Youth Group Review

It is very exciting to see young performers taking their first tentative steps on stage in front of a live audience and the Shinfield Players Youth Group Review showcased the work of Junior Youth group (8- to 11-year-old), the Middle Group (11- to 13-year-olds) and the Senior Group (14- to 18-year-old) from their weekly sessions. It was great to see a diverse range of young performers tackling a challenging mix of sketches, songs, dance routines and even Shakespeare.

Simply staged, without amplification, the presentation focused on the vocal performance and dance movement and some of them would have benefitted from a prop or piece of costume to assist their characterisation and give them something to do with their hands . However, the absence of such aids made some of the performances even more impressive. The structure of the running order was driven by the age groups and ease of getting large numbers on and off stage and would have benefited from an upbeat opening number from the combined team, such as “I’ll be there for you” which closed the Junior section.

There were many impressive moments in the two hours show with some quite angst ridden acting from the Senior Girls, energetic routines from the Senior Boys, and a couple of charming songs from the Juniors and Middles.The real surprise of the show was an outstanding extract from Act 2 Scene 2 of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Not only did the four young speak the words with great clarity, acted with strong expression but choreographed some wonderful physical comedy as they battled each other. This was a bold choice to include and made a very good Act 1 conclusion.

It will be fascinating to see these young talents progress over the coming years as they join the main Players shows and I hope they will be encouraged by these performances.

 

 

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