Honk

Footlights Youth Theatre are the junior section of Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society. They were founded in 2002 by the current Director David Tatnall and have a great reputation in the area for producing and delivering first class shows. The age range on show tonight was from five to early teens. Young you might say, but...

Welcomed warmly into Thornden Hall by Adrian and Sue Tatnall I was issued with my ticket and after the purchase of my raffle tickets I took my seat. Honk is a modern adaptation of Hans Christian Andersons "The Ugly Duckling" and is the story of one unusually large and "ugly" duckling and the trials and tribulations that follow until he is revealed after transformation to be a beautiful White Swan

The stage was a very simple and uncluttered affair with a slide (stage right), see-saw (stage left) and a swing, centre stage to the back. This was accompanied by a plain backdrop to the rear and sides. This meant that we could concentrate on the performance and allowed the cast and principles plenty of uncluttered room to use. The lights dimmed, the music (a pre record) started and away we went. The first thing that struck me was just how colourful the costumes were, no pastel shades, solid Reds, Yellows, Whites, Blues, Greens etc. The whole staging and costumes were accentuated very well by clever lighting, designed and programmed by Adrian Davis and the Sound, by the ever reliable Rich Wyeth gave the whole show a very professional feel.

The young cast though did not look overly nervous at all (but I'll bet they were!) The choreography was simple yet very effective and the cast had obviously been well rehearsed, and looked as if they were here to enjoy themselves. Testament here to the obvious hard work from David Tatnall, Kerry and Steven Lilly. This was great as their enthusiasm came right across into the auditorium. Diction was, given the age range of the cast, very good. I could hear and understand what was going on, making the story very easy to follow.

All of the principle cast, Sebastian Smith as "Ugly", Carolina Blanco as "Ida" Ugly's mother were very ably backed by Leah Ryves as the busybody "Maureen" and Max Goodrich as "Drake" the reluctant Father, played their parts well, delivering their respective line with clarity and at a speed that could be heard relatively clearly. The interaction of the remaining cast was good, and the dance routines well delivered. The stand out of the was "Warts and All"  in act two. Great energy top to bottom, with Elsie Tatnall as "Bullfrog" bringing energy, with the rest of the cast following suit. This really was a very good number. Entertaining, colourful and fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show, one I had never seen before, and Footlights gave a more than creditable performance, well done to one and all. Already looking forward to Frozen jr in July, bravo.

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