ALW’s Whistle Down The Wind - Watermill Newbury

I'm going to guess that they might be sharing the role given the Herculean effort by Adam Filipe to step in. Of the two (and both are great), I preferred Robert Tripolino's slightly more neurotic Man and engaging charm with the kids for Annie Christmas (in which he played the guitar; Adam Filipe didn't). But then I preferred Filipe's aggressive pulling of the piano across the stage in the second half (go see it, I'm not explaining or giving a spoiler). The MD's reaction is fab too at this point since he is mid-flow on the keys! Robert Tripolino was playing on Tuesday night. I've seen this production three times - twice with Adam and once with Robert.

Tell you what though, this show is about the ensemble. It's what makes it. Looking beyond the characters themselves, I'm going to call out Elliot Mackenzie as the MD / Snake Preacher / Minister, who is a compelling presence and leads the music with panache, style and never misses a beat. Second on the list is Emma Jane Morton. Good god, what a talent she is. A livewire when she's on stage (I also had the privilege to see her playing Swallow twice), she oozes charisma and her musicality... Well, is there an instrument she doesn't play? Saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano - to name but a few. I'd happily see her perform a solo show - she is a multitalented triple threat.

Regarding the other parts, Jerome Lincoln as Ed is touching, sensitive, superb - his silence when slowly leaving stage speaks volumes (in terms of the racial tensions within the story). I loved his performance - really subtle.

This really is a fantastic production that people should go and see - I don't think there are many tickets left over the next week but sit in the gallery if need be. It'll be worth it.