Curtain Up

‘Community, creativity and a touch of chaos’ was how compare and performer John Bourner described the show and I couldn’t agree more. Nunthorpe Players have created something really special with their fusion of the acting company and the introduction of their very successful and newly opened Youth Theatre.

‘Curtain Up’ was a collection of songs, dance and comedy sketches which took the audience on a journey through a musical theatre timeline. Performance numbers were chosen by the cast, allowing them to create a show which entertained them all as well as a very responsive audience.

‘Curtain Up’ was a whole community and team effort with each member of the creative team having multiple, well skilled, hats on at once. The main directing was taken on by Julie Hobson, Katie Legg, Tracy Legg, Nicola Fox, Grace Spence. As well as directing Nicola, Katie and Grace also choreographed the brilliant dance sequences which ran throughout the evening. The routines were inclusive and allowed for all to be involved with the dancing whilst pushing the performers to be the best they could. The stage focused our attention with a large ‘Curtain Up’ sign with silver sides framing the picture. Parts of set and scenery were well used throughout the evening with multiple uses to help create the wide range of settings we encountered.  The lighting was well worked and added to the overall atmosphere of the different performances. Costumes were very fun as each song seemed to have a completely different set of costumes used which was great for immersing the audience in each individual performance.

The whole show was an opportunity for a very talented cast to each have their moment in the spotlight. The show contained 26 songs, 8 comedy sketches, a tap number and moments of laughter for all.

The show began with Megan Hanrahan performing ‘All That Jazz’, Megan and her dancers set the mood and quality for the show. Megan performed the tricky part with solid vocals and an elegant 1920's style. Angela Harker sang classic war song ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ in a section which celebrated those who fought in the war, her rendition of the song was brilliantly partnered with her voice which gave a meaningful and gentle start to the medley. Kayleigh Thompson was another 1920's style voice which captured the mood brilliantly, Kayleigh's tonality and power were a great asset in portraying the strength of her character. ‘Don't Tell Mama’ performed by Annabelle Dailey was performed with energy and strength, although some nerves she carried on through like a professional . A brilliant solo tap performance by Daisy Wall was certainly a highlight for me, she performed the routine to ‘Singing In The Rain’ with characters and style. Hitting each beat perfectly and had the whole audience in awe at her ability.

We were treated to a jazzy and energetic performance of ‘Welcome To The 60's’ from ‘Hairspray’, Katie Legg performed a brilliant version of Tracy Turnblad. Katie's performance was brilliant to watch with her energy, expression and physicality giving a very real performance of Tracy. Edna being played by the comic and brilliant Paul Maull gave the role a real but comedic feel. They were both supported by a talented group of singers and dancers who gave the number a boost of sparkle. The energy was then lifted even further as in their ‘You Can't Stop The Beat’ number the stage, floor area and aisle were all filled with performers. The whole hall was bouncing in this fun, energetic and engaging routine, a testament to the quality of teaching they receive.

Throughout the show there were a number of sketches from popular media, including a ‘Two Ronnies Spoonerisms sketch’, this was performed by John Bourner and Benjamin Whitehead as the ‘Two Ronnies’ with Claire Dawson and Kayleigh Thompson as the Barmaid and Bar Goer respectively. The timing and pronunciation of the lines were fantastic and landed really well with the audience. The whole series of sketches were well rehearsed and well timed with the audience laughing along.

Some of the younger performers then shone through with starring roles in songs from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Oliver’. Polly Dawson and her group of very talented toy box dancers, Faye Dixon, Daisy Wall and Nova Wall, was a beautiful number in the show. Polly sang with strength and clarity despite her young age, the confidence she had on the stage was lovely to see. To finish off the second half we saw a mashup of songs from ‘Oliver’, the younger members of the company were in full force here, showing their strength in performance as well as brilliant characterisation. ‘Oliver’ was played by Emilia Bullman and ‘the artful Dodger’ played by Trudy Hawkins, both portrayed the characters brilliantly and with such energy!

Act two opened with some more funny and bizarre sketches which were followed by a brilliant series of emotional, real and genuine stories of acceptance and togetherness. We saw songs from ‘Matilda’ starring Ava Neal as the strong vocaled and energetic Bruce, supported by the whole youth theatre cast in this energetic number. Libby Bullman and Mila Webb then shared the role of ‘Matilda’, both versions of this character were beautifully portrayed with realistic emotion and brilliant physicality. Supported by Katie Legg who played the kind and genuine Miss Honey. Grace Spence portrayed Jamie with sass, energy and strength in the ‘Everyone's talking about Jamie’ number, supported again by the great youth theatre cast. Niamh Cook featured in ‘Dear Evan Hanson’ and gave a fantastic performance as the title character.

We took a turn of pace as we looked back in time to ‘You’ll Be Back’ from ‘Hamilton’, performed by Benjamin Whitehead. Benjamin performed with strong vocals and a commanding stage presence throughout. He was then kicked off the stage by six queens, Charlotte Bailey, Niamh Cook, Elspeth Carroll, Eva Henman, Ellie Lofts and Amiri Shimi. Their performance of ‘Ex Wives’ from the show ‘Six’ was a fantastic display of all their performance abilities, each of them matched up to their queen brilliantly to match their strengths. They all moved, sang and danced with elegance and energy.

Nearing the end of the show we were treated to two songs from ‘Wicked’ in ‘Loathing’ & ‘Popular’. The two characters when I watched the show were played by Holly Turnbull as ‘Glinda’ and Gabrielle Sanson as ‘Elphaba’, they both played their roles brilliantly with energy and clarity as to their character's performance. ‘Popular’ was performed incredibly well by Charlotte Bailey as Glinda and supported by Connie Fisher, their performance of the song was brilliant! The characters were spot on as well as the energy and brilliant vocals. Charlotte took the spotlight as she strut around the stage performing the song clearly and with great tonality in her voice.

To finish off a brilliant evening we have Paul Maull return to the stage as ‘Teen Angel’ along with Julie Hobson as ‘Frenchie’, supported by a group of brilliant backing dancers and also featuring Benjamin Whitehead. The song was a brilliant combination of great singing and humour throughout, the slapstick aspects worked brilliantly and left a version of this song engraved in my brain I do not want to forget.

The final two songs of the evening were ‘Hand Jive’ into ‘We Go Together’, they were performed by the full company, the song was full of flips, death drops and hand jive fun. A complex and very well organised performance but the cast sang beautifully, danced with energy and joy and performed brilliantly. The audience clapped along and it was clear they had a lovely evening watching the show. 

A huge credit goes to the whole company, volunteers and community surrounding the group who help backstage and with the venue. A brilliant show and an exciting look at what the company as a collective could provide in the future!

 

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