Hero's and Villians

Off to my first show of 2026 and this concert certainly did not disappoint, Whitehaven Theatre of Youth put on an excellent show. It kicked off with the full cast singing Kill the Beast which was very powerful followed by I can’t Lose you from Frozen sang by Jasmine James and Grace Savage which unfortunately will be their last show before going on to do their A Levels.

It would be impossible to mention everybody on the show, but I would like to pick out a couple of the performers who were outstanding.

The first two I must mention is a song called On My Own from Les Mis and this was sung beautifully by Emilia Bell and the second one from Sweeny Tood called Worst Pies in London and this was sung by Evelyn Branch, her vocals and stage presence was very good.

The first act finished with the full cast doing You Can’t Stop The Beat from Hairspray and the choreography in this was amazing and the energy from the cast was so vibrant it had the audience singing and clapping to this wonderful song.

Then the second half opened with Cell Block Tango from Chicago by the seniors and once again the dancing was very good.

This was followed by an impressive performance from Carrie Redmond singing As long as he Needs Me from Oliver.

But I must give my last shout out to the brothers Bobby and Charlie Donald and what an excellent job they did with Feed Me from Little shop of Horrors their acting and singing was of the highest level.

I have got to say the full cast was amazing, they were full of energy and sang with a lot of passion and the mixture of the Adult choir and the juniors worked ever so well.

As with every concert done by WTOY I waited with anticipation to see what the comedy element was going to be this year and it did not disappoint with the Committee, Helpers and organisers doing a medley from Steps, then suddenly onto stage came Mandy Worsley being pushed on a sack barrow looking like a 1980’s throwback, but seriously it was so funny and very entertaining.

This then made way for what was my highlight of the show, a Billy Elliot Medley produced by Maria Morton and the very talented Hugh Turpin. Maria gave Hugh the songs and he arranged the music. This was all done before sadly Hugh passed away but he will always be remembered by everyone who knew him and had the pleasure of meeting him.

The sound and lighting was very good on the night so well done to Andrew Morton and Lousia Morton.

Choreography done by Amy Morton and Kayleigh Donald was also very good.

The concert was superbly hosted by Maria Morton and what an incredible job she done, especially towards the end where we have all heard the Motto the show must go on and it certainly did. A true professional.

Just leaves me to say well done to everybody involved you all put on an incredible show, and I look forward to seeing you all in your up and coming musical.

Jim Morgan

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