On The Screen

It is always so uplifting to see a cast of 46 enthusiastic youngsters lighting up the stage. This most talented cast did just that as they sang and danced their way through a wonderful selection of musical numbers from TV and Film.

An energetic, lively and colourful ‘Brand New Day’ got the show off to a dynamic start and the pace of the show and energy of these youngsters never faltered. The ensemble work throughout was slick with strong vocals and everyone on stage looked as if they were thoroughly enjoying performing. ‘Shake a Tail Feather’ was fun, confident and neat. The quite delightful medley ‘Chitty Poppins’ was absolutely fabulous with the full company singing and dancing non stop. The full company sounded so powerful in numbers such as ‘Starmaker’ and the ‘80’s Medley’ which rocked and really convinced us that these youngsters were indeed 'having the time of their lives'. The acapella ‘Just The Way You Are’ demonstrated a true blend of voices and was quite memorable. The younger company were in fine voice with ‘Life’s A Happy Song’ led by two confident performers. ‘Just Sing’ was another great example of team work with so many  words and moves to remember yet all looking so easy. The dancing throughout was most imaginative but ‘Spy Movie Mix’ was exceptional with its creative and detailed choreography and acrobatics all delivered with such confidence and style. ‘Footloose’ was electric with it’s fine soloists and intricate footwork. A sparkling, eye catching ‘What Dreams Are Made Of’ showcased a fine young performer who lit up the stage supported by most impressive dancers.

There is a wealth of talent in this young company and we were treated to some very fine soloists. ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ was powerful, confident and well put across This young performer along with another young lady certainly knew how to sell ‘Hand In My Pocket/Feel The Earth Move’. Other outstsanding vocalists performed with conviction in ‘Bridge Of Light, and the most gltzy ‘Spiderman’. I did also enjoy the most charming duet ‘Part of Your World’ and ‘Can’t Stop Singing‘ with its two very young natural performers and a most endearing ‘Grow Old With You'. Three young lads displayed real power and emotion with ‘Louder Than Words'.

This was altogether a fantastic high energy production where every person on stage showed real committment both vocally and in executing the choreography which had been so well rehearsed. The use of the video backdrops illustrating the various shows and films added to the vibrant, colourful spectacle and guided us neatly through the programme. Most effective lighting created  the appropriate atmosphere for the varying numbers. Huge congratulations to the production team in compiling such a diverse range of musical numbers which suited the varying ages and brought them to life.

After all the fun, laughter and high energy a static ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ sung with such sincerity by the young soloist was soothing and quite beautifu. Every person on stage should be immensely proud of their talents and achievement and it is so encouraging to know that the future of musical theatre is in the very good hands of these young up and coming stars. A most enjoyable production.

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