Saturday 4th September – Caamora – Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands
This was my second visit to the Boerderij (it means “farm” in Dutch – thanks Jeroen) which is one of the nicest venues that I've been to. There was a decent crowd in for Caamora's performance of the musical She. For those who don't know, the musical “She” was written by Clive Nolan based on the book by H. Rider Haggard.
Before the musical (I almost called it a concert there) kicked off, Clive walked on stage and explained about the musical and then dedicated he show to Neil Pepper, bass guitarist of Galahad who sadly passed away on Friday.
Then onto the stage came the other musicians, joining Clive were Scott Higham (drums), Mark Westwood (guitar), and bass player (I didn't catch his name). And then we were away with Agnieszka Swita (playing Ayesha) and dressed appropriately for an immortal queen or goddess walking onto the stage to thunderous applause and whoops to sing the first song “Overture” accompanied by what sounds like a whole orchestra, and illuminated by the many lights over the stage. There was a little problem with the microphone (the “on” switch, I believe) which was swiftly sorted out by Mark Westward.
Next, the two male singers, newcomer to the play (taking over the singing role from Clive Nolan) David Clifford (Leo) and Alan Reed (Holly) dressed as 19th century explorers entered to more applause and cheers to kick off the story proper with “The Storm” as a duet with Agnieszka singing the occasional verse. The song finished with Agnieszka singing over the top of David & Alan – something that happens frequently in the show. The vocals are very complex in this show but the cast delivers them with ease.
The story continued with Christina Booth (Ustane) entering the stage to even more applause.
Each of the four singers put in tremendous performances. Highlight songs for me were “The Veil”, “History” and my absolute favourite “Closer” delivered perfectly by Christina Booth. However, there is no doubting the star of this show – Agnieszka Swita who delivered every song with massive gestures – there is no doubting that she is “She who must be obeyed” as she commanded the stage.
At the end of the show as Ayesha dies, Agnieszka played the part perfectly – her arms held out and shaking as She grows old and dies.
I ought also to mention Scott Higham's drumming which was truly immense, and it was a joy to watch Clive Nolan singing (or mouthing) the words of the songs.
When the show drew to a close, Clive Nolan introduced each musician and singer/ actor in turn. Each received a deserving cheer. David Clifford did the honours of introducing Clive Nolan and the evening was done – about 2½ hours which really flew by.
After the show, I hang around and had quick conversations with Tina & Clive. Clive said it well about well as could be expected. From where I was, it was just brilliant.
The Caamora Theatre Company is putting on “She” at the Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre from 22nd to 25th February 2012 (http://tickets.webeden.co.uk/#/she-tickets/4535900858).
The Caamora webite is http://ctc.clivenolan.net/