Camp Rock

Based on a Disney Channel original movie, the story narrates the rivalry between two summer band camps, one the established Camp Rock for aspiring musicians run by Brown Cesario (Victoria Glew) and the other, the new flashy Camp Star across the lake set up to close down Camp Rock and run by Brown’s former associate Axel Turner (Rebecca Burnside).  

Amber Sparshott took the role of Mitchie Torres and did a very accomplished performance, arriving for the annual Camp Rock with her friends Shane Gray (Connie Marshall), Nate Gray (Huw Palmer) and Jason Gray (Joe Gouldstone).  

Tess Tyler (Ella Lounds) took the stage in the number “Start the Party” and performed convincingly as the spoilt know-it-all, but soon, the rivalry between the two camps surfaces and Axel invites the Camp Rockers to visit the new Camp Star. Luke Williams (Owain Kimber) of Camp Star and the Star Campers show off their skills in the energetic number “Fire” which impress the Camp Rockers and Tess defects to the new Camp Star.   

Caitlyn (Rosie Christian-Cox), Peggy (Esther Bishop), Ella (Tianna Davies) and Rosie (Laura Nicholson) all worked brilliantly together and gave the feeling of real friendship within the Camp Rockers.

Likewise, “The Guys” Sander (Luke Sparshott), Andy (Sam Kidd) and Barron (Freddy Glew) made a great combination of characters and I had to smile every time they appeared. Dana (Delyth Wynne) gave a lovely sensitive performance and I shall be keen to watch this young lady in the future.

Imogen, Scarlett, Hannah, Meridith, Isla and Amelia all worked very hard and knew all the steps to every dance and all the words to every song. Just try to smile a little bit more to show how much you are enjoying yourselves on stage. Well done to you all.

The plot becomes fast and furious and culminates in the Camp Rockers challenging (for the sake of survival) their opposite numbers in Camp Star to a showdown in which Camp Rock prevails with their number “What We Came Here For”.  

The drama of the plot, the high-energy musical score and the production and choreography (particularly in Act Two) made this an extremely successful show for Expressions and I thought it suited the present members of the company very well.

The hall was appropriately decorated with stars, musical notes and balloons that gave a youthful impression as soon as one entered.

The set was well painted and gave the impression needed to convey space and distance.

The choreography by Abbie Reck, ably assisted by Beth Marshall and Hannah Kirby was lively and full of variety. I loved it.

The band was excellent, complementing the soloists and not overpowering them with too much bass. Well controlled and delivered I enjoyed listening to them. The choral work was well rehearsed.

For me the musical piece of the evening was “Wouldn’t Change A Thing”.

My only concern was the lack of microphones and the need for some of the company to learn the art of projection. However, this will come with experience and clear direction.

Thank you for your hospitality

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