Journey Through Time

Journey Through Time celebrated where we’ve come from and where we’re heading, inspired by an original idea from the legendary “Holborn Rover” himself, Ralph Reader C.B.E. With a cast of 80 young Scouts and Guides from Wellingborough District, the show whisked the audience through twelve eras — from The Big Bang to Today’s Country — and the finale, Our Story, Our Way

The evening burst into life with a blaze of yellow and blue costumes, a spectacular opening that set the tone. Naturally, a few first‑night nerves crept in, particularly when the drums kicked off and the large poles were used percussively. From my own experience the Castle stage is not very forgiving when multiple sounds are created on stage so picking up the correct beat is not easy.

The Micro Gang then stole hearts. Dressed as cave dwellers, they delivered a charming routine involving clubs — all swung with surprising precision and not a single accidental blow. Special kudos must go to the brave soul inside the inflatable T‑Rex suit. With limited visibility and what must have been sauna‑like conditions inside, they navigated the stage, the Micro Gang, and the orchestra pit with great skill.

A lively ensemble followed with Lonnie Donegan’s My Old Man’s a Dustman, though timing gremlins again made their presence known. In the ensemble’s defence it was not easy to pick up the cues.

Enter stagehands with plastic dustbins and wheelie bins… then left them there. Why? Moments later, the unmistakable strains of Mahna Mahna answered the question. Performers popped up from inside the bins with comedic timing, keeping the audience guessing — and giggling — about who would appear next.

A nostalgic burst of 90s party hits swept the auditorium into a sing‑along mood, before we shifted into The Great Script Heist, a well‑constructed World War II story, with an evocative feel for the period. Someone had dared to steal the script, who was it, where was it, would it ever be found?

Act 1 closed in style with a 1920s speakeasy. The soloist performing Tallulah deserves particular praise for clear vocals and confident stage presence, and the ensemble looked to be having the time of their lives.

Act 2 opened with a vibrant tribute to the Flower Power 60s, a warm, peace‑and‑love moment for those of us who remember it the first time around. Hey Jude perhaps lingered a little longer than needed, but the atmosphere was lovely. The 80s medley that followed was performed with real flair, and Looking for Tomorrow kept the energy high.

A witty front‑of‑cloth exchange between two Cybermen from Doctor Who brought fresh laughs and another chance for acting skills to shine.

The line‑dancing sequence in Today’s Country was clean, lively and well executed. I think I would have appreciated it more had I known the songs.

In true gang‑show tradition, the evening ended with a rousing, effervescent Crest of a Wave, sending the audience out on a high.

Musically, Scott Freeman’s direction was strong, though the band occasionally overpowered the smaller ensemble numbers. Choreography was thoughtfully pitched to suit the wide range of ages and abilities, and the lighting — simple but effective — particularly shone in the Tallulah sequence with its authentic 1920s feel. Costumes were consistently appropriate and the opening outfits were especially striking. Props were well chosen, with the wartime gas mask boxes adding a lovely touch of authenticity.

There were, unfortunately, some microphone issues throughout, and my heart went out to the young soloist left unsure whether her mic was live. These things happen in live theatre but they’re always tough to negotiate when they do.

All told, Journey Through Time was a well‑conceived, enthusiastically delivered production. Every performer and backstage helper should feel proud of what they achieved — a heartfelt, colourful celebration of youth theatre and community spirit.

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