The Suitcase Kid and Musicville

This was an adventurous double bill for this young company with both productions being new to us. The first, The Suitcase Kid, a new children’s play written by popular children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, adapted by Vicky Ireland. With a cast of 7, doubling up on roles, it was an ambitious production. It told the story of Andy, who, after the separation of her parents has to split her week between her mum and dad and their new families. With a lot of dialogue to learn, all the cast worked hard but especially the lead played by Kaya Eggleton-Hunter (who spoke very clearly) although a problem with sound and the double role playing made it a little confusing for the audience. Andy’s fantasy sequences involving her toy rabbit coming to life brought fun, dance, music and a touch of charm to the action.

Musicville is a delightful new children’s musical and a perfect showcase for the cast of 27. Living in a mythical land of song, Maiden Melody and Radical Rhythm set out on an adventure to save their town from the Sorcerer of Silence who has poisoned the water, depriving the inhabitants of their voices.  Ellie Bruce as Maiden sung sweetly and looked the part. Radical, played with clarity and good emphasis by Demi Russo while Gemma Carnegie’s portrayal of the Sorcerer of Silence was commanding. There followed some charming moments and performances (special mention for Cali Barclay) when we met the inhabitants of The Castle of Composition, The Desert Of Doo-wap, The Ocean Of Opera and The Terrible Terrain of Tango. This gave the rest of the cast a chance to dance with simple but effective choreography and sing enthusiastically the catchy songs. Well done everyone!

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