SHOWSTOPPERS

This show opened with a bang, four members, Joseph, Dave, James and Dan leading off with the big hit number “Sherry Baby”, a great song from “The Four Seasons”. This was well choreographed and if one closed one’s eyes and just listened here was a superb imitation of the group. The section was continued with the introduction of the girls and the adult chorus who continued to keep up the high standard .

We moved on through “Beauty and the Beast”, beautifully presented by the juniors then leading into a selection from the old favourite “South Pacific”. The rendition of Bali High by Lynne Schofield was most sincerely put over with confidence and enjoyment.

The first  half concluded with a selection from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”, the part of the narrator being sung extremely well by Alison Wade. This is a difficult part to perform but Alison’s stage presence and her delightful voice seemed to make the number quite easy. Mention must also go to Brandon Fletcher whose interpretation of “Any Dream Will Do” was very good for a young man who has only just moved into the adult group from the junior section. He is one to look out for in the future.

The second half started with numbers from the “Rocky Horror Show” this giving the audience a glimpse of the comedy element of the society as well as showing that they can sing with different styles.

The junior section entertained us with an excellent rendering from “Matilda”.

Scarlet, Alana, Alarnie and Gracie were excellent in their rendition of the “Naughty” song and deservedly received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

A change of style was now introduced with a selection from “Jekyll and Hyde” and here the singing was well rehearsed and all the harmonies very clear. Joseph Bairstow’s singing of “Lost in the Darkness”was well and powerfully performed.

A medley from “Sister Act” brought the show to a close and I can only say that this society appears to move forward at a tremendous pace in both the standard of their singing and stage presence. Here is growing confidence in their undoubted ability.

The direction by Joseph Bairstow was good as also was the choreography by Jess Lyons, who was also on stage and Olivia Hantke. This trio should be proud of their achievements.

My accolade, however must go to Nigel Martin, the Musical Director who had obviously put in much hard work in teaching the cast the music, much of which was not easy to either learn or perform especially with the junior section.

There are too many members in the cast to mention them all, but this was an excellent production of a very high level and all the members of the society have every right to be proud of their endeavours.

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