Honk

Honk was adapted for young performers with a score by George Stiles, it is a heart-warming celebration of being different.  Ugly looks quite different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters.  The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out.

Ugly finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry cat.

The main characters were confidently portrayed by James Osbourne (Ugly), Charlotte Platten (Ida), Annabelle Williamson (The Cat), and Haydn Mullane (Drake).

Ugly (James Osbourne) gave a solid performance with good characterisation and body movements all the way through.  Ida (Charlotte Platten) portrayed a loving mum with well delivered dialogue and good singing.  The Cat (Annabelle Williamson) was very convincing as the sly cat and kept in character throughout, I particularly liked her first entrance and difficult solo song “Play With Your Food”.  Drake (Haydn Mullane) gave a good performance as the worried father and  I enjoyed his “Joy Of Motherhood reprise” as he was trying to take on the mother’s role.

Supporting roles Maureen (Tia Shenton) gave a lovely performance as the village busy body and friend to Ida. The duet “Joy Of Motherhood” was delivered well.

Standout performance for me was from Bullfrog (Reece Waller) with very clear dialogue and good comic timing a little star in the making.

The set was adequate and interesting on different levels showing the pond area and the doorstep where the cat lived.

Choreography was simple and effective, I particularly liked Ida and The Cat, and I loved the bibs on the ducklings and their rubber rings for their swimming lesson.

Director (Sarah Bales) and Musical Director (Claire Bales) has worked very hard on this production and it showed, well done. Lighting was good.

Thank you for a very enjoyable evening and I look forward to seeing productions in the future.

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