25 years

To celebrate with you all for 25 years of DOSYTCo and to congratulate you all on what has been achieved over the years: you should all be so proud.

This so much a ‘company’ celebration to mark the 25 years since the formation of DOSYTCo: and what a journey to cover the 21 shows (some repeats) over that time, and not necessarily the songs expected and many as group offerings rather than a solo to give a chance for more performers. As they burst on to the stage in their enthusiasm, these 46 youngsters (8-19 years) in their smart ‘iridescent 25’ T-shirts (plus some guests from the past) showed the achievements of teamwork, style, and confidence and, above all, talent, which is the future of amateur (and professional) theatre. The production team of Chris Dilley, Helen Cowie and Jodie Quirke should be congratulated for inspiring these youngsters to this high standard of slick movement and vocals and harmonies.

Liked the backing of the ‘shows’ with the ‘poster logo’, and the lighting plot, and the professionalism and the friendly but slick timing of Declan Matwij as MC taking us through the history of DOSYTCo.

When Thomas Wilson-Gotobed invited us to ‘consider ourselves one of them’, the audience responded in kind and the evening rose to great heights of enthusiasm, and the company just exploded into action of song and very fast and slick choreography, what an opening. And contrasts with quiet and power of ‘love’ from smaller boys (Frankie and Adam) cast and current and previously leads guest for Nancy (Emily and Jodie). And then off to Oz for Sophie, Ollie, Harrison and Alfie: and this is truly a ‘family’ company with more than one of a surname and age performing in style. A huge company number for ‘Flash, Bang’ employing all talents of song and dance to celebrate ‘Sixpence’, and this followed by Maddie, Summer and Lauren, three very strong vocals from small-size girls in a big ‘Tomorrow’; and then two dance routines for different sizes from ‘Annie’ and in ‘Turkish Delight’, and another from ‘Whistle’ (all very well rehearsed and slick). Two of the big shows in ‘My Fair Lady’ (Elysha and Frankie) and ‘The King and I’ (Maisie) featured again this excellent grouping and harmony offering some solo work with the ensembles and this style of number really the pride of the company in so many numbers: so clever of production team to offer these chances to all. Young men for the future from the lower age range: Louis in ‘Scrooge’ and Josiah in ‘Honk’. And at the other end of the age range and off to stage school, what strength and depth in performance from Elliot in ‘Gates of Heaven’ (Whistle) and Olivia in ‘Don’t say goodbye’ (Peter Pan): outstanding, this shows what an example to the younger members and hopefully the seniors will benefit this year until they move on. A very moving company number from ‘Vackees’ and energy plus finale from ‘Dracula’ for all to participate in and to welcome past members as guests, and then to the buzz of appreciation in the interval.

How to begin a brilliant second half (and it needed to be good to follow the first half): well an medley from ‘Les Miserables’ seemed a good option with Company opening and then excellent solo ‘Stars’ from Ollie, a trio Eponine ‘On my own’ of Ellie, Sophie, and Chloe, followed by a quartet Elliot, Tom, Alfie, and Joseph in great harmony ‘Bring him home’; what voices and poise from these teenagers, they can show some of the adult groups how to transfix an audience. To follow the drama, a great party atmosphere in the company for ‘Back to the 80s’ and what fun and huge involvement. The magic of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ from Elliot and Charlotte as a softer interlude before triple smaller girls Keziah, Esme, and Rebecca vamping us with ‘Tallulah and all those males (13 boys from age 10 to 19) showing that they can sing and dance as well as any girls in ‘Bad Guys’, Bugsy is such fun. The ultimate youngster and company show ‘Joseph’ perfect for the ensemble singing with solos from Joanna and Heather, from Joseph, and from guests Rachel and Chris, what an excellent extract to enjoy and remember. And then to the more modern and recent with great numbers from ‘Guys and Dolls’ of Alfie with ‘Luck’ and Tom with ‘Sit Down’ followed by Declan and Harrison (family Matwij) in ‘Timeless’ from ‘Hairspray’: all these young men are just so great vocally and in timing and work so hard. And the build up to the finale with a selection of all company sequences: ‘You can’t stop the beat’ from ‘Hairspray’ and ‘You’re the one’ from ‘Grease’ as the crescendo just increased and the energy levels lifted the roof, and how much they were all enjoying the experience as the singing and dancing just increased in tempo and volume. And to the ultimate finale, and hopefully there will be more than ‘one day more’ from this talented group, a full company with guests singing this big ensemble number in a quality and vocal harmony not heard from many groups, a perfect ending and deserving the rapturous applause.

Congratulations to all concerned in any way, look forward to the next 25!

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