Anastasia

A wonderful mixed cast of all ages took on the challenge to bring the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov to the stage, which they rose too magnificently. On what was basically a simple box set, but on a grand scale with the addition of a few pieces of furniture and atmospheric lighting, we were transported from an imperial Russian Palace ballroom to a Leningrad Street, an abandoned theatre and many other scenes throughout the production.

In the title role of Anya/Anastasia Jaimey Scullion was a pleasure and delight to watch throughout the production, with her beautiful voice portraying the different emotions throughout especially in her fantastic “Journey to the Past“ solo closing Act 1. Callum Burnett in the role of Dmitry, Anya/Anastasia’s mentor and love interest was a joy to watch with his enthusiasm and caring nature, a great pairing indeed. Making up the trio was the wonderful William Foster as Count Vlad Popov, as you would call it the brains behind it all, and his reunion with Lily played by Elisha Robertson and their version of “The Countess and the Common Man” with the singing and dancing brought a laugh to the whole proceedings.The Dowager Empress was played with great dignity by Eilidh Baxter and even though not often seen once the main introductions are completed, she certainly owned the stage with the power and control in the lovely singing numbers. Eden Murray gave a very impressive performance as Gleb the Bolshevik officer tasked with tracking down Anya to crush any Royalist revival, with very strong singing in “The Neva Flows” and “Quartet at the Ballet” numbers.

The principal and ensemble singing was consistent throughout with strong solos and groups singing under the watchful eye of Ian Duguid. The choreography designed by Yvonne Tait was superbly carried out by the principals and ensemble alike. And of course, with the Direction of Niall King and Assistant Director Niamh Logie allowed the powerful story to be told in well-constructed scenes, with the use of split stages and effective lighting allowing scene changes to seem seamless.

Congratulations everyone on a wonderful production and a delightful evening’s entertainment which was fully deserving of the standing ovation before the bows even started.

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