Finding Nemo JR

Finding Nemo JR is a heartwarming musical adaptation of the beloved Pixar film, brought to life with vibrant energy, catchy songs, and a cast of incredibly talented young performers. The story follows Marlin, an anxious clownfish, as he embarks on a journey across the ocean to find his son Nemo, who has been captured and placed in a dentist’s fish tank. Along the way, Marlin meets a host of colourful characters, including the forgetful but lovable Dory, a gang of sharks trying to reform their eating habits, and a laid-back sea turtle named Crush. This wonderful musical takes the audience on a journey of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, all wrapped in a wave of laughter and song.

From the very first moment, it was clear that this production was something special. Each and every young person involved sang, acted, and danced their heart out. What stood out most was their stagecraft, every performer knew exactly where to be, how to handle props, and when to enter and exit. This level of precision and professionalism is rare in youth theatre and made for an excellent all-round production. Their awareness of the stage and their fellow performers created a seamless flow that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

A huge round of applause must go to Shannon Holland, the Director and Choreographer of this production. Shannon ensured that every performer took to the stage with artistic flair, confidence, and above all, a sense of joy. The smiles on the faces of the cast throughout the show were infectious and spoke volumes about the atmosphere she cultivated. It was clear that the young cast felt supported and empowered, and that translated into a performance full of heart and enthusiasm. Shannon Holland, job well done!

I have to admit, Finding Nemo JR is one of my favourite junior musicals. The music is simply delightful, uplifting, memorable, and perfect for all ages. Songs like “Big Blue World” were executed brilliantly by the entire cast, with harmonies and choreography that showcased their dedication and rehearsal. It’s the kind of music that sticks with you long after the curtain falls; I found myself humming it in the car on the way home. The costumes, designed by Kimberly Holden and Shannon Holland, were a breath of fresh air. They were imaginative, playful, and perfectly in tune with the artistic vision of the show. Marlin’s bright orange suit was instantly recognisable, while the Sharks in suits and trilby hats added a clever twist that brought humour and style to the stage. Each costume helped define the character and added to the visual storytelling in a way that was both fun and effective.

Marlin, played by Sebastian Millrine, brought depth and emotion to the role. His portrayal captured the worry and love of a father on a mission, and his vocal performance was strong and heartfelt. Sebastian’s stage presence anchored the show and provided a solid emotional core. A standout performance for me was the young man Albie Gilbert, who played Nemo. Albie owned the stage with his wonderful vocals and expressive acting. His facial expressions were captivating and kept the audience emotionally invested in his journey. Albie is certainly a young performer to watch; his natural charisma and talent lit up the stage. Dory, played by Isla Cregeen, was another highlight. Isla brought charm, humour, and impeccable timing to the role. Her portrayal of Dory was full of warmth and whimsy, and her interactions with other characters were well-rehearsed and executed with finesse. Isla’s comedic instincts and stage confidence made her performance truly memorable.

The Tank Gang were fantastic. What I particularly appreciated was their timing, each line was delivered with precision, and there were no awkward pauses. Gill, played by Lucy Brownsword, brought a sense of leadership and calm to the group. Gurgle, played by Annie Moorhead, had great timing and added quirky energy to the scenes. Peach, portrayed by Ruby Pennington, brought humour and sass, especially in her commentary from the tank wall. Emmy Powell as Bubbles was delightful, especially when she interacted with the other fish in moments of excitement. Marcus Hay as Bloat added a fun, boisterous presence that balanced the group dynamic beautifully. A special mention must go to Evie Forster, whose Australian accent was consistent and convincing throughout. It added authenticity and flair to her role and was a joy to hear. The Sharks, Abigail Rodges, Charlie Pope, and Cleo Avanessian, were brilliant too. Their comedic timing and physicality were spot-on, and their characters really shone through with each of their lines.

The turtles brought vibrance and energy to the stage, injecting a burst of colour and rhythm that lifted the entire production. Elsie Ingram as Crush was phenomenal. Her characterisation and vocals in “Go with the Flow” were outstanding. Elsie’s interpretation of Crush was laid-back yet commanding, and her delivery of the musical number was full of personality and vocal strength.

The immersive theatre happening with the Seagulls brought another level of humour to the stage, I did like that the went amongst the audience, with confidence, searching and pinching food, a lovely touch to the production.

In the musical number “Together,” the ensemble created some truly magical moments. The choreography was tight, the harmonies were rich, and the emotion was palpable. It was a beautiful reminder of the show’s central theme, unity and the power of friendship.

The staging and lighting of this musical were excellent. There were no dark spots, and every single member of the cast was lit clearly and effectively. The lighting design helped guide the audience’s attention and added depth to the underwater world. Transitions between scenes were smooth, and the use of colour and shadow enhanced the storytelling beautifully.

Finding Nemo JR was a triumph of youth theatre, a production filled with heart, humour, and exceptional talent. The young performers gave it their all, and their passion was evident in every scene. With strong direction, imaginative design, and a cast that radiated joy, this show was a true celebration of creativity and collaboration. Bravo to everyone involved!

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