Summer Revels review: Top local talent strut their stuff at Opera House variety show
Alison Arnopp and other cast members in Summer Revels at Cork Opera House. Picture: Noel Sweeney
★★★★☆
Cork Opera House’s all-singing, all-dancing summer production has been extended for another week — and it’s getting a rousing Rebel welcome.
The Summer Revels, once a mainstay on the summer schedule during the 1970s and 1980s, is back in Cork Opera House after a 29-year absence and its return is getting an enthusiastic response from local audiences.
Part variety show, part summer panto, pure Cork, the family-friendly show sees local talent take to the stage to show off their singing, dancing, acting , and music skills, with a bit of local humour thrown in for good measure. It’s likely to appeal to all ages, from young children enjoying the fun to grandparents who will appreciate the nostalgia. Though Dublin folk might want to steer clear — this is Rebel territory.
Leading the charge is Alison Arnopp as the host, joined by Declan Wolfe as the resident diva, Daniel Cremin as the magician, Cormac Mohally (Lords of Strut) as the clown, and Claire O’Leary as the multitasking and multitalented stage manager who holds the show together night after night despite the odds. All shine brightly under the spotlight, whether performing solo or as part of an ensemble. Also among the talent on stage is Precious Abimbola, whose vocal skills are impressive and put to good use in several performances.
The choreography is polished and both teen and junior cast members are a great addition to the show, adding an extra layer of charm to proceedings. The visuals on stage too add to the experience, with a dopamine-boosting splash of colour used in the costumes and a splendid cityscape backdrop by Cork artist Susan Mulcahy of Saucy Pups adding a sense of place to proceedings.
Of course, any Summer Revels show would not be complete without two wise-cracking Corkonians entertaining the audience. Stepping into the intimidating shoes of Cha and Miah (Frank Duggan and the late Michael Twomey) are Trevor Ryan and Michael Sands as Kathleen and Denis, a married couple and pair of proud Cork people — at least Denis is, going by his grá for all things Leeside and his frequent shouts of “Up the Rebels!” They are the highlight of the show and easily endear themselves to the audience. At one point when joking on stage, Ryan breaks character and says he has forgotten his line, but the duo are so entertaining in the moment it’s hard to tell if it’s true or all part of the act.
The range of Cork talent on the stage is inspiring, with Kathleen and Denis remarking at one stage upon the recent success of Corkonians on the world stage, from Cillian Murphy to Siobhán McSweeney. There were some nostalgic noises of agreement too when they recalled the Opera House legends known and loved by Cork theatre-goers of years gone by, including their forebears Cha and Miah. If anything, this revived Summer Revels shows Cork talent and creative success show no sign of slowing down.
- Summer Revels runs at Cork Opera House until August 10 and tickets for its closing weekend are priced at €15. See corkoperahouse.ie
