Christmas Cheer

What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas and the achievements of a group of talented young performers! Riverside Juniors and Seniors showcased their theatrical skills in a programme which included acting, singing and dancing in their Christmas Cheer Production at the beautifully decorated and very warm St Mary’s Church in Eaton Socon.

Starting with an ensemble number full of smiling faces and Christmas jumpers with great singing, the Juniors then danced their way through ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ – there was some lovely partner dancing. We moved onto a short improvised acted scene by the Seniors about the journey home by train on Christmas Eve. Very funny and some good characterisation and accents.

The Juniors continued with a beautiful rendition of White Christmas and then the Seniors came to the performance area with the first Musical theatre number – A Cover is Not the Book, from Mary Poppins Returns – there was clever use of books in the movement. Next the Juniors acting number was to a narrated ‘Night before Christmas’ where we were treated to great facial expressions and physicality. The seniors singing number was the folk song ‘White Winter Hymn’ which had beautiful harmonies and the words were clearly articulated.

The Juniors then treated us to a full of enthusiasm song and dance from Elf the Musical as their Musical Theatre contribution. ‘Millers End’ by Charles Causley was the poetry choice for the Seniors, which was dramatically acted out creating a suitably eerie atmosphere.

Whilst the whole event was very enjoyable, the next two numbers were, in my opinion the best. Six Juniors sang ‘The Coventry Carol’ unaccompanied, in harmony, in tune with such confidence. The Seniors followed this with a fabulous Bob Fosse style dance, complete with hats, to ‘Blackbird.’ Special mention here to the lead dancer, who demonstrated great skill, rhythm and balance.

The Juniors final contribution was 'Wings,' their singing number, which included their own devised movement. 

The confetti explosion finale, brought the Christmas Jumpers and both groups together to sing ‘Oh Happy Days’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘In Dulci Julibo.’ Once again, we enjoyed joyous singing with smiling faces and tuneful harmonies. A special mention to the youngest members of the group who kept their energy levels and obvious enthusiasm high throughout the show. Sitting so close to the performers, I could also hear some beautiful individual voices within the group.

Riverside performers were ably supported by their tutor team, Ian Tipping, Ellen Tipping, Rowan Marshall and Emily Wainwright who should be proud of their students achievements. Thank-you for a lovely afternoon.

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