This Is Us!

Following discussions amongst themselves, members of Langtoft Junior Players agreed that the performance of a variety show would provide them with opportunities to demonstrate their entertainment skills. This show comprising of songs, sketches, play extracts and other activities was chosen by them to demonstrate the skills they possessed or had acquired thus far to entertain. What we were about to witness were performances facilitated by a dedicated team of helpers to whom the cast were most grateful.

It was refreshing to find that these young people openly admitted in their programme to “borrowing” the title from “The Greatest Showman” which they had slightly amended and intended to use in the finale of their show – to me it indicated that they were keen to keep up to date with what was happening on the international music scene. If they were prepared to stop, look and listen to what was going on, shouldn’t we be doing the same? In fact the very first sketch invited us to do just that - to listen carefully to what was being said. In contrast the later “E-phone” sketch clearly emphasised how we can waste words and time by not adopting a direct approach.

The sketch entitled “Twelve days of Production” was an excellent example of how repeated words and actions, with good timing, can be used to generate much humour through audience anticipation. This was followed by two stirring group renditions of “A million dreams” and “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman”. The first part of the show was then brought to a close with a very powerful performance of the closing scene from “Blood Brothers”, culminating with the haunting song “Tell me it’s not true”.

The second part of the show opened with a number of school based sketches. Whilst it is important for pupils to take lessons seriously, it’s good to know they can still identify the funny side of life! Next followed a very strong solo performance of the song “Somebody to love” which was released in 1976 by Queen and which I remember well! Though not intended to be a comedy, the TV programme “Bake Off” frequently contains a culinary disaster which is best laughed at, especially if you haven’t to eat it! Then followed a moving solo of “On my own”, a song of unrequited love from the musical Les Miserables. The cheerful Abba song, “Thank you for the music” followed.

Clowns featured in the next items which were “Send in the clowns” and a dance/gymnastic routine performed by a couple of very agile young people. Two more songs from “The Greatest Showman” brought this highly entertaining show to a rousing end.

Thank you Langtoft Junior Players for sharing your choice of songs and original humour, the sustained applause from your audience at the conclusion of your show was well-deserved.

 

 

  

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