Summer Showcase

Tollesbury Amateur Players Youth are regular performers in the group’s annual pantomime, but this evening they took centre stage with a show of their own. The first half featured an entertaining adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed with confidence and enthusiasm by the whole cast. It was also interesting to hear about the research they had undertaken into Shakespeare and the attitudes and behaviour of the period. One rehearsal apparently involved the cast insulting one another with Shakespearean epithets — a session I rather wish I could have witnessed!

Although the script for this half was necessarily shortened, the essence of the story remained clear. The children gave wholehearted interpretations of their characters and performed with evident commitment. They had also been given the opportunity to choose costumes they felt suited their roles, which offered a pleasing insight into the thought and care that had gone into their preparation. Credit must also go to the four Leaders, whose support in many different ways helped the cast enjoy and make the most of their on-stage experience.

The second half offered a varied selection of performance pieces, chosen by the children themselves. The programme ranged from a Shakespeare sonnet to a delightful display of mime, with songs and dance woven throughout. It would be unfair to single out any one performer, as each child gave their best and the audience clearly enjoyed every moment. The finale, Love Can Build a Bridge, accompanied by Makaton signing, was especially effective. It created a genuinely moving moment and brought the show to a memorable close.

The scenery was simple but effective, using four screens to good effect. In the first half, they created a beautiful Shakespearean-style backdrop, and I particularly liked the addition of the handprints. For the second half, the screens were reversed to reveal designs painted by the cast, which suited the performances they were presenting.

A more coordinated look for the second half might have strengthened the overall presentation. For example, leggings or trousers with matching T-shirts could have created a more cohesive visual style while still allowing the children’s personalities to shine through. This is, however, a very minor point. The cast clearly enjoyed themselves, and the audience responded warmly, which is what made the evening such fun.

Many thanks for inviting a NODA representative to review the show. It was a pleasure to attend.

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