Lights, Camera, Action

For one night only the young members of KYDZ were let loose to perform their favourite songs and a few sketches which they had written themselves. What a wonderful enabling opportunity for these youngsters. The whole evening was held together by a T.V. theme and the involvement on stage of several of the leadership team.

As ever, the show was enhanced by a comprehensive technical set up. There are some excellent and totally up-to-date lanterns on those bars, including moving heads, and every performer is enhanced by a head mike. Considering the venue is primarily a church, this is impressive. The programme was so full that the list of songs and sketches didn’t include a specific cast, so I can only refer to any favourite items by the name of the song or sketch, not the performer. But I’m sure you all know who you were.

The choices I have made are purely personal, but here goes: I very much enjoyed What’s wrong with me and the enthusiasm and timing of the junior group performing Fresh Prince of Bel Air. The seniors really cheered me up with music I know well in a 1970s medley. They dressed up in dynamic blue 70s gear too. The T.V. medley was really good fun and clearly enjoyed by the cast. The songs Killer instinct and Aftermath were both new to me, and sung with great feeling by the young performers.

In Act Two, I loved Everybody wants to be a cat. This was a really confident performance by a younger member. Some senior members excelled in Holding Out for a Hero and Not Strong Enough when there was some good harmony work. And the evening was brought to a close by the whole company giving us strong ensemble work, finished off by a taster from the planned spring show Wake Me Up before you go, go.

Many of the songs chosen were new to me, and very much of the present day. There were some brave choices, sung with passion. But some of the orchestrations were difficult and the pitching was not always completely accurate. However, they told of the current struggles faced by young people and had a raw relevance which was impressive. All were appreciated by a splendid, almost sell-out audience.

I enjoyed meeting you all again and look forward to seeing you in March 2025.

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