After taking Shanklin theatre stage by storm earlier this year, with their production ‘Mad About Musicals’, – Curtain Call Creative returned by popular demand – this time to raise the roof off Medina Theatre, with an eclectic array of musical theatre classics – and raise the roof they certainly did.
All of the young performers in the company deserve a mention and I wish I had time to name them all individually. It was evident throughout how much it meant for them to take part, however big/small their role. Every single performer added something unique to each song, but of course, there were a few stand out moments.
The production opened with a bang with a iconic vocal moment from Matilda Squibb – what a confident vocal to kick off the entire show, supported by the Juniors and Kids group with their colourful and energetic rendition of ‘Revolting children’. Any time these youngest members of the company came bursting onto the stage, they did it with such confidence and conviction. You could tell they just loved every minute and looked up to the older members of the company.
Tilly Rainford really doesn’t realise how talented she is, as she stepped up to perform an endearing and emotional version of ‘I’m Still Hurting’ from The Last Five Years – a really beautiful moment watching her face as the audience erupted at the end.
There are quite a few talented sibling duos within the company. Experienced sisters Ellen and Polly Careless, took on the roles of Shrek and Donkey with their fabulous, comedic rendition of ‘Travel Song’, despite a technical glitch, this did not phase the pair at all. Maisie and Noah Walker-Green not only delivered fantastic solos each, but also stood out in their ensemble numbers – certainly two talented young performers to watch out for in the future. Henry and Dulcie Walker always have the clearest diction and I am instantly drawn to them both wherever they are on stage and Henry’s solo ‘Bring him Home’ was just simply stunning.
Triple threat Ava Cowan deserves a huge shout out for her professionalism throughout the first half of the show, as despite a technical problem with her mic, her beautiful voice and stage presence still shone through – always a pleasure to watch her perform.
Very rarely does any reviewer use this word, but I feel it’s genuinely deserved for this young man, for he is quite ‘Outstanding’. Alfie Luke’s rendition of ‘Being Alive’ simply blew me away, another young performer who doesn’t know how good he truly is. His clear diction, characterisation and his unwavering vocal control simply captivated the whole auditorium from the moment he stepped out centre stage.
Another ridiculous young talent – Tom Thorne, triumphed in any number he was in. Although it was in the Jekyll and Hyde ‘Facade’ that Tom’s vocal really shone through. An excellent stand out ensemble piece that enabled the senior group to really show off their versatility and maturity. Rafferty Moore also delivered an excellent, powerful vocal in this number.
The choreography (Rebecca Maher) throughout was simple – but very effective, however it made me out of breath just watching the Juniors perform ‘All in this Together’. You could tell they really enjoyed performing this upbeat routine, just from the smiles on their faces.
What I loved most about this production, is the opportunity it gave to so many young performers, who usually shy away from centre stage. Someone who finally had her moment to shine, was Macie Edkins-Wherry who sang so effortlessly and beautifully, alongside experienced performer, Enid Rees, who gave Macie the confidence boost and encouragement she needed to really go for it during her solo moments – Enid later owned the stage with her fabulous rendition of ‘Lost in the Brass’ – I absolutely adore watching Enid perform, as you know it’s directly from the heart every time.
Lottie Paine showed her amazing lower vocal register with a powerful – yet emotive delivery of ‘Out of sight Out of Mind’ from A Tale of Two Cities, a musical I must admit I didn’t know well before tonight, but Lottie’s beautiful rendition of this song has really stuck in my mind.
Other powerhouse performances included Sophie Frost, who delivered a brilliant rendition of ‘Burn’, Ellie Pike who has the most pure, angelic soprano voice, Frankie Mackness-Foster who’s vocal soared above the ensemble in anything she was in, Rafe Hodge-Thomas with a vulnerable and haunting version of ‘Close Every Door’ and a memorable and beautiful duet from Lucy Aitken and Jessica Stevens with ‘For Good’. How wonderful to see Esme Barclay-Jay really shine in her solo moments. Special mention must also go to Stanley Griffiths-Nash who put 100% energy into everything and had a lovely vocal moment during ‘Happiness’ – what a little star!
Miles Harvey and Finley Revert took on the challenge of the ‘Confrontation’ from Les Mis and performed it with such confidence and ease. Their vocals were strong, powerful and blended well together as they both commanded the stage.
The entire company came together at the end of Act 2 with a powerful rendition of Les Mis classic – ‘One Day More’.As always, it was fantastic to hear the small – but mighty live band, ably conducted and led by company director Andrew Woodford and what an exciting opportunity for some talented Curtain Call students to be able to take part – Rafferty Moore on Saxophone for certain numbers and George Sales who stepped in on the drums at the very last minute – Well done boys.
Congratulations to all the company and creative team, who have evidently worked extremely hard to deliver yet another fantastic production, which made me smile all the way home, everyone should feel very proud.
Reviewed by Rosie Sales
PS – a note from IW Theatre:
Rosie, who wrote the above, didn’t add (for obvious reasons) that her son George Sales stepped in at the last minute as a drummer in the orchestra and did an amazing job – he is every bit as much a star as the fab performers on the stage.
IWtheatre 