Honk Junior

Wow! Where to begin? When I was told that HATS Juniors was using the half-term to put together an entire show from start to finish, I thought it sounded like a lovely experience for the children but very much an impossible task. However, I was amazed by the quality of the show I was treated to. Thinking that these extremely talented children had never put any of it together before just five days prior to performing for an audience is simply outstanding.

As you walked into the lovely venue of the Floral Hall in Hornsea, you were automatically greeted by the friendly front-of-house staff and a stage set as the backdrop to a lake. The show used a few levels on stage with minimal set design to paint a picture of the different locations. The costumes were similarly wonderful, giving a nice nod to the variety of creatures the cast portrayed. I especially had to smile when the whole stage was full of frogs shining under the lights.

The singing was lovely, and again, the mastery of these songs in such a short time was remarkable. The cast wore mics; however, I’m not sure they were even needed, as each cast member projected excellently, whether in chorus numbers or solos. The choreography was similarly on point—simple moves were used but executed with exceptional timing, making it look as though the whole cast had been performing these routines all their lives. The opening song, A Poultry Tale, set the tone for the show, and it only grew stronger from there.

What I love so much about this group is the enthusiasm and inclusivity that just oozes out of the performance. Not a single cast member on stage looked tired or unhappy to be there—and given the sheer volume of work they had to do in a week, I think I would have been exhausted! It was fantastic to see so many performers on stage. I must apologize, as much as I would love to, I simply cannot mention each and every cast member in this review as they deserve, as there were more than sixty in the cast. However, I want all of them to know that the level of professionalism they displayed on stage was sublime, and I hope they enjoyed every clap, cheer, and smile they received by the end of the show.

I do want to highlight a few individuals who deserve a special mention. Of course, Ugly, played by Edward Hyde, was the central figure in the story, interacting with so many different cast members while maintaining his character throughout. Maureen, played by Chloe Pashby, was quiet yet gave an overall nurturing feel, which worked beautifully in the duet The Joy of Motherhood, performed alongside Georgie Aylward as Ida. Greylag, played by Jeffrey Kidd, and Dot, played by Martha Eldred, were a great duo of opposites, with Jeffrey embodying the disciplined authority figure and Martha playing the more down-to-earth, nurturing counterpart. Joseph Whitehead was an absolute firecracker of energy and is definitely a star in the making. Ralph Eldred was a fantastic choice for Cat, and his performance of Play with Your Food was pure comic excellence.

The last two cast members I want to single out are Noah Bloomfield as Drake and Georgie Aylward as Ida, who should be incredibly proud of their professionalism and the sheer quality of their performances. Both embraced their roles with unfaltering success—even when accompanied by the sassiest brood of ducklings the world has ever seen!

In summary, HATS Juniors delivered an incredible production that was nothing short of extraordinary. The sheer talent, dedication, and enthusiasm displayed by every cast member made for a truly unforgettable performance. The fact that they achieved such a polished, professional show in just five days is a testament to their hard work and the outstanding direction behind the scenes. From the captivating performances to the strong vocals, brilliant choreography, and wonderful costumes, every element came together beautifully. It was a joy to watch, and I have no doubt that every audience member left with a smile on their face. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on a fantastic achievement! Honk, Honk!

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