Back to the 80’s

Having attended several productions performed by Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Youth Section in the past directed by David Humphries it must be said my expectation before even arriving at the theatre was high. In addition, the musical was described as ‘totally awesome’. Both this statement and my expectation were well met by a performance which could only be described as outstanding from the very first moment to the final note by this talented youth company.

Although I knew of the show I had not seen it before. Set in the 1980’s we are taken back in time to numerous musical numbers of the decade (maybe the title gives that away). For those of us who lived through these times even if not the greatest fan of ‘pop music’ at the time they were all very familiar.

The cast for this show was massive. The stage was filled with enthusiasm and energy. The dance numbers were extremely well presented no matter who you were watching while the musical numbers were faultless. The full ensemble numbers such as ‘Kids in America’, ‘We are the World’ and the megamix were truly amazing.

With such a massive number in the cast it would never be possible to name all those who had either a principal role or a solo number.  The programme detailed twenty-one young talented individuals in these roles.  

Set in the final year of the graduating class of William Ocean High School we are taken back to these years by the narrator of the story Corey Palmer Senior played with great confidence and maturity by Harry Jobson. Harry described the period in his life through the eyes of Corey Palmer Junior well played by Alfie Rudd in love with Tiffany Houston equally well played by Georgia Hathaway-Timms.

Meanwhile Harry Collins portrayed a solid performance as the most popular boy in the class Michael Feldman.  In addition, a strong performance was given by Tom Parkinson as classroom geek Feargal McFerrin who told of the future such as mobile telephones and CD’s. Issy Khogali and Georgia Tombs completed the principal line up with equally good performances to the rest of the pupils.

The teaching team of Mr Cocker played by George Fall- Taylor and Miss Sheena Brannigan played by Grace Done worked well together both giving believable performances surrounded by their contemporaries playing pupils.   

The staging of this show was well thought out. The band were set on raised staging as were members of the cast for many of the large musical numbers. The musical direction was good throughout the whole performance.

I am aware of a physical difficulty which needed to be resolved once the company moved into the theatre. If I hadn’t been told this I would not have known because the work around was slick and as if rehearsed for months,  

As if the evening was not already special enough this was rounded off by an acknowledgement and presentation made by BBC radio Hereford and Worcester to director David Humphries marking their 30th anniversary and David’s continual dedication to WODYS having co-founded and led WODYS since they were established in 1982.

And so, to the future. Next year something new to the amateur stage- Shrek The Musical. I for one cannot wait. 

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