Back to the 80's

This was a show I didnt know and was unsure of what to expect. However as always with Centre Stage I was not disappointed. This was a lively show from start to finish with lots of superb music from the 80's as suggested in the title. Les Murray (Corey Palmer Snr) a stalwart of the company was the narrator reminising about his last year at High School with all the trials and tribulations that come with the territory. He introduced the various groups, The Cool Guys, The Regular Kids, The Nerds and Outcasts, The Popular Girls and The Teachers, and describing the action were the two school captains.

The singing and dancing was excellent throughout the show and the principals all performed superbly. Glen Cavers as Corey Jnr was superb as the boy next door who has a crush on Tiffany (Chloe Wilkins) but she has a crush on The Cool Guy Michael Feldman played by Nicky Henderson. Nicky carried his role wonderfully well and he for me was the star of the show. Going from the cool guy in the beginning to the lost soul at the end when all his swagger is stripped away. I liked the two school captains who were good links to the musical numbers. There was also the separate story between the two teachers from their nervous admiration of each other to their separation and subsequent reconciliation. Michelle Stirling and Angus Mccall were both very good in these roles and again as I have said before about this group from Langholm, where do they keep finding this talent?

Every one of the minor prinipals to the ensemble cast made this an excellent, humerous and sometimes sad performance. The whole of the cast can pat themselves on the back as another triumph.

The performances of the cast was enhanced by the staging of this show which was excellent using split levels very effectively, which were all utilised to the best effect during some of the ensemble numbers. The scene changes were very effectively done by simple changes to stage props and lighting, and I especially liked the "garage doors" when Nicky's car emerged.

 Thank you Centre Stage for a most enjoyable evening.

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