Some of our audiences feedback from recent productions...

If you would like to submit a comment regarding Centenary or its productions - which will be published on this page -  please complete the Guestbook Form at the foot of this page.

Submissions should be limited to 100 words and will usually be published on the site within 24-48 hours of submission.

Ray Manford
My wife and I attended the Carol Concert at Chester Cathedral on Wednesday.
We enjoyed the whole of the Concert but the highlight was the performance of O Holy Night and in particular the solo by the young lady, it was a joy to hear.
Many Thanks, and best wishes to all.
Ray & Mikki

Mark Hemmings
It was Alan Thomas who took a chance on me and gave me my first solo number with Centenary back in 1997 as part of the Centenary Showcase at Parr Hall.

From then I went onto be part of a number of Alan's productions before leaving Warrington to attend drama school in London. As fellow fans of the great MGM musicals, and of course Judy Garland herself, Alan and I shared many a happy time swapping DVD's and CD's of "our kind of music".

Always an encourager of young talent, he willingly helped me out with audition preparation and even recorded a piano track on CD for me to use at a concert I was part of in Liverpool!

He was a gentleman and for me, an example of all that is good in theatre. As I begin my professional stage career it is thanks to men like Alan Thomas that I have found confidence to pursue the same passion that he had for excellence on stage. I also have the honour of knowing that I was the man who introduced Alan to the world wide web! - "Till the Clouds Roll By" Rest in Peace x

David Wheeler
Alan was my father's Best Man back in 1951 and there are amusing stories of them during teacher training after the war.

One I remember is when Alan was asked to play the piano for Dirk Bogarde, and how Dirk was terrified of the revolver he'd been issued with.
 
As a teenager I saw many productions at the old Centenary Theatre - usually they were shows I was seeing for the magical first time, and often they were produced by Alan. I particularly remember 'Brigadoon', 'My Fair Lady' and later, a breathtaking 'Sound of Music' - which must have been good to create such atmosphere in a venue like Parr Hall.

Thanks Alan.

Andrew Holt
By chance I just went onto the website and saw the sad news about Alan, I  remember working together on Oklahoma! many years ago, I have so many great  memories of my time with the Society and all the lovely people there. Alan gave an awful lot of guidance and encouragement to his cast and I echo everyone's thoughts indeed.
 
Thankyou Alan, Andrew.

Marjorie Clare
Thanks Alan for the memories. Rest in peace.

Neil Townsend
I was very saddened to hear about Alan's passing, what a loss to the Society. As a fellow director, having the privilege of working with Centenary in the past and in the future, Alan was always on hand to offer comment, help but above all else inspiration to others. My condolences go to his family and friends.
The world of amateur theatre is a worse place because of his passing but richer because of his talent.

Malcolm Fallows
So sorry to hear about Alan Thomas -I only worked with him on a couple of shows but he was a wonderful man to work with a true believer in 'Professional AM-DRAM' he will be missed by many.

Pat Jackson
Having attended the funeral of Alan Thomas today I realise what a popular and well loved man he was and what an interesting life he lived.
It was lovely to see friends of Alan both young and old showing their respect for him and the help and encouragement he has given all of us in different ways over the years.
Alan will be sadly missed by three generations of my own family and I know the same will go for other society members and friends. God Bless Alan X

Dave Parker
Sad to hear the Loss of Alan Thomas. He played a big part in the time I was involved with Centenary. He was a very talented man.

Audrey and Mike Flint
We were very very upset to hear of the passing of dear Alan, such a great loss Centenary must now feel.   
We first met Alan in about 1956 at a party given by the late Peter Robinson (fantastic local comedian) - the party was at Peter's mother's house in Latchford.  What a night we all had. I remember Alan that night, sat at the piano, just playing in his own wonderful way, - no music at all - What a talent. 
In those days Mike and I would go along to the local 'clubs'  where possibly Barbara Law, Edna Savage, Dorothy Scott, Joan Plant ,to name but a few of the local 'stars' of the day were appearing - Warrington had it's own wealth of talent. 
Alan was a great arranger of music and would specially arrange songs and play regularly for Barbara.  Even of late Barbara still sings in Tenerife and is still the little ''Miss Dynamite" we all knew her to be. 
Centenary and formerly Crosfields Operatic and Dramatic Society have a huge debt owing to Alan Thomas, his knowledge of music and all aspects of theatre was endless - he certainly had even more to give. 
THANK YOU ALAN and God Bless, we are all the better for having known you and especially to have you as a friend. 

Mark Murphy
Alan was a contradiction.  Such a very private man, who hated the limelight - yet he spent so very many years working in the performing arts to help others shine.
A man of immense talent - not just his well known musical and directorial skills, but a man who, behind the scenes, could and would also turn his hand to painting, set design and anything that was asked of him.
When his talent was called for, he was always there to help.
Never self-promoting, and embarrassed by awards and tibutes - yet determined, focussed and always committed. He gave of his all.
He had huge charm, charisma and an active and dry sense of humour - although he could also giggle infectiously.
He was generous with his time and his talent - always willing to work with performers to help them achieve their best.
He was a true gentlemen, a real inspiration, and a wonderful friend.
God bless you, Alan. I will miss you.

