Stage Lights & Movie Nights

Stage Lights & Movie Nights

Driffield Musical Theatre

 

Producer & Choreographer Chloe Ellis, Assistants Holly Rebecca & Charli Willis

Driffield Methodist Hall

4th July 2025

Walking into the venue for Stage Lights and Movie Nights was an experience in itself—an intimate space, filled with warmth, cheerful greetings, and happy smiling faces from the front of house team. It was clear from the outset that this was a show created with care, heart, and a deep love for musical theatre. It's been a true pleasure to witness the growing audience numbers at Driffield Musical Theatre’s recent productions, and this latest offering certainly justifies the increasing support.

The stage, dressed with a simple yet effective backdrop and multiple entrances, was utilised creatively throughout the evening. The modest scale of the venue worked in the show's favour, offering a close connection between the performers and the audience that helped every emotional note—and comedic beat—land with authenticity.

Under the direction and choreography of Chloe Ellis, the show flowed smoothly from one well-crafted number to the next. The lighting design, though simple, was cleverly executed and perfectly suited to the space, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the setting. With a relatively small cast, clever placement and staging brought each number to life, never making the space feel crowded or sparse.

The ensemble was strong throughout, and the chorus numbers in particular stood out for their energy and enthusiasm. Lively and clearly well-rehearsed, these group performances kept a delightful bounce and rhythm to the show, broken only occasionally by more poignant or slower-paced songs that offered emotional contrast.

Two standout highlights came at pivotal points in the show—the Act One finale, Oom Pah Pah, and the Act Two opener, Fame, were nothing short of triumphant. The cast threw themselves into both numbers with boundless energy and charisma, making them true crowd-pleasers and memorable moments in the production.

Lee Wilson, despite clearly battling a fading voice on the night, showed real professionalism and charm. His duet with Paul Thompson—Luck Be a Lady—was delivered with warmth and grace, and the chemistry between the two made for a lovely, engaging performance. The inclusion of You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two from Oliver! added to the show’s charm and nostalgia, and, alongside Oom Pah Pah, formed a delightful tribute to that classic musical.

Among the standout solo performances, Charli Willis shone brightly throughout. Her powerful and spine-tingling rendition of Never Enough from The Greatest Showman was a real showstopper, drawing audible gasps and well-deserved applause from the audience. Jenny’s beautiful soprano was perfectly suited to the soaring vocals of I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard, performed with real emotional depth. Linda Wilson brought a soulful, heartfelt quality to her performance of Memory from Cats, a touching and sincere moment that added depth to the show’s emotional palette.

Providing comic relief and excellent character work was Catherine Hudson, whose versatility and timing made her a joy to watch. Her interpretation of I Can’t Say No from Oklahoma! brought laughter and delight, showcasing her ability to bring personality and fun to every role she took on.

Chloe Ellis not only directed and choreographed the production, but also performed in the show—proving herself a multi-talented force. Her inclusion of Sven the dog in a charming heelwork-to-music moment set to Electricity from Billy Elliot was a unique and heartwarming touch, bringing smiles all around.

Finally, Holly Rebecca was a true standout performer. A natural star, she effortlessly drew focus whenever she stepped on stage. Her powerhouse rendition of Something’s Got a Hold on Me from Burlesque was absolutely sublime—confident, controlled, and full of soul. Holly’s stage presence was magnetic, and it’s clear she’s destined for great things.

Overall, Stage Lights and Movie Nights was a thoroughly enjoyable evening filled with variety, heart, and genuine talent. Driffield Musical Theatre continues to grow and shine, and with shows like this, it’s easy to see why more and more people are coming through the doors. A warm, vibrant production that celebrated everything wonderful about musical theatre.

 

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