Gunslinger
Reviewed by Leander McCormick-Goodhart for The Surrey Mirror
Gunfight at Coulsdon
It was shoot out time in Coulsdon on Saturday as the musical “Gunslinger”, wrapped up a successful run at the Theatre Workshop, with a cast of crazy Wild West characters bent on hell-raising and trail blazing.
Richard Lloyd as Speed, the Gun Slinger who finally makes good and is elected sherrif of “No Name”, acted his part with grim determination and a dedication to shooting at least half a dozen other actors.
A batch of fearful Indians was no match and they, too, succumbed after several bloody scalpings.
The attempted hanging of Speed outside the theatre just before the interval had the audience in the car park jeering and calling for blood.
Chris Woolgar put on a convincing performance as the quack preacher who carried an evil-looking bag from which he produced a severed head.
A number of the songs were sung with much virtuosity. However, at times the play faulted when solo performances lacked vocal strength.
A special commendation should go to “Wild Winnie Fifty Fingers”, Carol Baker, who tirelessly played at the piano throughout the whole show.
Much enthusiasm greeted the singing of Glory Glory Hallelujah and several encores were given.
In spite of it all, Speed had the final word for all the rioters on the streets today, when he said “You’ve got to reform, kids, or you’ll push up daisies.”
Cast Details:
Colonel Conquest, US Cavalry
Tim Young
John Milton Speed, Gunslinger
Richard Lloyd
Angel “Kid” McGrew, badman
Marc Weston
Chief Black Moon, Indian Warlord
Stephen Swinscoe
Belle Tenderloin, golden hearted tart
Jane Walton
Longhorn Hank, cowboy
Bob Baker
Buddy Bullpuncher, a cowboy
Jeremy Drew
Dungaree Lil, cowgirl
Lesley Argles
Huckleberry Smith, barkeeper
Nigel Sorensen
Wild Winnie Fifty Fingers, Piano player
Carol Baker
Little Thunder, Indian scout
Martin Cole
Hardiman Crabbe, Quack preacher
Chris Woolgar
Liberty Lou, Soul of America
Rosemary Swinscoe
Mr Colt/Mr Wells
Bob Baker
Momma Speed
Chrissie Cooper
Billy Speed
Terry Sorensen
Belinda Speed
Liz Sutton
Preacher
Paul Cooper
Rancher
Caroline Dunn
Banker
Tim Warner
Tart
Olly Turner
Woman
Terry Sorensen
Indian Braves;
John Earle
Indian Braves;
Simon Dunn
Indian Braves;
Fred Chumley
Indian Braves;
Andrew Dunn
Indian Braves;
Marina Foxlee
Indian Braves;
Caroline Dunn
Indian Braves;
Olly Turner
Indian Braves;
Chrissie Cooper
Technical Crew Details:
Director
Chris Argles
Technical Crew
Chris Garrett
Technical Crew
Keith Walton
Technical Crew
Paul Cooper
Prompt
Karen Dickens