Patsy Roberts
Dearest Alan - thirty years we have been friends.  Where did they go? 
It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to have been part of so many of your excellent productions.  What fun we had. You will be missed not only as a wonderfully talented musician, director, producer, artist - the list is endless  - but also as a dear, dear friend.
God bless you Alan - and may you rest forever in peace in your muscial heaven.
So sadly missed.

Natalie Moores - Runcorn
WOW! I watched The Boy Friend tonight (04/06/2009) - it was amazing. The accent that Hortense and Madame Dubonnet gave were outstanding, the dances were perfect, the Charleston blew me away with how amazing it was. Well done for the new members of Centenary and also well done to everyone that was in it and helped create it.
Can't wait for next show - once again well done.

Mrs A Tilling - Warrington
Congratulations on tonight's (27.4.09),'Spring in Parr Hall' performance. It was a wonderful evening and Centenary shone! All that hard work paid off, because you were brilliant. Well done everyone!!! 

Philip Burrows - St Helens
Just recently watched Scrooge with my Halton Lea Drama group.
Everyone came away singing- One of the best performances of it I've seen- and snow on stage!
I've also seen others such as King and I and Singing in the Rain and each performance was outstanding.  The orchestra and choreography is also so professional that its hard to believe its an amateur production- To me its West End Standards.

Chris Medlicott - Runcorn
Just returned from the Brindley after a very enjoyable night, Scrooge the Musical was pure brilliance and entertainment. Thank all your players for a great night.

Paul Thompson - Warrington
Jane, I and the children went to see Sweeney last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sondheim is my favourite composer of musicals and Sweeney is my favourite show. I was in it at university (what a challenge and what an experience!) and have seen two professional productions. I have to say that the production we saw last night easily bore comparison with these and was a major achievement: the music and acting were excellent, the pace was slick, the whole 'look' was spot on and Todd in particular gave a performance of real intensity. Please pass on my congratulations to all concerned: it all made me even more determined that I have a go at directing it at school one day!

Laura Hilton - Runcorn
I watched Sweeney Todd on Friday with 4 other people and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! Derren Dolphin is a phenomenal performer and would not be out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster! Keep up the good work, I look forward to attending many more productions

Paul Holliday - Wirral
Congratulations to all concerned in your absolutely brilliant production of 'Sweeney Todd'!.I've probably seen about a dozen productions of this amazing Sondheim show ...even fortunate enough to see Angela Landsbury and George Hearn in it on Broadway in 1979...but I couldn't fault Centenary's production...superb.

Beverley Lewis - Warrington
Just wanted to say how much my family and I enjoyed your production of 'Sweeney Todd' at the Brindley this evening. Having never seen the stage production and, to be honest, knowledge only of the recent movie version of this musical, I was so impressed with the quality of the performances by the cast as a whole,and the way in which it was put to together! My 12 year old thought that Derren Dolphin was better than Johnny Depp!! Will certainly look out for more Centenary productions on the strength of this one. Thank you for your entertainment!

Christine Maloney - Runcorn
Sweeney Todd was excellent!! I cant wait to see your next production Scrooge!

Julie Beach - Liverpool
Judge Turpin was excellent. 
A truly professional performance. Well done Phillip Wade

Christina Growney - Runcorn
Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, it's the best musical i have ever seen in my life, I'm an actor myself but I've not been sure whether to be on tv or theatre but when I was watching that performance the actors inspired me to go for musicals and I would just like to keep up the hard and amazing work. I really enjoyed the peformance and thought it was fantastic it was the best performance Id seen in ages and i'm definately coming back to see more of the performances, well done to all the cast and prodution team thank you for making my night a night never to forget. Again WELL DONE.xx

Dave and Marie Parker - Auckland, New Zealand
Just trying to say hello to all our old friends who are still involved in the society.

Jean Bell - Stockport - 02/02/08
Excellent show, well played and well cast! Enjoyed very much!

Derek Taylor - Latchford, Warrington - 02/02/08
Brilliant play, the cast was fantastic particulaly the two 'Birds' Vikki and Aimee and I saw a side I never thought I'd see of Mike Hall, fantastic as always.

Mr R.J. Unsworth - Runcorn - 02/02/08
Very enjoyable performance. Reminded me of how things were used to be in Liverpool in the 1960's

Maureen Middleton - Liverpool - 02/02/08
First visit to the Brindley and Centenary but NOT the last! Lovely atmosphere and great show.

Christine Brown - Appleton, Warrington - 02/02/08
Excellent production again! Never disappointed.

Sarah Jayne Hallworth - Manchester - 02/02/08
Sebastian Farrell and all the cast were FANTASTIC! A great show!

Mary Allen - Runcorn - 02/02/08
It's great to have a GOOD LAUGH!!

