Into The Spotlight

‘Into the Spotlight’ was Woodlands Theatrical Societies 2025 Spring Concert. This production brought together a myriad of talents, showcasing an array of performances from its enthusiastic and diverse cast. The production featured twenty-three performances, including medleys and dance exhibitions by the Nicola Gauld School of Dance, showcasing a distinct selection of songs from both stage and screen across the decades.

The cabaret-style seating provided a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for the audience, complemented by a stunning backdrop that set the stage perfectly for the talent about to be unveiled.

The production was divided into two acts. Act One began with the cast performing the title song from the show 'Fame' and continued with auditions in the style of 'Fame,' where the performers competed for their roles. I loved the variety of song choices in the first Act with some of my own favourite shows and films being showcased such as ‘Go the Distance’ from Disney’s ‘Hercules’, ‘Cool Rider’ from Grease 2, ‘Magic Dance’ from the 80’s classic ‘Labyrinth’ and the cult classic ‘Time Warp’ from ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. We also had a rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ from ‘Pitch Perfect,’ ‘Never fully dressed without a Smile’ from ‘Annie’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’ From ‘Chicago.’

Stand out performances came from Lucas Balmer with ‘Tomorrow’ from ‘Bugsy Malone.’ Lucas shone on stage in solo and group numbers and has an obvious talent and love for the stage. Lucas charmed the audience with their rendition of the number, integrating a prop and giving us a real performance full of fragility and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

We also had a beautiful rendition of ‘Spotlight’ from ‘Everybody’s talking about Jamie’ by Em Alderson. Em captivated us with a tender performance, showcasing their strong, clear, and beautiful voice—a remarkable talent that deserves to be cherished and nurtured.

Act 2 embraced a cabaret-style concert, with Malcolm Anderson serving as the charismatic MC. Malcolm opened the show with an outstanding rendition of 'Wilkommen' from Cabaret. Having refrained from performing in Act 1 and mingling with the audience instead, Malcolm excelled as 'Emcee,' engaging with the audience and bringing a lively energy to the second act.

Act 2 again had a wide variety of music from ‘Welcome to Burlesque’ from ‘Burlesque’ and the title song from ‘Sunset Boulevard’. Pamela Alderson's rendition of 'Never Enough' from 'The Greatest Showman' was both elegant and moving, while Chantel Dupree delivered a heartfelt and poignant version of 'On My Own' from 'Les Misérables'.

Ruano Sutton delivered an enthusiastic performance of ‘When You're Good to Mama’ from ‘Chicago’ and Em Alderson brought heartfelt emotion to their rendition of ‘Me and the Sky’ from ‘Come from Away.’ I also really enjoyed ‘Loathing’ from ‘Wicked,’ the powerful ‘This Is Me’ and the finale Queen Medley which had the audience clapping and singing along throughout. While the show was a delightful display of individual talents, incorporating more harmonies in the songs could further enrich the musical experience and add a beautiful layer of depth to the performances.

The Woodlands Theatrical Society was joined by students from the Nicola Gauld School of Dance, who have enjoyed a long-standing collaboration with the society and added a dynamic flair with their skilful dance routines and powerful vocals. Performing numbers from ‘Newsies’ and 'Les Misérables', the young dancers sung with great power and danced with beauty and elegance. The partnership between the Woodlands Theatrical Society and the Nicola Gauld School of Dance undoubtedly elevated the overall production.

While the set was beautifully executed and the dance school's outfits were well-coordinated, the costumes for the production lacked consistency and coherence. Introducing more thoughtful and unified costume choices could enhance the overall visual professionalism on stage, creating an even more captivating experience for the audience.

Sat in the audience, despite appreciating the hard work and dedication of all the performers in front of me, I observed visible nerves and uncertainness. Whether this was down to a lack of confidence or rehearsal, I believe with encouragement and experience; these performers will only grow stronger. Their potential shone through, and with self-assurance and hard work, their performances are bound to be even more impactful and powerful in the future. I look forward to witnessing their growth and evolution on stage and encourage those with any nerves or lack of confidence to embrace the challenge, trust in their abilities, and continue to pursue their passion with determination and enthusiasm.

The Woodlands Theatrical Society is a warm and inclusive community that places its members at the heart of its endeavours. Witnessing the camaraderie among the performers was heartwarming, and it was also touching to learn that the society commits to raising money for charity every year, reflecting their dedication to important causes.

I can confidently say that my first visit to Woodlands was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit.

 

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