The Phantom of the Opera

Firstly the initial impact of that set on that stage: brilliant design and realisation and congratulations to all concerned: certainly it delivered everything in design and set up the staging and the atmospheric feel for the plot. Also good on eye for costumes from DTC.

From the pit, Jo Kemp and her musicians exemplary (as expected). And Jo had worked hard with the cast to achieve the standard of vocals required in this difficult show.

And in overall command and the inspiration for all involved, Ben Francis exploited the talented cast to plumb the depths and bring up the treasure to sparkle and shine in every way. A large support cast of all sizes and ages, some of those ‘tinies’ will never forget the experience, and all worked well with excellent harmonies (Masquerade was particularly good) and movement: what an opportunity for ‘youth’ in the district.

The casting and inspiration of all the principals particularly good, vocally very sound and impressive, and how pleasing to see cast from within the group without bringing in extras from outside, a great team effort. Erin Tree gave a dignified and very mature presentation as Madame Giry, and Gabriella Green as the daughter Meg, a sweet sounding voice (genes in Green family?). The ‘opera’ stars Ubaldo from Joe Annison (in padded outfit) and Carlotta from Olivia Taylor (with a stunning voice, and 2015 young performer award) were in control of their scenes with style and stage presence. The men of the moment all gave vocally and in character: M. Reyer from Callum Brown, M. Lefevre from Max Rabone, that excellent duo M. Firnim from Ryan Chilvery and M. Andre from George Wilson: what fortune FADLOS  Kidz has with this calibre of ‘support ‘ principals and how great the ensemble numbers like ‘Prima Donna’ in vocals and staging. 

And to the ‘triangle’ with outstanding performances from these three principals in stage presence and style and singing and movement and acting, really excellent. As the suitor Raoul, Thomas Semmons had a great smooth voice to express the passion, and how well he worked with Christine and the Phantom and the men of the opera good performance. Katy Ferris as Christine was quite amazing with those vocals, quality, and, at 16 years, what a future she must have ahead, very impressive both singing and in the reacting to the two men of her life. And in the title role, Zachary Green as The Phantom had it all (and youth performer 2013) with the stature and style, those vocals to cope with the demanding role, and above all the acting skills to bring the passion and frustration to fruition in hypnotic fashion, the final scene of despair so well put over and maintained that we all felt so strongly in sympathy with him (Ben and Zac really conquered those moments, and now he is off to university). Must comment on Blanks canvas makeup of Phantom.

Overall an amazing and talented production and I feel very sad at the programme notes that this may be the final FADLOS Kidz which has given so much to these young people: what a loss to the community, financial I presume, but hopefully it can be revived in the future to encourage more of opportunity to young talent.

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