Frozen

This was a very proud moment for Victory Facade, being one of only 11 schools across the country to be awarded the rights to the full West End version of Disney’s Frozen. I believe that this was likely to be the first time that the full version had appeared anywhere within the region.

After receiving a lovely welcome, I took my seat on a very warm summers evening, and was in awe of the production team, who had drilled and rehearsed a cast of over 70 students, including the inclusion of 28 students from neighbouring “Feeder” schools. The age ranges looked from around 7 to 17, and what an amazing achievement to move, choreograph and vocalise such a vast range of ages, abilities, and experience, some of whom were making their debuts on the stage. Students were also the stage crew, and the whole production team did a fantastic job bringing this to the stage.

The set was relatively simply, but effective, using dry ice, good lighting and, of course, a sprinkling of snow, to reflect the emerging “frozen” landscape. Supported by an 8-piece band, the company were obviously having a great time on stage, and what an experience for all of them.

Opening the show as the Young Anna and Young Elsa, Tilly Rand and Evelyn Daynes were an absolute delight with their characterisations and setting the scene as the two close sisters who become separated through the overpowering magic powers of Elsa, the Queen to be. Both sang a lovely performance of “A Little Bit of You.” These roles were doubled up and played by Ariadne Burbos and Marcie Barnard on selected other performances. As their parents, King Agnarr (Adriel Nyamupfukudsa) and Queen Iduna, (Charlotte Ford), they brought very good performances to the roles despite only being in the story for a very brief time.

In the supporting cast, there were a number of excellent characterisations. A highlight of the show was the opening of Act Two, where Oaken (Eve Dixon), led the company in the “Hygge.” Eve’s energy and humour in this part really lit up the show and the choreography for this number was superb. Cali Chamberlain, as Olaf the Snowman was wonderful, her reactions to the story throughout were great, making the puppet of Olaf come alive in tandem with her acting. Maisie Mann, as Sven the reindeer, didn’t have anything to say but she more than made up for this with some great facial and physical reactions to the story. Keaton Poll got the role of Kristoff spot on with good comic timing and had a strong stage presence whilst interacting with the rest of the cast.

As the older Anna and Elsa’s, these roles were also doubled up. Anna being played by Kiki Fairhead for this performance, for some others it was Lucy Skelton. Elsa was played by Jennifer Lopes for this performance, and Sophie Wild on some other nights.

Both Kiki and Jennifer were both excellent throughout and sang beautifully, including the lovely duet together in “I Can’t Lose You.”

My congratulations to everyone involved with the production of this show. But, in particular, it was a pleasure to watch so many young performers involved in the performing arts, showing that the future is in safe hands and will thrive for generations to come.

 

 

 

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