Frozen Jr

Golborne STADOS were back on stage with their youth members performing the popular ‘Frozen Jr’, which was directed by Carl Simm with assistance from Emma Rothwell. There were some great backdrops used to denote different locations, with some scenes performed in front of tabs when a scene change was happening. There were some lovely moments throughout this production. The staging of ‘Let It Go’ was completely magical, with Elsa’s glove and cape flying off. The quick change was done well and handled quickly by Evie. Hans getting Weselton a stool to stand on when asking Elsa to dance was a great comic moment. Entrances and exits were generally good. There were a few sticky moments due to some of the cast missing their cues. The cast weren’t miked (understandable due to the cost of hiring), so had to project. Some work on projection with the young people would really help to enhance the production, especially when singing to backing tracks, which the cast did very well with. The costumes for this production were good, with hints of the costumes from the films. Olaf’s costume was great. Congratulations to Sue McCarthey and Carl Simm for your work.

As well as directing, Carl Simm provided choreography as well. The choreography was simple, yet effective. The cast performed the choreography well.

Technical elements were well thought of throughout. The lighting was generally simple, with some specials added in to certain scenes. The smoke that was used when Elsa used her powers was a good idea, but could have been cued a bit quicker. There were two rifle mics at the front of the stage, which did pick up the cast when they were stood in front of it.

Taking on the role of Elsa was Evie Rothwell. Evie did well in this role. She was suitably poised during the coronation, before she finally ‘Let It Go’! Evie has pleasing vocals and delivered her songs well. Melody Prescott and Isobelle Lloyd appeared as the younger versions of Elsa.

Suranne Hesketh did well as Anna. There was a good sisterly bond created with Evie, which was nice. There were hints of comedy in the performance, but this could have been pushed further. Collette Cotter and Ava Seddon played the younger versions of Anna.

Kerrick Mills played both King Agnarr and Kristoff, really coming into his own in the latter role. Kerrick’s characterisation of Kristoff was good, and he brought a humour to the role. His vocals were pleasing as well. Grace Mills played Kristoff’s trusty sidekick, Sven. Grace could have pushed the sarcasm to really bring the comedy out in the role.

Hannah Valente doubled up as Bishop and the loveable snowman, Olaf. Two contrasting characters, that Hannah did well with. Her Olaf was suitably funny, and she was the standout in this production. Just make sure that you are always in character throughout.

Amilie Cotter played Queen Iduna and Oaken. She was a good motherly figure as Queen Iduna, and led the ensemble well as Oaken. However, Nancy Mae Prescott did steal the scene as Little Oaken – full of confidence and sass!

Maisie Sherlock took on the role of Prince Hans. Maisie was confident in her lines and performed the songs well. Just have a think about the character and how to get that character across to the audience.

Nathan Whitty and Roxanne Rothwell played the leaders of the Hidden Folk, Bulda and Pabbie. They looked the part in their costumes. Teddy Connolly-Hogson looked like he was having the time of his life on stage in his role as Guard.

Aaron Whitty was an audience favourite as Weselton, providing lots of comic moments, especially his costume. Just work on your projection, so the audience can hear everything that you say.

Overall, it was pleasing to see a group of young people on the stage performing confidently and enjoying themselves. That is all we can ask for. Thank you Golborne STADOS for giving them the opportunity.

A big thank you to everyone at Golborne STADOS for their kind invite and their hospitality.

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