THE COLOURS OF KALEIDOSCOPE

This show was a complete change from the choice of pantomime we are used to. The company shone with a sparkling cocktail of all elements of Musical Theatre.. Under the direction of Cat McArdle, we were treated excellent choreography delivered with precision throughout the performance. The production brought us a company of near on 60 talented youngsters, whose ages ranged from 5 years to 18 years of age.

The programme consisted of 15 items in the 1st Act and 14 in the 2nd Act. There were no pauses between items and the production flowed with precision. As the programme got under way, I think the words that stuck in my mind were discipline, and team work and this was evident throughout the performance. The first Act started with ‘When Children Ruled the World’ from the Juniors and the younger Academy Group, followed by energetic routines from the Seniors with ‘Elvis’ and ‘Senior Mash Up’. Sketches were well chosen and well-rehearsed including ‘Balls’ from the Seniors and ‘Toast’ from the Juniors. Lovely solo from Sophia Wallo – ‘How Long Will I Love You’ – well done. Academy and Junior members really let their hair down with a rousing ‘Schools Out for Summer’ whilst Alex Mcgoona’s rap led the company to close the first half.

Act 2 opening made us again sit up and take note with ‘Fame’ from the Seniors followed by a lovely Taylor Swift Melody from the Juniors, beautifully attired in mauve floral dresses. There was a topical flavour from the Academy with ‘Oh I do like to be beside the seaside’ followed by ‘It’s Carnival Time’ with a team of 1920’s flappers and ‘Punch and Judy’ – Alex Hennessy performed the puppet show to the delight of the audience. This was a very varied programme with Junior Boys giving us ‘Mission Impossible’, including torches, and in contrast a very poignant item from the Senior Girls with ‘Hallelujah’ which was spot on vocally and well-choreographed. Sketches again in Act 2 Seniors with ‘Parcel Sketch’ and ‘Custard Pie’ and I must say the cast’s timing in all sketches throughout the whole show was impeccable thanks to Cat McArdle and Simon Burrows.

Much attention was paid to costumes, hair styles and make-up together with lighting which enhanced the show. Congratulations to all concerned in this production, thank you once again for your invitation and I look forward to your next production.

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