Thoroughly Modern Millie

Babirra’s Thoroughly Modern Millie was amazing! I don’t know how a professional company could improve on what we saw.

In the title role was Stephanie John, who I remembered as Mary Poppins. Her excellent voice and dancing, combined with lovely comic timing, made for a delightful Millie. Phillip Davies had a wide-eyed innocence about his Jimmy which made for an ideal pair, and he matched Stephanie with his singing and dancing.

Grace Kingsford and Ian Andrew were a suitably over-the-top pair as Miss Dorothy and Trevor Graydon. Both had excellent voices and worked well together.

Natasha Bassett was a suitably brassy Mrs. Meers and she worked well with Ju-Han Soon and Clinton Gin as the pair of Chinese helpers.

The impressive abstract sets allowed for the show to flow and the excitement didn’t wane. At one stage part of the side of the building was wheeled onto stage so we could see Jimmy at the window outside Millie’s office. The office staff had mobile desks they wheeled on and off. The lighting was very effective.

There was a lot of tap-dancing in this show and the ensemble were up to the challenge. The choreography was challenging, tight and energetic. The orchestra were excellent and the sound well balanced.

A show not to be missed.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Gavin D Andrew

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