Into the Spotlight

This was an excellent showcase for The Theatre Factory, demonstrating the talent of all three team groups; Juniors, Inter and Senior totally over 70 on stage.  Hence it was set against a clear stage with an attractive star cloth, other than a small desk at which two judges were seated conducting would be auditions, attended by the cast. As ever, the youngsters were supported by backing tracks and even when these were less than helpful, notes were pitch perfect. It I difficult for me to make-reference to over 45 musical numbers as there were no weak links and no one should read anything into an omission. It’s just a case of one great number following another!

For example, the opening number ‘I Hope I get It ‘ from A Chorus Line, sung by the Seniors was simply brilliant. That was followed by ‘Roxie’ sung by Libby Faulkner with great attitude and then ‘All That Jazz’ sung by Rosie Brookes as Velma (at very short notice) and you could feel the competitive tension between these two characters. Molly Branchett brought  the tempo down beautifully with ‘On My Own’ and the two ‘judges’  Kyesha Khan and Amelia Walmsley joined Issy Caddick with ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’.  Poppy Banks provided a sweet, well felt ‘Somewhere That’s Green’. Sophie Purves brought great characterisation to ‘Whip Crack Away!’ supported by the Seniors and Rosie Woolfenden was joined by the Juniors with style and several displayed some gymnastic prowess.

Lauren Barrett, Libby Faulker and Flo Sinfield demonstrated they could be Fiona from Shrek, through the ages with ‘I Know It’s Today’, with some great harmonies and the Inters sang ‘Welcome to the 60s’ full of vivacity. ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ enabled Annabel Parsons and the Seniors to display a strong and sharp performance and Riley Attwood led an energetic ‘Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’ with pizzazz! Zara Walmsley was sassy and confident with ‘My New Philosophy’ and Jessie Skelton and Jess Barrett sang beautifully well together with ‘For Good’. ‘One Short Day’ sung by Flo Sinfield and Demi Delord with the Inters, was another fab number and possibly most of all, Demi excelled with her emotional contribution in ‘Defying Gravity‘. And that was just Act 1.

There was a great opening to Act 2 and soon after, Frankie Cook Stephens provided a strong number, Ivy Affron followed accordingly, with great feeling and six young lads that followed probably got the biggest ovation of the night! Freya Skelton provided a very accomplished ‘When it all Falls Down’ and the Inters were entertaining with ‘Schuyler Sisters’ rap style. Megan Walley expressed great sensitivity and poise with ‘Burn’ and Matthew Houghton and Phoenix Wilson provided a depth of expression beyond their years with ‘Dear Theodosia’. When 13 red wigged juniors auditioned for Annie with ‘Maybe’  we were spoilt for choice but Imogen Taylor’s ‘Tomorrow’ that followed was really charming.

Georgia Perrigo’s ‘Wouldn’t it be Lovely’ was lovely, and next Flo Sinfield’s next song was brilliant with a colossal final note. Isobelle Morgan provided just the right quantity of sweetness with her number and Eloise Leschalles and Harry Wolfenden’s number was delightful. The Juniors provided great animation and a special highlight for me was Rosie Brookes singing ‘Memory’ and playing violin – fantastic. Matthew Houghton was excellent, returning with ‘You’ll Be Back’ and the Inters provided great energy with ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’.

Lighting and sound were effective and costumes smart and appropriate. Cues and side stage discipline were spot on. I’m not sure how to conclude this report, other than to say Wow!

My congratulations to the production team that brought the very best out of this talented group of youngsters.

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