Mr & Mrs Helsby - Penketh, Warrington - 01/02/2008
We were told it was excellent. We came. We agreed.

Maureen Bell - Northwich - 01/02/08
Beautiful Theatre and wonderful show!

Morris Stephens - Runcorn - 31/01/08
Always look forward to another great show, long may you continue & congratulations to the Brindley staff.

Mark Cox from The Royal Liver Assurance (based in The Liver Buildings) - 31/01/08
The play was professionally well executed by all concerned and personally the standard was such that I could see it being run on the TV re-enacted by you all. Well done and please pass on my sincere congratulations to all the cast and back stage crew as a very commendable performance was had by all!

Derek Taylor - Latchford, Warrington - 10/12/07
Hello my friends, just wanted to say I'm looking forward very much to next years productions I love The Liver Birds and cant wait to see you perform my favourite musical 'Sweeney Todd' - Lets see if its better than the film out in Jan! All the best and see you soon, Derek.

Carol Griffiths - Widnes - 15/10/07
King & I is my VERY favourite musical. I have seen many productions both amateur and professional. Apart from film with Yul Brynner & Deborah Kerr this was easily the best one I've seen. Well done!

Christine Madden - Appleton, Warrington - 14/10/07
A superb production, costumes, songs, expert choreography, the children were sweet and singing and acting first class - a wonderful night out. Worthy of the West End!

Rita McCubbin - Runcorn - 14/10/07
Excellent. One of the best shows we've EVER seen before.

Glenys Cocks - Murray Bridge, South Australia - 14/10/07
Wonderful theatre,a really professional production of King & I, most enjoyable.

I CAMPBELL - RUNCORN - 14/10/07
AN EXCELLENT SHOW WORTH EVERY PENNY SPENT! 

R Homley - Widnes - 13/10/07
King & I was excellent, couldn't have been better - enjoyed every moment

Sheila Westwood - Warrington - 13/10/07
Another triumph! These performances just get better every time! 

N D. Wright - Helsby - 12/10/07
28 of us from Helsby Hillside WI tonight, have all enjoyed the most WONDERFUL production.

B Nock - Widnes - 22/09/07
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice was excellent!!

K Postlethwaite - Warrington - 22/9/07
Very much enjoyed 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice' all the acting performances were superb.

Irene Hanbidge - Manchester - 20/5/07
'Singin' In The Rain' is one of my favourite shows and you made my year as I never thought I'd see such a perfect LIVE production of it. The cast were wonderful and I still find it hard to believe you actually made it rain ON STAGE! Thank you for a perfect night out. 

Paul Morgan - 5/2/07
Your recent production of "Abigail's Party" was excellent. All five characters squeezed every bit of humour, pathos and tragedy out of every conceivable moment. Well done from all at Phoenix Theatre.com, Porthcawl, for a truly professional and memorable performance. It made the journey from South Wales seem well worth while. In the words of Beverly "Yeah! Fantastic! Yeah! Great!

D Mitten - 1/2/07
Congratulations on your five NODA award nominations!

S Farrell - Penketh - 23/1/07
The pictures in the gallery are all tremendous, keep up the good work!

Verity Thompson - 9/11/06
The recent production of Hello Dolly was wonderful. Dolly, Mrs Molloy, Vandergelder and Cornelius were all played fantastically...well done to you all! A fantastic musical supported by a flawless orchestra. A real treat!

W Callan - 7/11/06
Hello dear friends!! I would like to comment on the society's spectacular performance of Hello Dolly!! Clare Asprey was wonderful as Dolly. I particulary enjoyed the waiters' galop as it is rare to see men dancing on stage and with such grace! Well done to the whole cast for another perfect performance!! Your number one fan always.

Kay Wilcock  - Rainford - 30/10/06
Your recent production of Hello Dolly was outstanding, a first class performance by Clare Asprey.  Never seen a bad production by Centenary, keep up the good work, can't wait for Abigail's Party.

Sarah Wilcox - Latchford - 28/10/06
I have just got back from a production of Hello Dolly and have to say what a wonderful production it really was! I have not been the theatre for a long time and forgot how enjoyable it is, what a shame we had to go all the way to Runcorn to enjoy it. Particular praise for the show must go to Derren Dolphin and Jane Rigby for a beautiful duet at the end and I loved Michael Mullan as Vandergelder, very funny, reminded me of my husband! Clare Asprey played Dolly to perfection! The whole cast was brilliant and the whole production was really top notch, well done to all involved!

S Myers - Westbrook - 4/10/06
I would like to congratulate your Society on the recent production of Educating Rita.  The performances were excellent and the set (particularly the Livepool skyline) was perfect in every detail.  We look forward to seeing more Society productions.

Chris Sherrat - Warrington - 30/1/06
I really enjoyed your performance of Brassed Off, I love the film and never thought the stage version would match up, but it surpassed all of my expectations. I was in buckets at the end. Well done to everyone!!

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