Echo Beach

Wow! Wow! Wow! Spotlight Youth Production’s Got Talent and in shed loads! This is probably one of the best youth productions that I’ve been lucky enough to witness.

Echo Beach is set in the 80’s and tells the story of Hammerlin Town Council and its ageing out of touch Councillors desperately trying to hang on to their seats as the younger opposition leaders together with the young people in the town try to effect some changes and much needed investment. In an effort to pacify the opposition, councillors sanction the redevelopment of the Echo Beach area and award the contract to Piper Construction. The story uncovers a darker side of the town’s politics with lots of treachery as well as some interesting love triangles sprinkled with some Fabulous 80’s music.

With over 60 cast members it would be difficult to mention everyone although I felt that every single cast member contributed to the success of this wonderful production.

All the main principles were fantastic in their respective roles with some fine mature performances from Nick Allen (Cllr Roberts), Sam Barrett (Cllr Reaney) and Callum Lerigo (Cllr Lane). Some fine performances also from Alex Littlehales as “Dexy”, Katy Blackwell as “Annie”, Imogen Poole as “Amanda”, Olivia Maillard as “Petra”, Ben Farmer as “Roger”, and George Freeth as “Mike”. More fabulous cast pairings included Dan Hardy(John) and Deb Allen (Sarah), Matt Trembling was terrific as “Pete paired well with Rosie Smith as “Faye”.

Undercover police officers Ben Kniveton as “Dave” and Ruth Bates as “Linda” also added to the quality as did Emily Cavill as “Penelope” with a mature style well beyond her years.

The main pairing of Lolly Foulkes “Eileen” and Matt Pettifore “Piper” were the icing on the cake, both giving wonderful sincere performances, again well beyond their years.

There was a real star quality in their delivery of both dialogue and singing, surely future West End Stars!!

The singing and dancing was absolutely first class from the colourful and energetic opening of “Welcome to the Monkey House” to the grand Finale of “I’m gonna be (500 mile)”

Much credit must go to the hardworking production team and all the front/back stage crew for bringing this stunning performance to the stage which thrilled and captivated the packed audience.

The imaginative staging in the round together with some clever wall projections added to the quality as did the band under the excellent direction of Ian Windsor.

My thanks also to the front of house team for the warm welcome and hospitality which topped off a truly fantastic night’s entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.