CAKE
OTC Live Performances of CAKE
A sensational ending to OPTIONS 30 Year Celebrations
Options Theatre Company provided the perfect ending to a massive year of 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Options Disability Support.
‘CAKE’, A Recipe for Disaster, was an original production Written, Directed and also Starring our Artistic Director, Stuart Smith.
‘CAKE’ explored the concept of what happens when things go wrong on the ‘big night’ and our cast delivered outstanding performances in this wild and zany production featuring over 40 performers.
The BIG 30th Birthday/Anniversary/End of Year/ Christmas Celebration Show seemed doomed to fail when Director Stuart exclaimed he ‘Was over it’... and not ‘An endless well of show-stopping ideas’… he left the cast to run their own show, with Maddison now thrust into the role of Creative Director. The cast now needed to work together to create the perfect recipe and find the missing secret ingredient to make a successful show.
David Currie started the show with a very enthusiastic delivery of ‘Let Me Entertain You’ with moves that made Robbie Williams look like an amateur. From there some twists and turns ensued as the show became a Murder Mystery. Our Ace Detective Sweet Eats, Alex Coppleman was on the case, using his skills and the assistance of a cheeky voiceover to work out whodunnit!
Stephanie Mercer and Shani-Lee Morse kept an eye on Detective Sweet Eats with their roles as the over-zealous singing Police Inspectors Mercer and Morse who sang the Police hit song, ‘Every Breath You Take’.
Alison Walker gave us a a beautiful rendition of ‘Memories’ but ended up dying on the stage…. or did she? Detective Alex interrogated all the murder suspects and ended up becoming a suspect himself.
A beautiful highlight was a magical performance of ‘Beauty and The Beast’ by Elise Gough who totally sparkled in her shimmering ballgown.
Leanna Branz sizzled as the Blonde Bombshell Makeup Artist putting our Ego Fueled Actors, Ben Peel, Olivia Sharp and Georgie-Rose Connors in their places as she reminded them… ‘You’re So Vein’.
Detective Sweet Eats (Alex) revealed his Dance Diva moves with a glittering performance of ‘MacArthur Park’… after someone left his cake out in the rain.
Our Music Director, Andrew Sampford gave us a rare opportunity to witness his musical talent by playing the piano LIVE on stage throughout the performance and providing a heart warming and memorable soundtrack to the show accompanied by Joshua Harris and Chandra Freeman.
Skye Hunt took on the role of Choreographer for the show (with the assistance of Carolyn McNamara) ensuring that our dancers were kept inline.
Alexander Shepherd was in his element when tasked with the job of using his Social Media Contacts to provide an audience for the show. Accompanied by our dance group, Alexander gave us a dynamic performance of the Presets song, ‘My People’ and the audience loved this high energy performance.
The murder mystery was finally solved with Alison revealing that she wasn’t really dead… the show came to a meaningful conclusion as she revealed that ‘Working together was the secret ingredient to a successful show’.
And if you thought that was the end of the surprise twists and turns…. the finale saw a sensational performance of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ featuring emerging Star, Mariah Stuie.
The entire ensemble joined in singing the finale song and there was a joyful energy in the audience as we waved goodbye to 2024 and gathered with family and friends for after-show refreshments.
Everyone agreed, ‘You can have your CAKE and enjoy it too!’ and this show definitely ‘Takes the Cake!’
** Photography by Jessica Irwin
