Strange Ways

The Sentinel Review - MUSIC WOWS THE AUDIENCE

NORMAN Strange leads a pretty dull life. He can't pluck up the courage to tell Sarah he loves her - but one day he runs into the road to pick up her dropped purse - and the end of his life is the start of the story. Norman is on trial - should he go to heaven or to hell? The sins of his ancestors hold the answer.Simon Matthews and Andrew Jones wrote (and directed) Strange Ways especially for Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre. Its music ranges from The Carpenters to Queen, from David Bowie to Abba. It bubbles with humour and dreadful puns, and is enhanced by Simon's skilful use of graphics and projection. There were some nice touches in the direction too - I enjoyed the human furniture, and the non-existent lift was most convincing.There are some excellent voices; Jemma Grayburn, as Lucy Fur, belted out her numbers with gusto, while narrator Robert Lightfoot coped admirably with difficult Bowie songs. Norman, played by Kieran Wesley, and Sarah, Sasha Pattison, delighted the audience with their romantic Carpenters duet.It's a pity some of the radio mics kept cutting out, and the voices were sometimes not loud enough, but the theatre was pleasingly full, and the audience was ready to enjoy the music, clapping along happily. It's a show for CAYT to be proud of, and runs at the Daneside till Saturday.

Anne Duffell

Cast List

Girls
Sasha - Sarah
Jemma - Lucy Fur
Lisa - Receptionist / Wife
Sam - Dr Burton / Wife / Reporter
Chelsea - Receptionist / Wife
Hannah - Old Lady / Wife
Olivia - Wife
Lucy - Brian’s Mother / Newsreader
Liz - Minion
Danni - Newsreader

Boys
Kieran - Norman
Lewis - Brian
Charles - Angel / Old Man
Ollie - Judge
Callum - Hell’s Gatekeeper / Guard / Minion
Robert - Narrator / Paraoh
Dan - Guard / MC
Jack - Manager / First Mate / Inspector

There are several other small parts yet to be cast. Those who voiced an interest in a small part, but who didn't audition will be considered first for these roles. The Jury will be played by the chorus.

Who is Norman Strange?

Welcome to the new blog for Youth Theatre's next show 'Strange Ways'...

...but "what is Strange Ways?" I hear you ask, and "who is Norman Strange?"

Norman Strange was just an ordinary man leading a less than ordinary life. Until one day his world got turned upside down. You see, Norman Strange is dead... but of course his story doesn't end there. Join Norman on his journey to the afterlife, where he must stand trial for his sins, and those of his ancestors, before the ultimate verdict can be reached. Innocent or Guilty? Up or Down? Heaven or Hell?

Strange Ways is a wickedly comic, musical adventure that traverses time and space whilst being accompanied by some of the greatest rock and pop hits of the last 50 years.

Tuesday 18 December 2007

Strange Ways Wallpapers

Below are a selection of desktop wallpapers for you to download and use as your computers background image. There are a various sizes of each image to cater for your screen size and resolution. Click on the appropriate link to take you to the wallpaper image. Right click on the image and select 'Set as background'. The 1024x768 will probably suit most desktops. if that doesn't fill the screen try a larger size.