Back to the 80's

This story of the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they live through their senior year was an ideal vehicle to show off the talents of this group of 8-18 year olds - with the assistance of a couple more “mature” actors as the teachers. Told through the eyes a thirty-something Corey Palmer Snr (a laid-back, cynical Ewan Bruce) we follow his younger self and his classmates as they experience the fun, heartbreak, loves and loneliness of growing up all set to a score full of iconic hits of the 80’s – from the opening “Kids in America” through “Video Killed the Radio Star”, “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles), “Come on Eileen” and “I’ve Had the Time of my Life” to the rousing hand-clapping, foot stomping “Back to the 80’s megamix” finale. There were five main factions in the story. Firstly the “goodies”  - Corey Palmer Jnr (played by the excellent and handsome Bradley Phillips) and his cohorts; secondly the “baddies” – led by the scheming Michael Feldman (a cocky Matthew Tosh) and his side-kicks; the “geeks” –fronted by the bespectacled Fergal McFerrin III (a hugely funny Hollie Cunningham); the “girls” Tiffany Houston (Shelley Cunnigham with a delightful singing voice), Cindi Gibson (a sharp – tongued worldly Jenna Millar) and twins Mel and Kim Euston (Rebecca Mccall and Emma Stott); the “outsiders” – sweet Eileen Reegan (Molly Robertson) and her protectors Laura Wilde and Debbie Fox (the often hilarious Emma Chibesakunda and Aria Kirton) and last but not least the love-torn “teachers” Ms Brannigan (Allyson Miller) and Mr Cocker (Steven Nicoll). The interactions between these groups were easily recognised by those of us in the audience of certain years – both the humorous and heart-breaking – provoking both gales of laughter and some tears indicating how well these youngster had captured their characters. Singing and dancing by all the cast were of a high standard. Good use was made of the simple  multi-levelled set which, with the addition of a few benches, moved quickly between hall and classroom allowing the scenes to flow freely from one to another. Well done everyone at Giz Giz for a most entertaining evening.

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