Through the Looking Glass

Choreographer: Hannah Cumming

There were a number of first with this show. It was the Scottish Premier of this musical based on the novel by Lewis Carroll, and it was the directorial debut of both Hannah Cumming and Daniel Scott. I have seen both Hannah and Daniel starring on the other side of the boards with CSYT and was immensely impressed in their transition to directors. Their use of simple yet very effective staging was excellent and there was little or no delays in the scene changes. The lighting was very moody and helped to portray the effect necessary in different scenes. I thought the use of "canned" music was just right for this production as it gave the right kind of orchestration for this show.
Well done you two and I hope this wont be the last we see of you now you have moved onto University etc.
At times it felt as if this young cast had been treading the boards for ever, they were so accomplished. Glen Travers as Lewis Carroll/White Knight was excellent and his signing voice continues to wow me every time I hear him. Beth Smith as Alice was a superb foil and the two gelled excellently. Beth has a very good singing voice and their harmonising was super. Leona Evans as the Red Queen was suitably mean and nasty and her downtrodden husband, Adam Pool, played his part very well.
The remainder of the cast supported the principals excellently and it was obvious that they all enjoyed the roles they played. Watch out for young Craig Pool in the future, he is a star in the making. His timing and stage craft was excellent for such a young person (of course he is a chip off the old block being Alex and Marion Pool's grandson).
Once more a most enjoyable trip to Langholm to see this youth theatre group go from strength to strength. Well done.

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