Around the World in 20 Musicals

It was my absolute pleasure to attend Hudswell Village Players’ ambitious concert, “Around the World in 20 Musicals” covering for a fellow representative. I had never been before and received a beautifully warm welcome which is always lovely when visiting a brand-new group.

From the moment the house lights dimmed, it was evident that the creative force behind this production had set their sights high and delivered an evening brimming with fun, excitement, and ingenuity. The evening was a true testament to the power of community theatre, displaying a kaleidoscope of talent and a refreshing embrace of diversity in all its forms. This creative force was in the form of John Holliday who presented a truly entertaining and innovative night of entertainment. It was clear real thought had gone into providing the audience with unique and innovative entertainment, effectively using the small space, and delivering a wonderful evening of entertainment, even in the soaring heat! The directorial vision was bold and clear throughout. Each segment was given its own flavour, yet the overarching theme was never lost. The choreography was inventive and adapted well to the space, making clever use of minimal props and backdrops to evoke a sense of ‘place’ for each musical stopover.

The concept behind “Around the World in 20 Musicals” was both novel and clever: a whistlestop musical journey spanning continents and eras, all within the familiar and welcoming walls of Hudswell’s village hall. Each number was carefully chosen to represent a different corner of the globe, and the transitions between numbers were seamless, thanks to thoughtful direction and tight stage management. The show was a vibrant tapestry, as colourful visually as it was musically, and the audience was swept along on this joyous international odyssey. I especially loved the screen graphics and projections representing the journey and countries visited delivered by CDB Production Solutions.

The song and costume choices were carefully selected to be unique and rousing and the audience thoroughly enjoyed their presentation, almost Eurovision like but much more talented performers I must add!

The musical direction was similarly praiseworthy from MD Debbie Allenby. From the rousing ensemble numbers to more intimate or utterly hilarious solos, the quality of the performances and harmonies never faltered. Harmonies were tight and the tracks were always sympathetic to the performers and the material.

The cast, ranging in ages with a senior and junior ensemble, was the true heart of the evening. Many stand-out performances were peppered throughout the programme, and the camaraderie and mutual support between cast members was clear for all to see.

It is difficult in a concert to name individual standout numbers without simply repeating a synopsis which I am personally always loathe to do, however I genuinely enjoyed every number! There were some significant stand out vocal performances from Jordan Hamilton-Leighton, Maia Hughes, Chloe Craig and Grace Baker notably but I have to say every cast member was excellent.  Huge congratulations to the entire adult cast of Heidi Bradley, Scott Edwards, Amy Fudali, Christine Hill, John Holliday, Brodey Laundon, Jill McLachlan, Christine Meldon, Smia Jacques, Sim Ward and Linda Weston. They were joined and complimented beautifully by a Junior cast of Gabriella Boddy, Chloe Craig, Amber Evans, Freddie Holliday, Layla Johnson, Archie Robson, Lexi Thompson, Charlie Vart, Holly Wake, Alfie Webster and Amelia Younis.

The lifeguards and John & Jordan’s rendition of “Brush up your Shakespeare” did somewhat steal the show, and my condolences to the junior cast in full arctic get up for a rendition of “Some things never change” from Frozen 2 during a heatwave!

The warmth of the applause after each number and the conversations overheard during the interval left no doubt: “Around the World in 20 Musicals” was a hit. The audience’s appreciation was palpable. The show not only entertained but also fostered a genuine sense of togetherness—a hallmark of successful community theatre.

In conclusion, Hudswell Village Players’ “Around the World in 20 Musicals” was a vibrant and thoroughly entertaining evening, marked by innovation, humour and a first-rate display of local talent. The company should be justly proud of their achievements, having delivered a show that was as enriching as it was enjoyable.

Warmest congratulations to the entire cast, crew and production team for their vision, commitment, and infectious enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing what the Hudswell Village Players have in store for us next—if this concert is any indication, it will be unmissable!

 

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