The Phantom of the Opera (Youth Group Production)

Stunning - simply and incredibly creatively stunning!  Easy Street Theatre Company took a phenomenally successful musical, which is well known and much loved, and added to it in the best ways possible.  Setting the production in the atmospheric Sheffield Cathedral was a move of genius and the production skill and time which must have been invested into the production most definitely paid off.  The gothic arches and stone walls were illuminated by candlelight which became more atmospheric as the evening progressed.  A professional lighting rig had also been added along with a stage in the front of the alter and raised seating towards the back of the nave.  The beautiful stained-glass window central in the apse provided an excellent backdrop, before the fabulous chandelier was lifted.  All of the ‘stage’ was set in a way that was sympathetic to the primary use of the building and respectful of its main purpose.

Sound and Light was very well-done, particularly for a performance space that isn’t generally a performance space.  The added pieces such as the mirror, chandelier, organ and boat were excellent and expertly moved around by the crew.  Special effects such as smoke and pyrotechnics added to the production and everyone involved in the design and delivery of the stage and it’s technical components should be congratulated.  Costumes were very appropriate for the piece, keeping beautifully to the book and mindful of the ages of the performers.  There wasn’t a scene that didn’t look perfect.  A mention too for the wigs and properties which enhanced the look of the production.

Director and Producer Sallianne Foster-Major had a great cast to work with and it’s wonderful that so many of them are ‘home-grown’ to Easy Street.  The character of Carlotta was energetically brought to the stage by Holly Clarke, who mastered the vocal challenges of the role, and really demonstrated the ‘prima donna’ elements of this part.  Moses French was excellent in the role of Piangi – a real fop with great facial expressions.  Madame Giry was well-played by Gracie Woods who showed maturity and poise in this role with Poppy Sefton playing her daughter Meg with sensitivity and strength in her support of Christine.  Rory Newton was strong as the musical director of the opera, Monsieur Reyer. Ollie Dews as Monsieur Lefèvre, former owner of the Paris Opera, seemed utterly delighted to be getting the Opera House and the Phantom off his hands. The new managers, Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre (played by Kai Haste-Wain and Danil) had some excellent interactions and worked well together in bringing the exasperation felt by these characters to the fore.  Issac Reid as Joseph Buquet, chief stagehand, gave a chilling presentation of having seen the ghost and Olivia Davey was enthusiastic as Madame Firmin.

The ensemble and supporting roles were excellent throughout and the ballet chorus had clearly been under the tutorship of the group’s choreographer Amanda Tyas as their routines and those of the full company were beautifully done is a small performance space.

Jamie Wray was very strong as Raoul, a great voice, super diction and a perfect contrast to the Phantom with his clever portrayal of the open, selfless and demonstrative love his character has for Christine.  Milly Wainwright took the role of Christine Daae on the night of the review and was excellent in the role.  Strong singing, acting and beautiful movement – such a great part for a young actor and Milly didn’t drop a line, a note or miss an opportunity to engage the audience in the difficulties her character is facing as she chooses between love and a career which has become her life.    When Christine was first captured by the Phantom and they ran around the Cathedral the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.    Philip Smith, District Representative, was able to see Chloe Roper in the role and has commented below.

Ollie Spittlehouse-Wain most definitely had the stature for the part of the Phantom, beautifully capturing the physicality of this character for whom his disfigurement has impacted on his life and the way he has been allowed to live, resulting in misfortune for those whose paths cross with the Phantom.  The demanding songs of this title role were brilliantly sung and the engagement with Christine was impactful throughout.  The final scene in the Phantom’s Lair was beautifully directed and a fitting climax for such a dramatic show. 

And a twenty-four piece orchestra….what an amazing opportunity for these young performers to be able to sing with experienced musicians, excellently conducted by Gareth Lloyd as MD, and sounding simply beautiful.  The presentation of this challenging score was excellent and very well done.

There is no doubt that a production of this scale, in a non-traditional venue, will have presented many challenges, but the commitment of the Easy Street team to provide such wonderful opportunities for their young people is never in doubt and the audience definitely benefitted from all the hard work of everyone involved.

My sincere congratulations to the performers, Production Team and everyone who helped and supported front of house and backstage.

Jo Sykes, Youth Co-ordinator, NODA North East

 

Being involved not only as a NODA rep but also as part of Easy Street, has given me the privilege of witnessing a quite amazing experience. The whole production, the venue, the costumes, the backstage helpers and FOH team along with the whole production team and a group of ultra-talented youngsters with the result of a truly outstanding musical experience.

Seeing all the performances has allowed me to witness some quite excellent principal performances and due to our NODA Youth Co-ordinator, Jo Sykes, only seeing one team we felt it only correct to cover the fact that the role of Christine Daae is being performed by two very talented actors.   Both these young performers have worked so very hard to achieve the highest standards.  Milly Wainwright has been mentioned within the report from Jo Sykes, so it is my pleasure to say a few words about Chloe Roper. Chloe performed to the highest standard with beautiful stage presence singing of the highest order which in Phantom has to be so different to many modern-day productions.  The work with both the Phantom and Raoul were quite outstanding including duets with Raoul , ‘Think of Me’ and ‘All I Ask of You’ were simply show stopping, and along with the Phantom during ‘The Point of No Return’ - simply brilliant.  Of course, I can’t leave out ‘Wishing You Were Somewhere Here Again’, just beautiful.

Philip Smith NODA District 6 Reg Rep.

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