What's Next Through Time

Building on the success of last year’s “What’s Next”, Director Paul Clements and Choreographer Helen Wallis have adopted the “go large or go home” principle by managing to cram an incredible 47 different numbers into this year’s bigger and even better “What’s Next Through Time”! The idea is to give everyone in the company the chance to shine, and shine they do, with the brilliance of ten suns. The numbers were divided into categories, such as Shakespeare, Child Hardship and Fairytales, and each section is introduced by a member of the cast with a reading or quotation as if they were in class and the teacher has asked them to address the other students. A clever way of tying together otherwise very disparate topics.

What a monumental task Paul and Helen must have had researching and choosing all the pieces that were included, some from shows I haven’t even heard of, and avoiding choosing the obvious songs from the well-known shows. Musical Director Kim Seagrove has done a fantastic job of getting everyone’s singing, for the chorus and solo numbers, up to an excellent standard. Helen’s choreography was at times breathtaking, with everyone on stage in the moment and creating some wonderful images.

All we needed was an empty stage, with just a few chairs brought on by the cast, as required, and a graphic for the number being performed projected onto the back wall. Handover between each song was rapid with hardly enough time for applause, so the show rocked along at a great pace. Lighting (provided by the school) was excellent with some nice effects, and sound (also by the school) was generally very good, although there were some unfortunate mic failures during Act 1 which had been resolved by the interval. Most importantly, the performers affected just carried on regardless - very professional. Costumes (Rachel Grech) were simple and colourful, with some extras added to give a flavour of the show the song was from.

This is very much an ensemble piece with everyone who wanted to getting their chance to stand in the spotlight and perform solos, duets and so on, or be part of one of the many chorus numbers. It was only at the very end when the entire cast gathered on stage for the finale that I appreciated just how many people were involved – 59 if my adding up is correct - so I don’t want to single out any individual performers. I will say that every single item in the programme was performed with a degree of polish, professionalism and style that is wonderful to see in performers so young. The pieces covered the whole gamut of styles from big, brash, showy dance numbers, tap, rap, a capella, blues and modern pop to sad, emotional songs. Every one was performed exactly as it should have been, with the dedication and talent of the cast shining through.

I must also praise Paul, Helen and Kim for inspiring this huge cast to create the polished and professional show that we saw, with everyone giving their all. The grounding you give these young people will serve them well in whatever future they choose – as I have seen with members of your group who have progressed to adult groups in the area.

WELL DONE Stage One – Les Misérables was going to be hard to follow, but you did it and you continue to amaze and delight your audiences with your wealth of talent.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.