Frozen Jr.

For its second of two Disney productions this year, Lollipop Youth Theatre returned to the Norbury Theatre with Frozen Jr. When Queen Elsa accidentally sets off an eternal winter in the town of Arendelle, her younger sister Anna (along with her friends Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven) go off on a thrilling adventure to find her sister and save the kingdom. Facing an unsuspected villain, unpredictable ice powers, and something new waiting around every corner, Anna must fight alongside her friends to bring back summer. Frozen reveals how true love can come in many forms, and that the bond between sisters is something truly special.

After a great opening company number ‘Let the Sun Shine On’ we meet Young Anna (Millie Falconer) and Young Elsa (Megan Cutler) and we quickly witness their individual characterisations, which become developed again with Middle Anna (Anneka Godfrey – Djundja) and Middle Elsa (Zoe Blake) all very well portrayed. Along the way we have met the King and Queen (Alex Clarke-Muir and Darcey Fortey-Pugh who give good support along with Hidden Folk Pabbie (Cory Asplin) and Bulda (Tallulah- Mae Daniels) who spoke up well, together with Ruby Howard as Bishop.

Sadly, the King and Queen are lost at sea and Elsa the new Queen is crowned. Elsa is now played by Charlotte Fazey and Anna by Phoebe Fisher. Elsa is the more serious but regal whilst Anna is sisterly and happy and both have great stage presence. Their number with the company ‘First Time In Forever’ is a lovely number. Appearing to be the perfect Prince, Hans played well by Josh Cawston turns out to be deceitful, but not before Anna who has only just met Hans, seeks Elsa’s support for their marriage which Elsa rejects.  Anna and Hans’ duet  ‘Love is an Open Door’ was also lovely.

William Lowes plays a nice little cameo, rather odd and grumpy, as Duke Weaslton and hero friend of Anna, Kristoff agrees to help find Elsa who has run off frightened of her powers. Harvey Daniel played the courageous and loyal character very well. I should also like to make special mention of Arlo Williams who played an amusing Oaken with a great accent-  unfortunately there were some sound issues with his number ‘Hygge’ -  and to Eleanor Jephson (Sven) and Maddie Hayes (Olaf) who portrayed the reindeer and snowman with great control over their costumes! I enjoyed their respective numbers ‘Reindeers are Better Than people’,  with Kristoff, and ‘In Summer’ with the tap- dancing company.

The final iconic number of Act 1 ‘Let It Go’ sang by Elsa and The Snow Chorus did not disappoint and the opening of Act 2 ‘For the First Time in Forever Reprise’ sang by Elsa and Anna also provided a goose bump moment. Throughout, the youngsters were set some challenging choreography and I compliment the company of Snow Chorus, Icicles, Featured Dancers,  Towns People, Oaken Family, Hidden Folk and Ensemble for their discipline when supporting the principals, in the background of some scenes. I am quite amazed how the production team dealt with the logistics of 92 in the cast on and off stage!  There were some excellent sets and the costumes for the entire cast were excellent too and must have represented a huge amount of work. Well done! I am looking forward to a great programme in 2025.

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