‘Ivor Novello Story’

Press, 17 July 1982, Page 6

‘Ivor Novello Story’

John Cairney in “The Ivor Novello Story,” presented by the Arts ' Centre of Christchurch at the Centre Gallery, July. 15 to 17, 8 p.m. Reviewed- by Philip Norman. There has been a glut of shows recently about people who write and perform in shows. Such is the rate of scripting that soon all available material will . be■ exhausted,, leaving aspirants in this field with no choice but to compile shows about people who compile shows about , people who '■ write shows. If this appalling thought comes? to be, John Cairney, for his . compiling and presenting of “The Ivor Novello Story,” should surely head the list of possible subjects. Dramatisations .of "the life' and times of .■•'.'. ” are usually second-class, citizens in-, the’ world of- rriusic and plays;> not soun- the.case.bf Cairney treats Novello. 1 It

was simply first-class, and to use a time-honoured phrase, there was magic in the air. Much of the success of the evening lies with John Cairney's ability as a presenter of material. Delivering lines in the. intimate and relaxed mariner' of a drawing-room ..raconteur, he treated his . capacity , audience as if they were a few friends who had dropped by for a chat. For this, he was rewarded with a warm and attentive reception.

He did, not confine his own role to merely talking as the character Ivor Novella’ On the occasions where he took • to singing some of the Welsh' composer’s evergreens,' he showed a light and pleasing baritone voice that any actor .* would be proud to possess. -' ■ John Cairney also-knows i'.howc-.to orchestrate an'.en- • trance for fellow playOr?.' His build-ups to the appearances of Diane Low and Jillian

Bartram were generous, and his sudden switching of focus, to each singer gave both a powerful, initial impact. • Such cleverly prepared entrances were highly deserved, for 'Jillian Bartram and Diane Low. were in fine voice, and . matched musically what John Cairney offered. ’ dramatically. ' They were both at'their best when delivering at a pianissimo dynamic—in the soaring forte melodies they tended; to be a trifle operatic/ Both

. showed a. fine appreciation of stage-craft. The two other players in the show also gave commendable performances— Alannah O'Sullivan, with her flawless delivery of introductory speeches, and Annette Thomson, with her sensitive accompaniments on the piano: , a.-- .‘Let- us hope for an ex--7'5 tended season.- Such quality performances are rare.