The Vackees

Set at the outbreak of World War 2 when a group of children were evacuated from London to a Somerset village, ‘The Vackees’ is a funny, moving story set to some wonderful musical numbers. It is a very difficult show both musically and also in conveying the drama of the period.

This was an ambitious choice for this young cast but they certainly rose to the challenge. There are so many characters of all ages and there were great opportunities for many of the younger members to be given their first principal role working alongside some of the slightly older more experienced youngsters.

The opening numbers and tableau were very well directed and the sadness and heartache of mothers being separated from their children followed by the children pleading ‘Please Choose Me’ when they are being selected by their new guardians was very emotive.

Central to the story is young London boy Kip and Dean Gray gave a superb, confident, engaging performance. With a strong singing voice too, he was most believable and really pulled at the heart strings in the final scene when he returns to London. He and the other vackees worked so well together and stood up to the unwelcoming country children led by Buzz, the somewhat bossy, bully boy well portrayed by Matthew Knowles.The differences between the 2 groups of children were well conveyed creating the tension when the newcomers arrived invading the space of the country children.

Kip forms a friendship with young Ellen, aunt Luce’s neice, and Megan MacLean in her first leading role was totally suited to the part. Despite suffering from laryngitis, she acted and sang very well indeed. A real trouper! Thea Mason was an excellent Grace, the maid, and the duet ‘Just For A Moment’ sung by Ellen and Grace was very strong. Head of the household Aunt Luce was in the most capable hands of Fiona Wilson who gave an assertive performance.

The opening of Act 2 ‘Letter from the Front Line’ was delivered with a real sense of drama by Kip’s mum (Emma Clark) and the London mothers. ’Warning:Man in Uniform’ eased the tension slightly with Miss Maybee (Katie Coyle) and the Land Girls dancing and singing well. Nicholas Hann-Renigo, the somewhat determined Mr. Constance gave a convincing performance and I’m so glad he and Miss Maybee had a happy ending. Andrew Brown who stepped into the role only a few weeks earlier was a suitably surly Mr. Jack and made a good job of ‘Battle of Darchett Hill’ where the children also impressed with their well staged fight scene. Matthew Steel who played the German Pilot has a great stage presence and gave a mature performance with a real understanding of the character. His solo number ‘Somewhere Behind’ was first class. All of the many supporting roles were very well cast and well developed characters.

The enthusiastic ensemble made a great sound together. ’Pictures’ was vey well done with great humour. ’Glamour’ led by Ginger (Ailsa MacLean) was indeed glitzy and glamorous with strong choreography deliverd confidently. Authentic costumes created the mood of the period or scene. The backdrop of St.Pauls set the scene in London while the country scene with it’s central bridge added height and variety in the staging.

A dedicated group of talented youngsters under the direction of an excellent production team gave it their all resulting in a most enjoyable well staged production. Very well done LYAMC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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