Act Out 2025

The show comprised of four separate and very different productions in one presentation. It’s so reassuring to know that societies, such as the Charming Theatre Company allows everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of performing arts. The age range is vast and what a treat to see tiny children performing drama! Not just a token attendance on stage either, but real content and extensive dialogue which was very impressive. Whilst there is minimal set/scenery the use of the back projection of scene setting was very clever and seamlessly used so as not to distract the audience but to enhance the individual productions, but more about that later.

Junior Drama:(8 –11) – The Mysterious Disappearance at Maplewood Manor

The cast in their fabulous baseball jackets gave a cohesive performance. The storyline was acted out well with several stand out moments. The simultaneous reaction by everyone to the sudden crash was spot on.  ‘James’ was clear and extremely enthusiastic and Harry who played the ghost had so much energy. The two girls with the books were clear and loud. The multiple props used were an enhancement and did not hinder their performance.

The hands turning on the clock and the door opening and closing on the back projection was well executed and the cast reacted well to it. The cameo performance by Iona from the Senior Drama Group, brought everything together for a happy conclusion.

Ewyas Harold Primary School Drama:(8-11) – Harry Trotter and the Sock of Destiny

This group of youngsters belong to an after-school club that Ed teaches once a week for the past 7 years and some of the cast had been in it from the beginning. Unfortunately, their rehearsals are on a Monday and had suffered from a few Bank Holidays leaving them with a little nervousness and uncertainty but I thoroughly enjoyed this vignette. The veiled similarity to Harry Potter was brilliant and the costumes were perfect. The Wizard had really good diction and the other cast members were understandable throughout. The sock storm was very funny and the prat fall undertaken very naturally.

Little Stars Drama: (5-8) – The Enchanted Forrest Adventure

The only word to describe this was adorable. Oh, my goodness, for little ones some of them had big voices, which was great to hear. Unfortunately, Ezra was overcome with nerves and retreated to the wings which was such a shame as he really did know his lines. If it had been feasible, he would have spoken from the wings as I could hear him speaking them. It is wonderful that the Charming Theatre Company gives everyone the opportunity to perform and from such a young age. All of the little ones knew their words and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Senior Drama Group: (11-16) The Day the Internet Died

Well, this vignette was so realistic and I am sure that whilst the actors were in no means type cast, their portrayal made it feel reel. What would we do if the internet died? This was a depiction from the youth’s perspective of how lives would be affected without the dreaded social media network. It was funny but also quite shocking as it was so relatable.

Josh was a natural orator and came across very well as the mayor, with Oren as the Sheriff being berated by the town’s youths accusing them of killing the internet. The passion expressed by the cast was evident and their reasons for needing the internet a true reflection of how so many people feel without being on line. Perhaps the saddest instance was portrayed by Belle as Nina who needed so badly to be liked by her followers and was so self-centred that she wasn’t functioning. The difference between her and Jenny played by Amaya was vast and nicely played out.  The role of the anonymous voice of Facebook was played by Amma as Derek, and it was interesting and very funny. The group therapy session was enlightening especially when Peter, played by Joey, was picked out as a non-participating watcher who, it was felt, had nothing to contribute anyway. His explanation and niceness came over so well.

Erin, Zoe, Iona, Josh, Sophia and Emily all had impactive input to the story line and the ultimate outcome was one of realisation that there is an alternative to social websites, such as reading a book or shock horror - talking to each other… This was a social experiment that gave pause for thought. Well, for about five minutes before they all responded to the pings that told them their phones had come back to life. Definitely made me think! Really well depicted by the Senior Drama Group.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.