From Page to Stage

This cabaret was a nice concept; matching musicals with the books that inspired them. On each side of the set were two large books, the first one for Act 1 and the second for Act 2, which displayed the featured books. With a raised area at the back and the band tucked down one side, this gave maximum space for the young people to perform.

The show opened with a spirited performance of ‘Food Glorious Food’ from Oliver. The movements were extremely well drilled and they produced a good sound. This was followed by a very engaging rendition of ‘My favourite Things’ from The Sound of Music with excellent diction and a very pretty voice. 

It was pleasing to hear some lesser known songs such as ‘Something Funny’s going On’ from Lucky Stiff, which was a tricky song vocally but handled well. 

Other highlights in Act 1 included some delightful fish bought on by the cast during ‘Beautiful Briny’ from Bedknobs and Broomsticks and some very creative umbrellas turned into jellyfish. There was also some terrific dancing with mops in ‘Hard Knock Life’ from Annie which also sounded great with some confident performances from the soloists.

Act 1 had a strong finish with ‘Naughty’ from Matilda. I especially loved the percussion from Cam which really bought the number to life. This was followed by ‘You Gotta Believe’ from Peter Pan the British Musical which had a lovely soloist and a tremendous sound again from the ensemble. 

Act 2 started with acrobatics from the young cast to ‘Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats’ from Cats. Then a strong solo of ‘If your Father was Here’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, complete with a well chosen array of props. ‘Ease on down the road’ from The Wiz proved a favourite with the cast, delivering the up tempo dance number with good energy and enthusiasm. There were also some interesting arm movements in ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ from Seussical. 

‘Popular’ from Wicked was performed with great characterisation and enthusiasm, as well as excellent vocals. I also loved the bored acting from Elphaba. Very well done girls!

‘Flash, Bang, Wallop’ from Half a Sixpence was well performed and immense fun and a nice contrast to ‘On my Own’ from Les Miserables which was sung with real intensity and emotion. 

The act finished on a high with ‘Disco Symphony’ from The Boy in the Dress, which was another unfamiliar but appreciated choice, with fabulous disco moves, some lovely glittery party outfits and a strong performance overall.

As the Act 2 book was closed, the audience showed their appreciation with enthusiastic applause.  The young people had obviously worked very hard to deliver such a varied and well polished performance. A great sounding band, excellent choreography, lovely costumes, simple but effective lighting and plenty of props elevated this concert to a super evening’s entertainment.  Well done. 

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