Back To The 80’s

This Chorley Youth Theatre production of ‘Back to 80’s’ is what is described as a juke box musical containing some of the biggest musical hits of the 80’s. It reminded me very much of Grease and the more modern High School Musical. The story revolved around the memories of the adult Corey Palmer played agreeably by Andy Burke as he looks back at his life as a seventeen year old member of the senior class of’ William Ocean High school’. The younger Corey is played well and with confidence by Ciaran O ‘Brien, Corey is madly in love with his neighbour and fellow classmate Tiffany Houston nicely played by Vicky Campbell but she only has eyes for Michael Feldman (Alex Townson) who was very cool and Fonzie like in his portrayal. His friends Billy Arnold, Lionel Astley and Huey Jackson were reliably played by Connor Taylor, James Clow and Nathan Devlin giving comedic performances at times. They are all athletic and good looking and Corey and his best friends Alf Bueller and Kirk Keaton confidently played by Jack Holgate and Declan Cowell would like to emulate them.  Both Corey and Michael decided to stand for class president along with the class geek and technology wizard Feargal Mcferrin sensitively and convincingly characterised by Jack McLoughlin whose deputies and supporters were Debbie Fox and Laura Wild well played by Natalie Doe and Kira Brookfield. Crissie Day gives a strong confident performance as Cyndi Gibson Tiffany’s friend and fellow cheer leader who knows what she wants in life and Rosie Pemberton and Charli Bradbury gave good performances as twins Mel and Kim Easton. Stacie Burrows as the new girl in class Eilean Reagan sang well and had a promising good voice. Hannah Liddle as Ms Sheena Brannigan and Paul Carr as Mr Stevie Cocker gave sound commendable performances as two high school teachers. Rachel Offord and Lucy Aspinall sang strongly as the featured singers. The principle cast members were more than well supported by the enthusiastic ensemble. All the cast in this production worked together nicely and exuded enthusiasm with lots of energy performing with maturity at times despite their ages. They should also be congratulated for keeping up the enthusiasm and energy under such hot and humid conditions due to the weather. Unfortunately on a few occasions the dialogue could not be heard and there were some occasional tuning problems for some of the cast during one or two of the musical numbers. However the audience appeared to thoroughly enjoy this show cheering the performers and clapping to the music.

The two tiered very effective set design was based around the theme of the Rubik’s Cube, there was even a car on the stage at one point so well done to the set designers. Well done to the stage crew, props lighting and sound for a job well done. The costumes and hair styles by Sandra Dickinson and Sammi Offord were reminiscent of the period and it appeared thought had gone into getting these together. Choreography by Libby Burke was very energetic and performed very well, it was also suitable for the period .The orchestra lead by Musical Director Anthony Quimby played well and was very supportive of the cast.

Well done to Director Hannah King and all involved in this production including front of house for an enjoyable evening, and thank you for making me welcome.

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