonder and amazement of this professional company. Now I'm even more staggered to find on studying your programme that I have seen some of your cast in previous amateur shows at the Hawth. But never before like this. Then It all became clear when  I recognised the production team. I have seen Annie, Crazy for You & Annie Get your Gun Directed and Choreographed by these two. Long may you and your talented cast grace the Hawth. Others need to look to your standards and not compromise any aspect of the total production standards required. By bringing a truly professional show to the Hawth.

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Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the production - actually I thought it was awesome!!!! Incredibly slick and fluent and very, very funny!

This will be the show of the year for me and no one will be able to fill your boots as you stride about like a colossus!!!!!

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Where do I start? We saw Planet on Friday and can't stop talking about it! Everyone was SO good - there wasn't a weak spot anywhere. We were standing and bopping - as was everyone else! Cookie is a genius, and I am in love with Miranda!
You and Nicci must be so proud to have set up such a professional show. I won't ask how you did it!
I am a total believer - we will certainly be at all your forthcoming productions.

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WOW!!! You totally rocked the house down on Saturday! Brilliant last night vibe!

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I only saw the flyer for the show by chance in the window of the Midi office in Haywards Heath.
As soon as I got home I booked the tickets for Friday and then to my dismay found that it was not the professional production I expected from my previous visits .
Was I disappointed....was I hell!!!
What an absolutely bloody phenomenal performance!!! What a solo by Cookie! and as for the finale.....brilliant!
After a gap of around seven years I found the planet again, and what an incredible find.

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Friday

That was fantastic! I have never seen the Hawth so alive and rocking - ever. well done.

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Fantastic show, congrats on a epic night out!

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Without fear of over gushing, I can't stop thinking about the show. It was Sensational - Congratulations. K.S.

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Just wanted  to say thanks and well done. best thing I have ever seen out side of the west end and the better than some in the west end now! well done to you all! D.P.

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The stakes just went so high that how can we match it now? It will be a very long time before anything like this comes to Crawley. Mind blowing and to think that you are not a pro cast. What next we ask!

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Dumb struck! Awesome and speechless what talent!

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I can't get a seat for Saturday night and I need to see Cookie again.

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The ultimate Hawth show and I've seen many. Who are you guys? Planet rocks! . No one and I mean No one could have sat down when then cast struck up Great balls of Fire. I have never seen a whole audience explode onto their feet like tonight and still scream and stamp for more un believable.

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Thanks Neil, Speechless i am still trying to believe what I saw tonight. Every time I see Ariel shows I think that they can't get any better. But to raise it to this standards is amazing.

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"Cookie has been reborn at last after 17 years in the wilderness. The guitar solo has to be the best ever... Real Jimmy Hendrix"

J & J

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Thursday

What a knockout show last night - must admit only went to see Abi but what a revelation to see everyone so professional and talented. Had a terrible day but this made up for it all.
Will be at all your shows in future. Nigel

