You would think that designer Pip Leckenby had raided all the skips in the area to furnish the set of “Thick as a Brick”, indeed you may be right in your assumption, but it all becomes relevant as the story unfolds.

Set in one of Hull’s troublesome senior schools we see disillusioned teachers trying to come to terms with new legislation, shortages and the product of these - the pupils.

Surprising as it may seem this is the setting for a superb musical. Written and directed with skill by John Godber, with pulsating music by John Pattison fronted by excellent lyrics by Jane Thornton. This gives a very mixed audience the ingredients for a first rate evening’s entertainment which comes to an end all too soon.

So what have we got? Three disillusioned sixteen year old girl students who have had a supply teacher thrust upon them by the death of their drama teacher. A headmaster who is resigned to what has been created by circumstances. A parent who has been dealt a poor hand of cards by life. Mix these together and things start to happen and happen very rapidly.

The girls who know all about the outside world and are ready to join it because school is not giving them what they want and need. What that thing is they are not sure, but the supply teacher thinks she knows and is determined to try to give it to them, as she is passionate about her subject and would not be able to understand why other people are not. This teacher Mary Clifford played with one of the performances of her life by Joanna Swain. She shows us passion and despair mixed with compassion and caring for those about her. These are Kerry Shields played with realism and verve by Liz Carney, Maggie Brook played without effort by Sally Carman who has far to go in the theatre and Stacey Naylor played by Charlie Mudie who captured the character. All these girls danced with style and sung with real gusto when the plot called for it. A pity alone they had to use mikes, for their natural voices would have done the job admirably.

The plot revolves round the supply teacher’s efforts to interest the girls in dance. Her hidden objective is to satisfy her own hidden desires and frustrations. A Dance competition in London with an evening visit to a Robby Williams concert hooks the girls. There is always a “but” and this is caused by Stacy Naylor's father with a nice performance using his singing talents and acting ability by Mark Sangster. The plot is to see, not to be related here.

Roger Books plays the Headmaster with conviction and doubles as Seedy Ron one of London’s less reputable hotel owners.

Do not miss seeing this musical. © BA

“Thick as a Brick” is in Scarborough until the 18th of November, 2000.