Seussical

I had never seen this musical before had and had no idea what a spectacular show it is. It is about the power of imagination and belief in yourself.  The youngsters certainly have that and gave it their all.  Who will forget the marvellous continuity of Cat in the Hat, played and sung by Claudia Anderson with the control of a seasoned performer? Or Gertrude McFuzz the dizzy bird, whose moves and uncertainties of the character were captured beautifully by Jenna McConachie? Or the poignancy and pathos brought to the role of the loyal Horton the Elephant? Or the majestic flare and ostentatiousness of Alexandra Kerr as Maysie La Bird?  In less flamboyant roles but no less important or successful were Briana Craig as Jojo,  the boy suspended from school for his unconventional  ‘thinks’, nicely capturing the bewilderment of  it all and singing with attractive plaintiveness;  Ruaraidh Blackwood as his father Mr Mayor  who brought  a solemnity  to his singing;  and Rebecca  Harris striking the right note as his stern mother. Lewis Dawson was a  hard and regimented General, Caitlin Martin a suitably ‘sour ‘ Sour Kangaroo and Jasmin Milne an eye-catchingly assured Young Kangaroo – one to watch.  The principals were well supported by the humour of Things 1 and 2, the harmonies of the Bird Girls and the macho antics of The Wickershams. The chorus delivered their roles with songs and movement bursting with energy and gave a delightful fluorescent scene.  From start to finish this show was an extravaganza of delight - fast moving, colourful, inventive. It is wonderful to see over the years how the youngsters have developed and grown into confident performers - and with new ones in the ranks ready to come on too. BBW has always performed well but this production, for me, was a revelation and up there as one of their best.

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