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Without a shadow of a doubt the best Planet I have ever seen. The most recent ones put me off. I now have my passion for Planet re-kindled. Your whole cast moved as one, the dancing was amazing. Normally in non professional shows there are the good and bad. But this was sensational. Cookies guitar solo not only rocked but was Jimmy Hendricks re born. He is a rock god in the making. I thought that half way through it had reached its crescendo, but when he played the guitar behind his head at full pelt I nearly exploded! The lighting to that and all the show was mind blowing. I can’t stop thinking that this is the got to be the definitive new age 'Planet' Bob would be proud. Especially as all the cast could sing, from Nav officers control of the audience for the drill, Wipe out's cool duo drums (as they should be), into man's world that sent shivers down our backs. It is not fair to single out any performer. As this cast should be the official tour or West End revival.... But Mr T. Oh My God his timing is perfection and the added extras are sensational. Big thumbs up for Prospero, as I was not sure of such a younger actor at first, but what strength and power. I can see why he was cast. Inspirational. Gloria, Well if she did not exude sex but with controlled power especially in her voice. Her Go now was by far the best I have ever heard and the emotion of the whole scene sent a 'shiver down my back bone'. There is so much I want to say about your show and I hope I don't miss anyone out, please forgive me if I do But a special mention to Ariel & Miranda as these parts can very often be over played of under played buy too actors far too young. However once again your casting was impeccable. Ariel excuse me here 'Bloody fantastic' his entrance spot on. he gave a great balance of comic timing, great vocals, worked well as Gloria's taunted and delivered the 'Shake Rattle and roll number with M & C to perfection as did they. But hey I noticed that he played the drum with his skates still on. Come on awesome or what! He is my definitive Ariel from now on! I do have permission from the wife to write this but 'I'm In Love', and Shaking all over' ... yes its Miranda.... 'Wow what a Honey', Beautiful, can act, sing and dance. I have to say she makes all those other Miranda’s I have seen fade into oblivion.
One thing that always strikes me as weird in planet is that Bosun is normal under stated and you sometimes lose him in the show, not this time. Bosun was funny, Alive and what a voice. He gave especially the camp bits a new whole persona, without it being too OTT. Great Job. A big thumbs up to the damage control crew. Now cynic’s would say no more that two to four is enough. But you guys made them real and integral to the story, they faded when they had too and burst upon us at the right times and the sound they made with their harmonies was the icing on the cake.
One very important thing I wanted to say and as I ramble on will probably miss it is this. I saw the add and thought its was a pro tour, until I checked the RTTFP web site, then found that it was an amdram company performing Bob's masterpiece. However and here’s the point. You guys got it all wrong! In my opinion as an avid 'planeter'. I was privileged to pay peanuts to see a truly professional production in every sense of the word. Please tell your Production team that they have a convert and I will travel from Norwich to see your 'Tommy' as you defiantly have a new fan hear. 'live long and may you all PROSPERO'.... John & Judy. Norwich.

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Can't believe I what I saw tonight!!!!! I heard that Neil (whom I saw in panto) was involved in a show at the Hawth. But did not know that this was his company. oh my god! I have never ever seen a show like it. I never wanted it to finish. (I LUuuuuuuuuuuVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV COOOOOOOOKIE) This is the best show and I wish I could have been in it. How did you gat all those professional singers and the girls encore (deep river) I loved it so much. Gonna tell all my friends. tomorrow.
Thank you for the best show ever! A. D.

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Wednesday

 Just thought I would drop you another note. I watch your JCS some time back and thought that this was a fantastic production. I now know that I was wrong! Why? Never before have I seen such an amazing theatrical experience (and I've seen many) as your 'Planet' last night. Pure utter Rock and Roll infused with amazing voices and well the acting ....... Superb. If anyone reads your guest book, then take advice go see 'Planet'. I have not stopped thinking about what I have watched. Your timing, power and professionalism was truly inspiring. I could not believe that you were not part of the official tour. Well you should be. This production stands shoulder to shoulder with the London production. Please pass this on to your casts & a special mention to your production team, as they deserve as much praise for what I assume was their vision and technical bravery! Still could not believe I was not at the 'Cambridge' once again! Oh I could go on all day. I will try to 'Return' on Saturday. Yours Shane (a true supporter of your talents... Hear from me again after Tommy).

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MUSICALITY

'What a show, truly professional'

'X-factor think that they are looking for talent, well in my opinion every one on Stage tonight had more talent then they have, Outstanding!'

'I cannot praise Musicality too highly. It was a brilliant show. Congratulations to all concerned'.

'Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Musicality on Friday night. Good choice of shows, songs and performers. The video screen worked nicely without being intrusive'.

'Really good performance from the cast, with a complete range of songs sung professionally and with talent. A thoroughly enjoyable evening for all the family'.

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'Fantastic show. Absolutely the most professional thing I have seen for years'

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'Never underestimated the sheer joy of live four part harmony singing at its best, Pure musical heaven'

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'Musicality ---- Rocks! Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant.. Girl in We Will Rock you solo. I'm in Love'!

