Kipps

Thank you for inviting me to your ‘flash bang wallop’ of a show and to Olivia for welcoming us when we arrived. The production boasted a strong cast and energy, enthusiasm and congeniality simply spilled out from the stage. The young actor playing the lead Arthur Kipps was outstanding was very well supported by the other principals and ensemble. 

It was hard to believe that this was the director’s first time directing a show. She had created a fast moving and slick show with imaginative direction and had worked with this large cast to ensure that all the actors be they principals or ensemble developed their individual characterisation. It was clear that she had instilled her own enthusiasm for the show into the cast so that they gave lively and energetic performances. The show had a real feel-good factor, and everyone looked to be loving every minute of their time on stage.

The show has a terrific score, and the singing was almost non-stop with some lovely harmonies. Under the direction of the MD Owen everyone looked confident with their songs and the singing was to a very high standard. There are some fabulous voices in both the principal cast and ensemble and this really showed in the musical numbers. The group were very well supported by a brilliant 12-piece band which gave excellent accompaniment in the musical numbers and underscore.

This show has some great toe tapping chorus numbers and lively dance routines. Together, this team of choreographers created fresh routines for the ensemble and principals, which were tailored to styles of the musical numbers. There were good contrasts between the big whole cast numbers and the quieter duets with the movement suiting each very well.

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