With a lively rendition of ‘Revolting Children’ from Matilda – Matilda Squibb leading the charge with her impressive opening vocals -Curtain Call Creative’s variety show, Mad About Musicals, got off to a flying start.

Primarily an opportunity for the junior members of Curtain Call Creative to shine, the show also featured numbers by some of the academy’s senior members, giving many young people the chance to showcase their vocal abilities.

As is always the case with variety shows, it is impossible to give every soloist a dedicated mention, but it was clear from the off that every student was giving their all to what they were singing, whether they had one line or a whole song. So whether mentioned by name or not within this review, every performer should be incredibly proud of themselves for the talent and energy they brought to the stage.

Particular highlights within the group numbers were ‘Sparkle & Shine’ (Nativity!), ‘Just Be’ (Kinky Boots), ‘Any Dream Will Do’ (Joseph) led by Henry Walker,and small group number ‘Home’ (Wonderland), this last performed by a quartet. Maisie Walker-Green, Etta Newnham, Jessie Hookey and Matilda Squibb were all fabulous – ones to watch for the future, without a doubt.

Curtain Call senior Grace Dempsey’s rendition of ‘She Used To Be Mine’ from Waitress was beautifully sung and acted, she held the audience in the palm of her hand, while sisters Enid and Jemima Rees’ interpretation of ‘What Is This Feeling?’ (Wicked) was a real treat, with the natural blend of their voices and their spot-on characterisation.

Dulcie Walker deserves a special mention for ‘Almost Nearly Perfect’ (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory) – crystal clear tone, diction and projection, from start to finish. And it was great on the eve of International Women’s Day to see Tilly Rainford smash ‘I Don’t Need Your Love’ (Six) backed by five fellow Queens.

Freddie Nixon also needs commending, not just for his performance but for handling with ease the microphone issues during ‘Simple Sponge’ (Spongebob Squarepants) never losing characterisation and still making himself heard, aided by the quick adjustments of the live band under the direction of Curtain Call’s principal, Andrew Woodford.

Every soloist should be congratulated for their performance within the show, whether they were taking on Sondheim or Leigh – kudos to Emma Clark, Ellen Careless and Rafferty Moore, they all handled these musically-challenging composers with ease – or the more modern sounds of Ahrens & Flaherty’s Seussical, taken on with gusto by Polly Careless.

Watching the next generation perform is always a privilege, as is seeing their love for musical theatre nurtured and their repertoires expanded: the future of the adult Island theatre groups depends on youngsters falling in love with shows from across the decades, and what better way to encourage that to happen than by giving them the chance to perform songs that otherwise may not appear on their radar for many years. So here’s to the next generation of passionate performers coming up through the ranks – long may they love musical theatre!

Look out for Curtain Call Creative’s next production, Legally Blonde, at Shanklin Theatre this April 11^th – 14^th, with tickets available now from www.shanklintheatre.com or by calling 01983 868000.