Show proves a toe-tapping hit

3:11pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Stepping Out - Dudley Little Theatre

DUDLEY Little Theatre stars tapped their way to victory when they stepped out for their season finale.

The group's version of Richard Harris's popular musical Stepping Out went down a storm with the audience at Netherton Arts Centre.

Stourbridge actress Kate Taylor really stood out as dance troupe leader Mavis in the role famously played by stage and screen superstar Liza Minnelli.

It was a tall order for the 20-something society newcomer - but she pulled it off with gusto, looking really at home on stage and holding together the comedy show about a group of misfit tappers.

The ensemble cast also did a credible job; with each member highlighting their offbeat character's flaws and quirks to good effect.

Most notable was Lyndsey Anne Parker - who raised plenty of laughs as nosey red-head Vera.

Jean Potter's performance as vivacious, gaudy-looking glamour-puss Maxine was also engaging; and Stephanie Legge Davies, as game-for-a-laugh tapper Sylvia, was spot on with her comic timing.

Maurice Felton's facial expressions as Geoffrey - the only man in the show - were also hilarious.

Ersuline White as Rose, Julie Bywater as dowdy Andy, Liane Purnell as dopey bike-riding Dorothy, Vicky McDermot as enthusiastic young dancer Lynn, and Sue Hughes as miserable pianist Mrs Fraser also added colour to the show, produced by Andrew Rock.

The outing proved a toe-tapping triumph to round off DLT's successful 2007/2008 season.

And looking ahead, next year's programme - comprising Agatha Christie's Murder on the Nile, situation comedy Key For Two, the classic Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion - looks as if theatregoers are in for plenty more diverse and enthralling offerings from this ever-entertaining group.