Annie KIDS & The Jungle Book KIDS

All Saint`s Elton Theatre Youth treated us to two musicals in one performance, the first was Annie KIDS. The stage set was very minimal which worked perfectly for this production, there was a painted backdrop of a New York skyline through an arched window and then black curtains surrounding. Props were brought on as and when needed, it was a very hard working team backstage. The cast consisted of eighteen children, a range of ages and most of whom had never set foot on a stage before. 

Sound was unfortunately quite difficult to hear because there are no hanging mics or radio mics at all so it was all down to actors projection, this is something for the whole group to work on  because it is always a useful tool to have in case of a mic problem or failure ,it is not just a case of shouting louder- it is about using the diaphragm to verbally project sound and emotion. That being said , quite a few of the musical numbers came across with some good volume. Timing and rhythm was good , the children used their stage space well and executed the choreography by Charlotte Crowley.

Jessica Simms played  Annie, her vocals were good and strong, she is still quite young but would benefit from learning about diaphragmatic breathing for sustaining her long notes, she is definitely one to keep an eye on as tone was good. Harper Lucas-Caine as Miss Hannigan seemed to enjoy herself, she had a nice edge to her character and used her stage space well. Unfortunately I did hear a lot of prompts from both on and offstage but i am putting this down to nerves and first time being on a real stage with a big audience. Costumes were good in both productions, they were simple but effective.

The Jungle Book KIDS  was a good pick as it gave the children a chance to show off different characterisational skills. The set for The Jungle Book KIDS was a large rock and a green leaf background , at times a chair appeared as a throne . Jasmine Harris played Mowgli, she interacted well with the rest of the cast and gave very good face at times. The whole cast threw themselves into the choreography and seemed to enjoy it, I especially enjoyed Sofia Shaw dancing as Baloo .Dialogue throughout both productions would benefit from slowing down as it did come across as quite rushed and so some of the storyline was lost  but pace throughout was good.

This was a great starting block for a new Youth Theatre Group and I  very much look forward to watching them grow and develop within their craft  . Thank you for inviting me, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

 

 

 

 

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