We're all in this Together-A Musical Revue

Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group presented their 2017 “Summer Soiree” “We’re all in this Together – A Musical Review, performed to a packed audience over three nights - this group of talented youths have certainly been on a journey and it clearly showed on the night that I attended as they sang and danced their way through a great programme of musical numbers. Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group has gone from strength to strength over the past two years and this has had a lot to do with their director Louise Defty who has certainly invested her time and commitment to this group and this was very obvious with the quality of the performance and the enjoyment on each and every one of the cast’s faces. There were some great pieces of choreography mainly created by Louise but she was also supported by Holly Welsh, Chelsea Harrop, Megan Defty, Claire Smith and Barry Johnson who supported Louise with some of the movement and routines and, whilst the space in Spennymoor Settlement’s Everyman Theatre is limited, the group managed extremely well and there were some well performed routines.
The show opened with the whole group performing the musical number from the show, High School Musical “We’re All In This Together” excellent enthusiastic number well sang and good choreography and a great way of promoting a number from their forthcoming show. Zac Greenman gave a lovely rendition of “One Song Glory” from Rent, beautifully delivered and a solid performance this was followed by Millie Cowan, Freda Graham and Megan Defty delivering a good interpretation of “I Know Its Today” from Shrek, again some lovely vocals and stage presence. Chloe Armstrong and Emma Belshaw delivered a good performance of “What If” from The Adam’s Family, which was followed by a good choreographed number from Matilda “School Song”  this was well delivered well sang and again a good routine to showcase the talents of the group. I particularly enjoyed the duet performed by Zac Greenman and Megan Defty singing the musical number “Defying Gravity from the popular show Wicked, again great vocals and a polished performance. Sophie Priestly Patience Ritchie, Imogen Smith, Megan Jones, Millie Newham, Lilly Anderson, Heidi Angstmann and Bethany Wanless delivered a strong musical number “Do ,Re Me” from The Sound Of Music, and I loved Megan Defty’s interpretation of  “On My Own” from Les Miserable’s it’s difficult to believe that this young lady is only 13 she has good stage presence and promising vocals, Charlie Jackson and Zac Greenman’s delivered a first class interpretation of “Stepsister’s Lament” from Cinderella  some great characterisation and vocals a certainly a fun routine. To end the first act the juniors delivering a great performance “I Can’t Wait” from The Lion King special mention to Scott Anderson who certainly took his role seriously, I  loved his enthusiasm and he certainly can move, this was followed by the senior group delivering a solid performance of “Starmaker” from Fame. The second act opened with the senior group delivering a slick performance and strong vocals to “Stick To The Status Quo” from the musical High School Musical, it was the juniors turn to showcase their skills and talent next and what a performance I loved the setting and good vocals to “Hard Knock Life” from Annie. For me the showcase of the evening was the duet performed by Charlie Jackson and Megan Defty to the song “Express Yourself” from Billy Elliott excellent choreographed routine great vocals very entertaining and well received by the audience, Amy Gatland gave the audience a good performance of “Almost Nearly Perfect” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,  there was a special appearance from George Morgan- Watson as Hercules when the entire cast sang “Zero to Hero”, Freya Graham delivered a very nice rendition with promising vocals to “Good Morning Baltimore” from Hairspray, from my favourite musical the whole cast sang “Do You Hear The People Sing” from Les Miserables some beautiful harmonies and a well-rehearsed, we then had a very emotional duet delivered by George Morgan Watson and Megan Defty to the song “At The Beginning” from Anastasia this was George’s last appearance with this group and as a founder member he will be sadly missed by everyone, we were then taken to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin sang by Heidi Angstmann and Catherine Kirkland before the entire cast delivered a fantastic finale of “I will Follow Him” from Sister Act and it was no wonder that Spennymoor Youth Theatre received a standing ovation  this was a truly a fantastic performance by a great group of people well done to everyone and I can’t wait to see High School Musical.

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