6 Golden Tickets

What an amazing undertaking this was!  This was an original youth production, put together by Debi Weaver and the Clogettes Creative Team and based loosely upon the Roald Dahl story-based Musicals of Willy Wonka / Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. As well as compiling this for a single performance in a major venue, it also formed part of a Trinity College Group Musical Theatre Assessment, which took place on the performance night.

Though the stresses of all of this were no doubt present somewhere, they certainly didn’t show in the production. This was a slick and well-put together production, from the opening duet, right through to the closing rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’. The enthusiastic audience of friends, family and involved parties certainly loved every minute and showed their appreciation throughout.

The solo and chorus singing was of a very high standard, including harmonies and there were plenty of opportunities for many of the group to get the chance to show what they could do. The choreography was cleverly worked for the abilities involved and worked really effectively. You could clearly see how much those on stage were enjoying themselves and it was hard, nigh on impossible, not to smile yourself throughout. 

There were plenty of acted scenes too, which were very good in the main, with some nice characterisations – particularly of the Golden Ticket winners. As is often the case with young performers in a new environment, some dialogue was spoken in a bit if a rush – the control of which will come with time and practice.  Many of the performers were using radio microphones too for the first time, which were very well-managed.  In fact, the lighting, sound and visuals from MDR Theatre Services were very good throughout and really enhanced the production. Scenes changes, through Sasha Berry, team and the cast were effectively managed. Costumes were of the correct style and looked great!

Thank you Clogettes for a wonderful evening’s entertainment and congratulations on the ‘Distinction’ you received in your assessment. Very well-done and very much deserved. I look forward to your future productions!

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