MUSICALS TAKEOVER

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the show having been written, directed, choreographed and MD’d by Freya and Niamh, but I shouldn’t have worried, it was excellent from start to finish.

The concept was simple, but the show flowed well, with plenty of pace in the numbers and the dialogue in between.  The use of four main characters to set the scene and cover for scene/costume changes made this a slick production, with imaginative but simple looks overall.  The numbers chosen integrated well with the storyline, and were delivered with aplomb.  The choreography was modern and distinctive, I enjoyed the fact that even cast members who I’d not seen dance as such before, joined in and delivered a good standard.  So very well done.

Costumes were mostly good, a couple needed tidying up but the basis was good, and nice to see that girls hair all neat and off the face, which allowed us to see the lovely animation from all concerned.  The stage crew worked hard and managed everything very well.

Lighting was good throughout, operated by Josh Stone, whilst the sound was mostly fine, a couple of places where it wasn’t quite on point! – but both elements helped the general good vibe to the production.  I also liked the way the auditorium was painted, it echoed the onstage action and looked different.

The thing that impressed me most was the continued improvement shown by all the cast, and their engagement with what they were doing.  Making this a joyous experience, and a fun show to watch.  Everyone should be very proud of themselves.

Max Butler, Charlie Gadsden Tabitha Stones and Ryan Holgate-Sunderland fronted the show, all creating their own characters, whilst interacting well with each other.

A rousing opening from the ensemble led into a solo from Max Butler which was well-performed, with Molly McHenry following, showing off a nice voice and charming delivery.

Eloise Urquhart showed real attitude in her song, very animated, which was great, and the ensemble matched her dynamism – a very good number.

Faith Kenny and Hermione Caller interacted well in their song, with plenty of energy.

Toby’s number was lively, and his vitality was matched by the ensemble – nicely achieved.

Jessie Barnes and Amanda Lawson fronted an iconic song, giving it meaning, and again matched by the ensemble.

The Act 1 Finale was very lively, but at the same time well-rehearsed, sending us off to the interval on a high.

Act 2 commenced with Jessie Barnes, fronting a head-on number, with imaginative choreography and nice light and shade – good dynamics.

The ensemble performed a good rock-type number with drive and a fun element, followed by another well-known, but very brief, number, which led nicely to the next section.

It was nice to see Angel Bayliss give a pulled-back performance, very still and quiet, different to other things Angel has done before, and did in the other numbers, it shows she can accomplish contrasting performance requirements.

The final number gave Amanda Lawson, Matilda Dowdall, Sophie Robinson, Maddison Price, Jessie Barnes and Rosie Williams the chance to perform with defiance and assertiveness, which they all did very well.

Briony Gannon-Webster, Lola Brady  and Hanna Korosi-Feher made up the ensemble, their contribution to the production was noted – they all showed animation and feeling – so well achieved.

My thanks to Freya and Niamh for hosting us, it was good to get some insight into the reason for writing the piece and how they went about bringing it fruition.  We went away having seen a very good production, with a high standard technically and performance-wise, a great evening’s entertainment – a big congratulations to all concerned.

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