Magic of the Musicals

It was with great pleasure that I was able to attend The Theatre Factory’s first event since becoming a NODA member, which was billed as a variety performance to showcase each and every Theatre Factory pupil and their talents. This it certainly did. 

The age of current pupils range from four and a half to fourteen years, divided into ‘Minis’, ‘Juniors’ and ‘Seniors’ and each one was well dressed and totally engaged in their performance, all clearly well directed by Leanne Stephens. The range of musical numbers was diverse including the full company numbers ‘Only the Theatre for Me’ from The Grunch and ‘I’m a Believer’ from Shrek.

Along the way there were some confident solos and duets, some backed by their respective teams. It is difficult not to mention them all but in Act 1, these included; Francesca Jeacock’s rendition of ‘I know it’s Today’ from Shrek, Bessie Hingley’s ‘Honeybun’ from South Pacific and particularly Mischa Denny-Richards with the Seniors singing ‘How far I’ll go’ from Moana.

In Act 2, highlights included; Lottie Beck-Johnson’s ‘Punk Rocker named Jo’ (The Black Suits), and her duet with Erica Borewell-Fox’s ‘For Good’ from Wicked, Sienna Beaney’s ‘Part of your World’ (Little Mermaid), the impressive ‘Into the Woods’ medley by Abi Trow, Joseph Stone and Dixie Stone and Amelia Davies’ ‘Breathe’ from The Flower Drum. The Senior’s performance of ‘Schuyler Sisters’ from Hamilton was also impressive.

Throughout the performance the cast moved swiftly and quietly between one number and the next both on and off stage, illustrating some effective stagecraft and I liked the polished approach taken with the final bows, whilst the audience showed their appreciation for a great evening’s entertainment.

I look forward to 2018 and witnessing how they will all for sure, grow even more with experience.

Bruce Wyatt

Representative District 10

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