'exuberance and pizzazz of this fine company'

(John Lawson, Eastern Daily Press, 3 June 2004)

Perhaps joyous is the wrong word to use when describing Threshold Theatre's sparkling production.  But such is the exuberance and pizzazz of this fine company even the darkest moments of this story of legendary pools winner Viv Nicholson have a hint of joy.
   Despite the despair in her life, Nicholson has remained a survivor - a woman whose lust for life has overcome her rags to riches to rags story.  It was fitting therefore Viv herself should have been in the audience to watch the first night of this East Anglian amateur premiere.  Only one other amateur group nationwide has so far produced Steve Brown and Justin Greene's musically demanding and emotionally draining show - and Viv is to help direct a forthcoming production in Sheffield.  Is it presumptious to suggest she will have drawn some pointers from director Greg Fitch?
   The leading characters were all beautifully drawn. The older Viv (Andrea Ferguson), who acts as narrator, stands world-weary but unbowed at the side almost throughout.  Ferguson has real presence and a great voice which blends beautifully with her younger self (Sara Crowley) in the story's flashbacks.
   There is great chemistry between Crowley and Andy Lofthouse as the tragic Keith, the love of Viv's life, who died in a car crash soon after their £152,000 pools win of 1961.  Ian Chisholm is like Pete Postlethwaite as Viv's drunken father, with Val Lofthouse giving strong support as Viv's mum.
   There are some powerful and thought- provoking songs in Brown's great score.  The ensemble numbers John Collier and the title song are well supported by Esther Thirkettle's punchy seven-piece band and both show off the work of choreographers Jean and Jayne Cator to the full.

'right show, right society'

(Susan DuPont, Eastern Area NODA Representative: East Anglian Premiere of Spend Spend Spend)

This was a case of the right show and the right society, excellent in casting, the electricity just sparked and the show gelled under the team of Greg Fitch and Ester Thirkettle.  The double casting of Viv (Andrea Ferguson) and Young Viv (Sara Crowley) was perfect on all counts, the voice blend and high standard of singing, the real empathy between these two cast members in the drama of life just made it work.  Match in the smooth voice of Andy Lofthouse as Keith for a strong trio ofleads.  (Also) two excellent character studies from lan Chisholm and Val Lofthouse as Viv's parents.  But it is the company vivacity and total commitment that impacted on the audience in an explosion of energy that was truly dynamic and it was a delight to see a younger group work to this standard of vocal and movement ability - a chance for all in the myriad little parts, excellent sustenance of accent throughout, well drilled and all knew what and where and how whether acting or crew, really an evening to remember for it's high moments, congratulations. 

And the coup of Viv Nicholson on opening night!