Imaginary

It is always a pleasure and delight to have the opportunity to see a show I have not seen, or, in this case, never even heard of before.  Double the pleasure when the society is not one I have visited before, even though they were founded in 1978 and Imaginary was their 43rd show.  Although this was my first visit, I do most sincerely hope it will not be my last. 

I was careful to observe the ‘warning’ in the programme regarding the ‘spoiler alert’ and so only read the synopsis just before settling down to construct this review.  So, the congratulations begin here by saying that you all put the story across excellently – I understood, and thoroughly enjoyed what was going on, and was shocked to discover Milo was an IF (those who are ‘in the know’ will understand that, but for those that are not, I hope it won’t prove to be a spoiler!).

The scenery also was excellent, so simple and yet so very effective the revolving door worked really well, meaning that at any point the audience knew exactly where we were geographically speaking.  The bubble machine was inspired and so effective.

The costumes appropriately were just out of this world.  I just loved all the animals – so effective. In Act 2 when we moved to Imaginary Land it was clear that the cast and wardrobe department had really let their imaginations loose and the effect was tremendous and exactly what was called for.

The musicians were very good, and an excellent sound balance was maintained throughout. As some of the harmonies were somewhat complex, I did wonder if perhaps an additional rehearsal with the cast and the full ensemble would have proved useful.

So to the cast – there were so many really good performances, that to single any one person out to mention would be grossly unfair to the rest. Suffice it to say, there were many excellent characterisations, making every individual character SO real and believable, which in turn meant that the audience were interested in them and wanted to know what happened to them.  As an entire cast, you kept us interested and engaged and there can be no greater compliment than that.  So, a huge thank you to each and every person on that stage for providing such a very interesting and enjoyable evening and entertaining us so very well. 

Of course, an enormous thank you must also go to the small army of people, backstage crew, matrons and chaperones, costumes, make-up, props, production team and musicians for giving this talented group of youngsters such a wonderful opportunity to shine!  

Thank you once again to everyone in LYMT for inviting me and allowing me to see and enjoy such a wonderful show and a thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

Christine Hunter Hughes

NODA National Vice President

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