Honk!

This show was a first for this reviewer and very entertained I was. The Ugly Duckling story that it is based on is a good allegorical show for a young cast with lots of issues like prejudice, bullying, loyalty and separation to get their teeth into - and they did and into the music too which was tricky at times with some of the songs demanding a wide range and stretching the young voices.  Connor Watt made a great job of his first principal role as Ugly, portraying a convincing outsider with wonderful ‘honk noises’ and conveying the movement of a swan swimming really well. His singing delighted too especially in a movingly sung ‘Different’.  Likewise mother Ida, played by Anna Macleod in fine voice, was a pivotal role which was delivered with strength and conviction. Her husband Drake, performed by Isaac Riley showed a sureness of touch with his one line ripostes. Other roles which delighted were The Cat, the villain of the piece, felinely conveyed in action and song by Cristina Haston, Greylag the military goose, played by Struan McLean who brought to the comedic aspects of the role his own quirkiness, and Bullfrog played by Alexander Gavin who has graduated from the policeman of last year and whose lively, confident and engaging performance brought a smile to everyone’s face.  They were ably supported among others by a charming Grace, a persistent Turkey and a wise Mother Swan. The cast as a whole moved and sang with enthusiasm and with an experience which belied their years. Add in the creative cracked eggs, the bales which were the nest and little production touches like Cat shaking pepper on to Ugly before he was cooked and the audience were treated to a wonderful experience. Congratulations to everyone.

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