Now That's What I Call KODYS

 It was a rather different but effective opening ‘warm-up’ to this youth section concert, when seated  centre stage, Billy Brooks invited the audience to repeat a quick- fire routine of words and lap slapping, that got the first night audience really warmed-up!   KODYS then proceeded to stage 22 musical items, which makes it difficult to mention them all - but without exception they all deserved to be included, in what was a diverse choice of items which the audience totally supported, well backed by a mixture of music tracks or keyboard.

The opening number suitably entitled ‘Another Op’nin, Another show’ was well led by 4 seniors through the auditorium and this number was followed by Summer Pitman singing a tuneful ‘Somewhere Only We know’. Alice Hickey, Hope Dickenson and Lauren L’Enfant sang a harmonious trio and this was followed by Larna Richards and Roxie Jordan singing ‘No Way’ from ‘Six’; a sparkling performance to match their costumes. Adding variety to the production, Josh Hickey performed well with a guitar solo ‘Oh Bla Dee’ and so did, soon after, Maria Riga playing a violin solo ‘Quizas, Quizas Quizas’.

Immy Maybury, Lauren, Larna, Harrison Bianco and Calum Barton led ‘I’d Do Anything’ from ‘Oliver’ joined by the juniors who with umbrellas transported ‘Nancy’ and ‘Bet’ in a ‘carriage’ and this was followed by ‘Who Will Buy’ sung with some nice light and shade. Lauren returned with a powerful rendition of ‘Where Am I Now’ from ‘Lysistrata Jones’, packed with feeling and expression and Act 1 closed with everyone singing ‘I’m A Believer’ which they all clearly enjoyed.

Act 2 opened with two numbers from ‘The Greatest Showman’; initially  ‘A Million Dreams’ sung by Chris Kemp, Mason Howell along with Daisy-May Sandel and Lauren, and then ‘Come Alive’ which I thought was particularly well choreographed. Oscar Yeoh provided a tuneful opening to ‘You Will Be Found’ from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and all eleven boys (Impressive) gave it their all in ‘Greased Lightening’ from ‘Grease’ which was very well done. Lauren, Daisy-May and Harrison did a great job with ‘When I Grow Up’  from ‘Matilda, and the Juniors danced to ‘Revolting Children’ with some good choreography.

KODYS definitely finished on a high with three numbers from ‘Les Miserables’. Georgia Hyde sang a very touching ‘On My Own’, Mason sang a mature and strong ‘Stars’ – excellent, and the full company including Russell the MD sang ‘One Day More’ . I imagine the company did not have many spare moments, to change into a variety of costumes which provided a suitable accompaniment to each section, supported by good light and sound. With direction from Darren Richards KODYS has definitely bounced back from the Covid period - Now that’s what I call entertainment!

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