SEUSSICAL Jr

For those who don’t know; Dr Seuss was an American author known for writing and illustrating more than 60 children’s books. Some of his most famous works include ‘Cat in the Hat’, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and ‘Horton Hears a Who’. In 2000, a musical based on some of Dr Suess’s best-loved characters debuted on Broadway. Suessical’s plot is a mishmash of stories from several books, full of colourful characters, witty lyrics and magical happenings.

This was a long-awaited visit to friends in Blyth, for their Youth Academy offering; being their first since the COVID Lockdown, AND it was well worth waiting for. As 'Strictly's' Craig regularly says “I have only three words to say about this show – “FAB-U-LOUS” !.

It is apparent that the St Bede’s Centre is not a theatre and doesn’t benefit from the technical facilities one would offer, but that did not matter one jot. From the very first chord of the backing music it was totally forgotten, and it didn’t matter.

This exceptionally talented youth group provided entertainment of the highest calibre with a fun-packed performance full of vitality and vibrancy. Their strength is the depth of talent they have and their obvious hard work in all of the aspects of musical theatre. Their vocals, dancing, movement and characterisations were tremendous, from the leading principals down to the ensemble members… WELL DONE everyone.

 Although it may be wrong to single out any individual performance; especially when they were ALL fabulous, I have to give a special mention to Ava Nolan as THE CAT IN THE HAT. She is a triple threat actor bound for higher things. Her acting and stage presence is outstanding. We, at NODA, wish her well in her up-coming auditions in Hollywood…. Good luck Ava. Go and smash it !!!.

Ava was ably supported by Charlotte Harding’s endearing JOJO, our hero HORTON sympathetically characterised by Emily Clapham, Hannah Craig’s beautifully and comically sung GETRUDE MCFUZZ and the very colourful MAYZIE LA BIRD nicely underplayed by Lucy Harthill. I also have to mention Lucy Harding’s rock-star portrayal of the SOUR KANGAROO. What a voice!. She could turn into big soul sister in time (shame about her being unwell late in the piece – chin up Lucy !).

The rest of the ensemble characters led by Matilda and Sarah as the WHOs, the WICKERSHAMS, and the others – far too many to mention by name, all covered themselves in glory. CONGRATULATIONS on wonderful performances.

Directors Shaunagh Kelly and Hayleigh Rose can be well pleased with their endeavours and hard work. The other members of the Team; praised by Shaunagh on the night, can also be pleased and satisfied on jobs well done. We look forward to MATILDA Jr next year…

Thanks from NODA National President Gordon, Past President Fred, Regional Councillor Peter, Youth Coordinator Michelle, Pauleen and myself for the invitations. We wouldn’t have missed it for the World !.

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