A full crowd awaited the Newport Operatic Society for their opening night of Sunset Boulevard. This show didn’t disappoint with a powerful story presenting the ambitions and frustrations of life within the competitive world of Hollywood. 

At the heart of the story is Norma Desmond, a prior queen of the silent era, played with mesmerising intensity by Ros Jones-Griffiths. Her over exaggerated performance as a crazy and wild eyed ex-Hollywood star was superb and her singing could not be called anything but fantastic. 

Joe Gillis played by Phil Lee Thomas, acts as a writer struggling for work. He is forced into love with Norma Desmond but also discovers a sweet and good-natured love with Betty Schaefer, played by Eloise Rossiter. Betty represents a more respectable life for Joe but leads him to his final misfortune. He plays the variations in his character well where you are thoroughly enticed into the narrative.

A mention must also be made to Max Von Mayerling, played by Michael Lowe. He plays Norma’s devoted servant who was of star quality in both acting and singing.

Despite occasional sound issues, the sets were all on theme and the mix of film and photography in the show only added to the performance. 

The show continues until Saturday.

Samantha Newman