Fun In The Footlights

Lochgelly & District Musical Association Theatre School

It was an absolute delight to watch a group of 22 young persons, aged from 8 to 18 take to the stage and have such obvious fun as they were doing so. If that weren’t enough, more than half of the cast stepped forward at one time or another to take on a solo or duet. They maybe weren’t having quite as much fun internally, but to the small, but perfectly formed, audience at the matinee, they were having the time of their lives! It was very noticeable with this Company just how cohesive they all were, sometimes simply a little gesture from an older to a younger performer, was all that was needed just to keep things on track – not that that was needed often!

The Production Team of Ross Hadden, Director, Callum Paterson, Musical Director, and Yvonne Tait, Choreographer, must be hugely proud of their young performers, in this, their second major show.

The soloists were remarkable, Sam and Oliver Morrison took on a challenging number from “Into The Woods”, and were, individually,  to be seen later in a number from “Annie Get Your Gun” here joined by Sophie Anderson, and in one of three numbers from Oliver. “Where Is Love”  and “I’d Do Anything” were both charmingly sung by Ellie Tait and Renny Bell respectively.  Jack Hadden made fine work of “High Hopes” from “A Hole In The Head” and in the second Act with a number from “Moana”.  Solos in the first Act were completed by Anna Tait who excelled with “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” and Reece Smith who gave a truly remarkable rendition of “Close Every Door To Me”.  Second Act soloists, apart from those already mentioned, gave fine performances of “Part of your World” from “Little Mermaid” confidently sung by Iona Paterson, and last, but definitely not least, Jessica Holmes & Jorja Whyte gave us a most enjoyable performance of “Sisters” from “White Christmas”.  

Of course, like the adult LADAMA company, no show would be complete without a fine-voiced chorus, who showed off their talents numerous times during the show, some of the highlights being that song with the long name from Mary Poppins, “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast” and closing the show with “You Can’t Stop The Beat” from “Hairspray”.  

I look forward to seeing some of the older members progressing to the adult company, where, I am sure, they will be warmly welcomed.

An extremely well-performed show, the running order of which just pushed the young voices far enough without ever overdoing things!

Good sound and lighting made for an enjoyable afternoon’s performance.

Well done LADAMA Theatre School – roll on next year!

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