Frozen Jr

Frozen Jr, based on Disney's beloved animated feature, is a difficult show to pull off at any level, let alone for a youth group. It demands a strong balance between dramatic emotion, musicality, and technical spectacle. Having seen Whitehaven Theatre of Youth’s previous shows, I was excited to see how they would tackle this challenging piece at the Solway Hall in Whitehaven, and I’m pleased to report they did not disappoint!

It’s always a joy to witness a production that captures the hearts of both young and old, and it was clear that Frozen Jr. resonated deeply with the audience. As the story unfolded, I couldn’t help but be swept away on the emotional journey of sisters Elsa and Anna, portrayed by Grace Savage and Jasmine James, respectively. These two talented performers anchored the show, delivering strong performances that both complemented and contrasted one another in a way that felt true to the heart of the story. 

Grace’s portrayal of Elsa was measured, bringing just the right amount of regal composure to the role. Her ability to convey Elsa’s internal struggle through both song and acting was commendable, and it was clear she connected with the role on a personal level. 

Alongside her, Jasmine brought infectious enthusiasm and warmth to the role, capturing Anna's optimistic and adventurous spirit. It’s easy for a youth production to overlook emotional depth, but both Grace and Jasmine rose to the occasion, allowing the audience to invest fully in their journey.  

Although Elsa and Anna drove the narrative, there was no denying that Sam Dinwoodie as Oaken stole the show. Every time Sam appeared on stage, the energy shifted both amongst the actors as well as the audience. His portrayal of the quirky, lovable shopkeeper was filled with charm and comedic timing, earning laughs at every turn. His performance of Hygge was a particular standout—filled with humour and joy, it was a memorable moment that had the audience in stitches. 

Playing a reindeer, especially when it involves manoeuvring a large and heavy puppet, is no small feat, but Josh Coombe rose to the challenge and brought Sven to life with real commitment. Despite the physical demands of handling the puppet, Josh managed to infuse Sven with personality, making the reindeer an integral part of the story rather than a background character.

Bobby Donald also played to his strengths as the song and dance (snow)man, Olaf.  His big number, In Summer was unsurprisingly assured and had the audience in the palm of his hand.  I’m not sure how long the puppeteers had to rehearse with their puppets – but both Bobby & Josh did brilliantly. There’s a fine line between making a puppet convincing or awkward, and they both certainly succeeded in the former, never letting the mechanics overshadow the character itself.

One of the most notable technical aspects of the show was the use of an LED screen to enhance the production. Rather than relying on traditional set pieces, Whitehaven Theatre of Youth chose to use the screens to transport the audience to the snowy landscapes of Arendelle. The content on the screens was excellent, seamlessly blending with the action on stage. 

There seemed to be gremlins in the sound system on the night I attended, but these initial teething troubles quickly ironed themselves out for an on the whole, well balanced performance.  The production lighting, as always, was spot-on and well executed.

It was clear that a lot of time had been spent rehearsing the larger group numbers by choreographers Amy Morton, Emily Morton & Kayleigh Donald, and the payoff was evident in the smooth transitions and cohesive movements on stage.  There was one moment during Let It Go which I felt could have been reworked slightly to keep Elsa’s Dress reveal a little more of a surprise, but this was just a small observation in an otherwise well-planned production.

Despite a few first night nerves, Whitehaven Theatre of Youth’s production of Frozen Jr. was a resounding success. It captured the heart of the story and showcased some very talented young performers led by the unwavering support and sheer dedication of the WTOY production team.

Congratulations to everyone involved—you should all be incredibly proud of what you achieved. I left Solway Hall with the tunes still ringing in my head and feeling full to the brim of Hygge!  That, in itself, is a victory!

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