Blitz

This was a good choice of production from the point of view of the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and the wide variety of roles for the young people to engage with.  The overall effect was highly memorable and very impressive.  The production was very well planned, with good organisation of scenes, cast and props. It also showed great attention to detail in the props, costume and hairstyles, which created the impression of the wartime period.  The lighting effects such as the sweeping searchlights were excellent, with very believable sound effects such as the tube train passing and the aircraft noise.  Later, the coordination of the lighting and sound for the air raid was most effective. 

The music was played live, and sounded tricky in places, particularly in the opening.  However it was played with vivacity and feeling and gave good support to the singers while creating a wonderful wartime atmosphere. Acting around the orchestra recess was very well handled, with the obvious care being taken looking authentic for an underground shelter.  

The scenery was very good in creating the atmosphere of London during the war. The effect was highly believable, and the crowding on the platforms worked very well.  The street scenery was most effective, with the brick houses looking totally real!  The market stalls and pram looked fitting in Act 2, as did the upstairs window.

I was most impressed with the young cast of this show, who all performed really well, both in singing and acting.  The side action was continuous and well presented, with some real friendships evident.  The lead characters all performed their parts with sensitivity, understanding and talent! It was hard to credit that such young people could play the adults so well: Mrs Blitztein was played with a lovely level of feistiness - and a really good voice - while Arthur was made out to be a real grouch. 

This was a very effective production that demonstrated the high level of skills in many of the cast. The chorus singing was excellent while the solos were very well performed.  I was intrigued that the show was rehearsed over such a short period of time, but that the planning had occurred over several months.  For a show put together within such a short timescale, this was a truly excellent production.  

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