Here We Go Again

It was an absolute delight as always to attend Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group this week to see their latest showcase “Here We Go Again”.  One of the warmest loving and friendly groups on my patch, I really enjoy visiting them and this visit was all the more special by some very special awards being presented for long service as a volunteer to amateur theatre.  Enid Johnson and Barry Johnson both receiving medals commemorating 30 years voluntary service, Louise Defty receiving a medal to commemorate 15 years of service, Megs Defty receiving recognition for 14 years’ service and Faith McDermott for 6 years’ service.  Incredible achievements and thank you all so much.  It was an honour.

SYTG have some superb talent in their ranks and this type of showcase is the ideal opportunity for them to show off exactly how wonderful they all are.  The show was opened with “Freak Flag” from Shrek featuring the entire company with some lovely bright costumes, strong vocals and clearly well-rehearsed.  We then had a solo from Abi Thompson, “Lamest place in the world” which has some very difficult notes to hit but Abi managed with ease.  Followed by “Welcome to Wonderland” from the juniors for which the choreography was very slick and well-rehearsed, and “Hello!” from the seniors which is a very difficult song to sing due to the timings, but they did very well.  “Almost there” was sung by Lucy Edwards, Matthew Wanless, Scarlett Revell and Isla Craig which was presented simply but effectively.  We then had “Juicy” by the whole company, a song sung by the Umpa Lumpas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which was very funny indeed! Megs Defty and Rhys Bye then gave us a real treat, an acoustic version of "Defying Gravity” which was really lovely.  You’re used to hearing the power belted lyrics, but this stripped back version, sung softly with incredible control was really lovely.  The powerhouse that is Faith Mcdermott then brought us her rendition of “When it all falls down” (from Chaplin I think?) which was very well controlled, clear and lovely to listen to.  The juniors then returned to the stage to bring us “We own the night” which was very well acted providing audience context to the song then “Ex Wives” closed the first half superbly with excellent vocals and choreography featuring Charlie Jackson, Tasha Witton, Chloe Armstrong, Abs Newman, Faith McDermott and Megs Defty. Superb ladies, I loved it!  the lighting design on this song really gave it the emphasis needed for delivery too.

The second half opened with one of my favourite songs, “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne sung with beautiful solos by Tasha Witton and Rhys Bye supported by the whom company behind a gauze.  Absolutely stunning number.  This was followed by “She’s In Love” from the Little Mermaid with lovely costuming, sung by Alfie Stephenson, Amy Gatland, Ava Norris, Chloe Armstrong, Bethany Wanless, Ella-Rose McKenna and Rosie McDonald; then “I See the Light” sung by Willow Henderson who looked and sounded absolutely beautiful.  I predict she’s one to watch out for, her control of her voice was far beyond her youth.  The seniors then re-joined us for a rendition of “Freedom” followed by a company rendition of “Radio Gaga” from We Will Rock you which as a massive Queen fan I very much enjoyed!  Again the choreography was very well executed with very smooth transitions, well done Meg.  Abs Newman and Tasha Witton then gave a rendition of “Red Shoes Blues” followed by “Opening Up” from Waitress by Bethany Wanless, Amy Gatland and Mils Cowan.  The juniors then rocked out on sage with “Stick it to the Man” from School of Rock, and were partying hard on stage with their inflatable instruments!  Loved it!  The Seniors then gave a lovely controlled rendition of ”Welcome to the Rock” from Come from Away which was lovely, well staged and poignant.  To conclude, Megs Defty gave her last solo for the group as a performer with “Pretty Funny” from Dogfight, a musical I really enjoy but isn’t seen performed very often.  To conclude we had a superb Mamma Mia ABBA melody which had the audience on their feet and deservedly so.

Absolutely lovely nights entertainment, thank you all and can’t wait to see you all again soon!

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