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 The stage was set with black rostra and a huge back projection screen which illustrated, very efficiently, the scenes within the show. The lighting was dappled over the stage but then lit up the action from the very first song. We were introduced to the show by Evan, played by Charlie McCartney, who set the scene, beautifully, for the story to start. The whole company burst onto the stage with great number,’ Becoming a Man’, in which everyone sang and danced their hearts out. This gave us a taste of the great dance moves that were to follow, many of them quite athletic and some great modern choreography. Congratulations to Katie Lawrence and Amber Shanley, the choreographers, for some great teamwork to get the cast dancing so well.

Charlie, as Evan, has great stage presence and maintained an American accent all the way through. This was a big role as Evan is on the stage for most of the show, but Charlie managed this effortlessly and maintained the twinkle in his eye as he communicated the difficulties that his character was going through. The music was quite tricky to master especially the harmonies and the entrance notes for some of the songs. Singing to backing tracks is never easy but he managed to pitch his starting notes very well.

Most of the cast managed the singing well but there was one young lady whose voice was clear and strong and gave us the most delightful interpretation of Patrice. Louise Percival’s voice was wonderful and she hit the sustained notes beautifully and with confidence. This was demonstrated very early in the show in the song ‘The Lamest Place in the World’.  I loved her portrayal of Patrice and the confidence with which she approached this role. I’m sorry not to have seen the other Patrice in the second cast, Izabelle King, but I did spot her in the chorus and I know she would have been another formidable talent. The lyrics in the show, are really very funny and this was not lost on Brett, played by Vaughan Read, and his two accomplices Malcolm, played by Nathaniel Caldwell, and Eddie, played by Freddie Winzar-Mills. These three, as the school bully and his buddies, had great rapport and really enjoyed the humour in these parts. All three of them showed real connection with the audience and I loved the ‘Bad Bad News ‘song which really displayed their humour!

The 2 girls who were the love interest and caused all the problems within the storyline, were Kendra, Georgie Jago, and Lucy, Amber Shanly. I loved the difference between the 2 parts, Georgie, as Kendra, was the girl all the boys wanted to ask out, and had a lovely soft warm portrayal of the role. Amber, as Lucy, had a completely different approach as the feisty friend who was rather jealous of Kendra. Well done, girls, these roles were really good and you had a very believable connection between you both. I loved your song, ‘Getting Ready’ that you sang with the rest of the cast.

Reuben Howard, as Archie, was absolutely great. Very funny, completely inside the character and his voice production and diction was so clear. We could hear every single word you said and, as most of your lines were very funny, this made a huge difference. This really was a great role for you and you delivered it beautifully. Nothing illustrated it better than the song Terminal Illness which was, lyrically, a bit uncomfortable but made completely hysterical by you and Charlie, as Evan.

There were many great moments within the show by the rest of the cast and I must just mention the Rabbis song and dance. Olivia, as the Chief Rabbi had wonderful hand moves and was a wonderful dancer and singer. ,’ Being a Geek’ was very cleverly choregraphed. There are some great voices within BOSSY and I look forward to hearing more from Eden Caldwell and Melody Shanley in future shows.  I especially liked all your reactions in the cinema whilst watching the gory film and the final song, A Little More Homework’ was so touching and quite sad.

Thank you so much to everyone who made my evening so much fun. Well done to lighting and sound and the stage crew as well as the costume, props and chaperones for their part in putting on the show.

It is obvious to me that the wonderful atmosphere and professional approach to this show comes from your lovely Director, Gaynor Wilson. The care, fun and attention to detail is down to a really great director and shines through your performances.

Well done, Gaynor, and well done to everyone.

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