MADCAPS – Rock Till You Drop –

Friday 29 September, Hauriki Marae
“Magic – Feels Good”. So goes the by-line for Media Works newest radio station – Magic FM. Launched earlier this year, the Magic FM audience pull has exceeded expectations. Aimed at those in the 50-59 year age group “who have a youthful, active approach to life” it plays an almost continuous programme of rock and pop music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Steve Lewis, Director of MADCAPS with a similarly themed show, could not fail to please although the audience was probably closer to 80 years at the upper end of the age demographic.
Be that as it may, Rock Till You Drop had several of the audience up on their feet dancing and clapping the night away to music that evoked memories of their youth. Pure nostalgia – felt good.

The mood for a good time was set by the gifted theme designer, Michael Honey, with his colourful and imaginative decoration of the venue reflecting the colour-ways and fashions of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Talking of fashions; did we really wear our skirts that short? And what about the bell bottoms worn by the men? The “Dancing Queens” of the Abba years looked stunning in their luminous, candy coloured jump suits.
For this writer it was the men who were the stand-out performers for the last show in 2014. This time it was most definitely the women who shone. The star line-up was led by Pip Maynard, Fiona Couchman and Cathy Hutchison. Great solo and ensemble work from all of them. The amazing Dawn Hartnell is still going strong too. This is not to say that the men weren’t any good – they were!
Special mention must be made of Mike Knapp who performed like the Energiser Bunny on speed bringing the house down with his energetic gyrating as he belted out his songs. He had several women dancing and screaming Beatles-style in any space they could find. Dave Hutchison and James Ball were highly amusing in a skit called the Argument Clinic.
The Band led by Jim Clark provided lively accompaniment for the performance. The production and support teams have to be commended for operating successfully in a venue that had to be adapted for the show.
At $40, which included food, it was a jolly good-value evening’s entertainment for many. Looking around the room it was obvious the audience were enjoying themselves. Well done again MADCAPS.
Winifred Bull
Photo caption: The performers on stage, from left; Fiona Couchman, Cathy Hutchison, Pip Maynard, Tara Woodhouse and Mike Knapp.
Photo courtesy Tegan King