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'yet another tight, slick show from probably the best company in town,

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'Must say that I thought Jesus Christ was a most outstanding piece of theatre far surpassing any amdram status that could be beaten! My God was I wrong! To say that I had just seen a concert was also wrong (especially in a small venue). What I have seen tonight is undoubtedly the most professional 'West End' show ever! I applaud all your direction, lighting, staging and artistic interpretations (especially in a studio), that were for a first night was so together and tight you could not see any cracks in any performances. Especially as this was your first night. This in itself shows the vast difference between your company and the many I have recently seen in the area and London over the last year or so'

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'I had a tumultuous ride through the emotions and tribulations of the modern musical experience! Well done! and I look forwards to your next production'

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'Ariel don't do many shows, but what they do, do proves the point that it is quality and not quantity that matters. That was very evident tonight (Friday)'

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'Bravo guys...a serious well done!! I LOVE to see stuff like that where everyone is on top of their game and still working together completely!
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'Really enjoyed the show - some great numbers - loved 'Witches' and 'Notre dame' excerpts and the visuals worked really well..
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'I was so so proud of you all and Abi tonight. My friends were so impressed, and looked as though they were in shock, like I've been. My best mate at work was in tears !!!!!!!! I just feel so proud '
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'Can't wait so see another Ariel show, how professional, beat anything I have seen in the West End for years and the bonus is you are here so I don't have to travel to London'

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'Just wanted to write and say congratulations for Musicality. The audience absolutely loved it

'

'The whole company are brilliant! what a refreshing change to see an amdram show at the Hawth where 100% talent resides. 2 hours of pure spell binding genius, when will we see Musicality 2?

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Just to let you know that I went to see the show on Thursday. It was truly brilliant.

"Above all, a superbly directed Piece, very powerful and evidence of a lot of hard work and thought. It had Ariel's stamp well and truly on it, and I think Ariel can be justifiably proud".

"the lads worked really well, especially Steve Butler (Mark) who was flawless as always. Nicely measured and thoughtful performance. '

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"Hi - just to say we saw the play last night - really liked it -
 

Haven't giggled at so many smutty jokes in ages! My friend who came with me was crying at one point.2

"Would have paid to see this in the West-end. I have not laughed so much in years".

'laughed so much I almost wet my pants'

'The funniest comedy I have ever seen real laugh from start to finish, when is it on again'

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On JCS

"As a lapsed Catholic the performance of JCS astounded me.

For the first time in my life I got it.

The direction of the show, which is to be highly applauded, provided two things;

entertainment and truth. I was on the edge of my seat with

nerves and anticipation throughout. From the beginning of

scene two I underwent a maelstrom of emotions. At times I felt

like a voyeur at something too powerful for my eyes and others

I felt blessed to be actually in midst of a wonderful spiritual moment.

How great the insight was to translate the essence of Christianity via art to an audience.

Having seen JCS before a few times I take my hat off to the director for his vision,

art and sensitivity. I thought the ensemble were tight, dramatic and convincing.

Their singing was spot on and their musical fusion great.

The leads were all well picked and all had the right

elements of character to bestow the message of the piece.

Judas was menacing yet I had compassion for him.

He sang well, was audible and conveyed through his voice both anger and sorrow.

Mary was beautiful, sensitive and pure in voice.

Jesus was mesmerising with excellent acting skills.

Gethsemane was beautifully song, with genuine feeling. It brought tears to my

eyes. It was tense yet sensitive. I truly believed this was what

Jesus must have felt all those years ago, it was so well

projected. The Priests were fantastic, they contrasted in voice

and presence and were so believable. Herod and his beasts

were a great piece of light in the darkness. It was wonderful

to see that scene done with a new spin"

Dated - October 27th 2004

"Just wanted to say congratulations for a brilliant production"!!!!

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"Better than the Lyceum 1998"

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"So Powerful and real it made me feel like I was there"

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"I could not help but cry"

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"Not only were the leads fantastic but the ensemble were equally as strong"

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"Never have I seen an ensemble so tight, not one hand or movement out of place"

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"When can we see it again"

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