Return to the Forbidden Planet

A Footlights Youth Theatre Production

I was very impressed with everything in this terrific production. The band and singers were fantastic, the choreography and dancing were superb, the set, costumes and lighting were excellent and the dialogue was outstanding. Everyone delivered their lines clearly and with understanding and all the jokes came across well.

Georgina Cox’s confidently tongue in cheek Narrator immediately set the scene for this witty and stylish version of the musical, then the Crew burst on stage to “Wipe Out”. It was very energetic and looked quite wild but the chorus knew what they were doing and always got to their mark on time.

 Tom Chenhall was great, playing the mature, pipe smoking Captain Tempest and Emma Press was a rather spaced-out Miranda. Their songs, together and separately were first-rate. Harry Butterwick was a lovely, not too bright Cookie and Angus Odling was a good foil as the Bosun. George Lambourne, as the roller-skating Ariel, was delightful, always ready to save the day.

Nick Rew was fabulous as the manic Doctor Prospero. His energy was amazing as his actions grew wilder and wilder. Maria Miles was an excellent Science Officer. She has a superb voice and really knows how to use it, with loads of light and shade as she sings.

The Crew were fantastic throughout, dancing with great style and enthusiasm. As usual they were all focusing on the task in hand, but still showing a bit of individuality.

I love all the music in this show – I remember it well – and it was well performed, sometimes with a bit of a twist. “Good Vibrations” was quite quirky and “Only the Lonely” was great. “Born to be Wild” was marvellous, superbly staged and executed, and well deserving of the applause. The finale was brilliant and the audience really got into the rock’n’ roll groove, especially the over sixties – their (our) music I think.

David can be proud of another success for the company. Well done to everyone.

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