HADESTOWN- Teen Edition

Report on

Zenith Youth Theatre Company’s

Production of

“HADESTOWN Teen Edition”

Directed - Scott Rogers

Musical Director - Roy Page

Choreographererss - Julie Dallimore and Delia Lee

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative

on Friday, 10 th, July 2026.

at The Kingswood Theatre, Kingswood School, Bath.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in
question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is
inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.
The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in
particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only
be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms
expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher
standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

I knew very little about this trending show except that it is based loosely on the
Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and had been requested by the students as a
project. The show was directed by the ever creative Scott Rogers who also wrote a
really helpful programme. This easily described the reasoning behind the creation of
the musical and was a good indication of what was to follow. This musical was
created within a knowledge of the Steampunk trend towards the mix of an industrial
historical background and a Victorian view of life and morality.
Orpheus has fallen in love with Eurydice but their love is short-lived when Eurydice is
bitten by a snake just after their wedding. Orpheus undertakes a journey to the
underworld to retrieve her and uses his enchanting music to win over Hades and
Persephone. Orpheus wins the chance to bring his love back to the living world
under the condition that he does not look back at her until they exit the Underworld.
He succumbs and looks back and Eurydice vanishes forever into eternal darkness.

I was lucky to have a seat near the lighting box and could see the entire stage from
my position. There were raised walkways, raised acting levels and a central rear exit
and entrance. The lighting was good as always and at times not noticeable so not
detracting from the story. There was great full-on work by the musicians supporting
the cast as always. For almost the whole show the entire company was on stage
filling every space with energy and music. Most of the cast were dressed in dowdy
cream and beige costumes with major characters having a slight additional colour to
their outfit. From a distance the whole stage looked like a moving mass of bodies just
looking for a way out of Hades. As a piece of theatre this show is stunning. Within
the safe hands of the Director this may well become legionary in the Zenith world.

This is truly a cast production as everyone is on stage and acting and /or singing for
most of their performance time. As usual there was no shortage of talent or energy
and everyone is to be commended for their efforts. I so enjoyed seeing the whole of

the stage and surrounding levels echo with song and movement. But it may not
appeal to everyone for the story content or the quality of the some of the songs.
To mention individual performances I must start with Orpheus as played by Rileigh.
Such an excellent controlled voice with clear diction and a lightness of tone. His
songs demanded to be heard. Congratulations Rileigh on a wonderful performance.
You will never forget this show.
Katy took on the role of Persephone. Firstly having some of the best songs and
having the talent to make the most of every note and word. Liked living It Up on Top.
Beautiful.
Eurydice so charmingly played by Flo – loved Come home with me & Hey, Little
Songbird.
Hades played by the rather tall Ryan. Loved how you had to remove you hat on each
entrance! You had a good contrasting voice – enjoyed A Gathering Storm and
Papers.
Also would like to mention Cora as Hermes with Lowrie, Anna & Abi as The Fates.

My thanks and Congratulations to all those taking part. Well done Zenith Youth

Theatre Company on another milestone achieved.

Kind regards
Bob Allen.

NODA SW District 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and

only reflects the performance seen.

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