First Act spookily staged a sumptuous play and cabaret show at Shanklin Theatre just before the Easter Break. The company of adults plus support workers working together made a fun engaging evening all round that really showed off the diverse talents of the cast.
The play part of the evening entitled “Monster Mayhem” told the story of two hikers, played capably by Sarah Louise McEvoy and Jade Hornbuckle, getting lost in the woods and stumbling upon what they thought was a Hallowe’en Party, only to find the party guests a little more nightmarishly real then they were expecting!
Rachel Stone was a lively and ferocious werewolf, Lisa Carter was a very sinister vampire and the Zombies really got some laughs with their grunts and cries for “Brains” in this timely story about accepting who people are and working together which was told in a short but well paced time. Excellent props to director Traci Stockman as well as Lottie Ladler. Coupled with a bopping soundtrack filled with great needle drops and you had such a great show that I was altogether a little sad for it to end so soon.
The cabaret side was ably hosted by Carl Harvey and Dominic Pope, and the First Act crew showed off all sorts of talents, including an excellent recorder recital by Theresa Rose, a well thought out dance by Catherine Coeshott, Pete Allen’s “Agadoo” and Natalie Rann’s rendition of “Unbreak My Heart”. It was clear right from where I was that the enthusiasm and joy from those taking part on stage was huge and it was very infectious to watch.
Events like this really showcase the good that Drama and Theatre can bring in empowering confidence and artistic endeavour in all people, and it was a very potent reminder on how we as a society need to re-examine what we mean by disability. Programs such as First Act need support so they can continue doing such good work like this show. Long may it continue.
Reviewed by Olly Fry
IWtheatre 