Arabian Nights

I arrived at my first visit to the Rising Stars, for a show that had originally been written for the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre, and this was the second time that Rising Stars had performed this piece. I could see from the off that I was in for a special treat from this very talented group. With a cast of almost 30, age ranging from 8 to 17 years, vocals and diction were crisp and clear throughout, and what struck me was the amount of work that every single member of the cast had to do, with multiple characters to play, as well some brilliant physical theatre that assisted the various stories that were told as the show progressed. I particularly enjoyed the scene with the “Roc” puppet, and the way the cast operated it as Sinbad’s story unfolded. The 8-piece band, conducted by MD Chris Steed, sounded fabulous.

With a rather dark and challenging script and vocals to deliver, along with some comedic moments, the whole cast portrayed a maturity on stage well beyond their years, and Director Helen Steed must take huge credit for the amount of work she must have put in with each and every member of the cast, each character displaying some outstanding interpretations in the stories that were told.  Helen had drilled the cast so well, using some very effective and imaginative ideas to allow the show to flow from one scene and story to the other effortlessly.

Choreography (Jo Forster) was excellent, it is not easy to move a cast of 30 in unison, but, again, the whole cast were all in step and the moves were very creative and effective.

Most of the storytelling was delivered by Sheherazade (Grace Smith), who, with her sister Dinarzade (Lucy Marchand), delivered some beautiful vocals and acting. I really enjoyed the title song “Arabian Nights,” sang by Grace and Lucy, it was a real highlight. Grace was outstanding and faultless throughout, and the perfect foil for the previously kind but now ruthless King Shahryar (Alfie Nisbett). Alfie was excellent, delivering a very assured performance throughout with some dark dead pan humour.

There were so many very strong and varying characterisations in the stories that were told. Millie Stevens doubled up as Ali Baba in the first story, and then as Old Sinbad in the final story, and I was captivated by the strength of Millie’s acting style and natural ability to tell the story with such clarity and stage presence. The “Forty Thieves,” led by Chief Thief Taylor Hargreaves, were great, suitable baddies and also delivering the big number “We’re Thieves”. Emily Ruddock, as Ali’s servant, Morgiana, finished off the Thieves with another piece of strong acting and dancing, joined by Servant Girls Tess Bonnett, Erin Mackinson, Amber Muttitt, Grace Shurmer and Katie Stevens.

Jasmine Murray also doubled up, first as Ali Baba’s donkey, making the audience laugh with her “Eeyore’s,” then as The Little Beggar. So many different characters in the Little Beggar Scene, excellently delivered, the poor judge hilariously played by Edith Forster, as the story came to its conclusion and there was actually no case to answer.

There were many other very strong performances, from Lewis Thornton as the Genie, Zara Pigney as The Fisherman, Lucy Rayner as the Stupid Farmer, Alice Ashdown-Nichol as Sinbad the Porter, and Katie Stevens as Young Sinbad, but this was a company show and every single member of the cast should be very proud of this production.  

The show was a joy to watch, showing the outstanding teamwork skills that these young performers will have developed, not only for performing in the theatre, but also skills that they will use forever in whatever direction their lives take them.

Thanks again to Helen, Chris, and all of the Rising Stars.

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