Anyone who was fortunate enough to have bought a ticket for the Belper Junior Musical Theatre performance of Olivia! this weekend managed to get a real treat; it's just a shame that a few more folk didn't avail themselves of the opportunity.
It's not a show that I knew anything about (and yes, I am aware that's a familiar phrase for me when it comes to musicals) but I read up on it a bit beforehand to make sure that I could put something half way accurate into the programme. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the script and the style of many of the songs within it. And that made it a great show to see, trying to pick up on the links.
Niamh Pugh, who took the part of Olivia, threw herself into the role with a high level of enthusiasm and energy - right up to the last moment and her hamming it up for the Convict's Child lament was a real joy.
Lucy Taylor, taking her last role in a Junior performance as she moves up to the adult company, was excellent in her portrayal of Eliza and her voice showed a great deal of maturity as she sang her songs with accent and aplomb. Great stuff.
Daniel Shaw and Jacob Mellors as the Artful Dodger and Fagin entranced the whole audience whenever they were on the stage. It was an incredible partnership and worthy of a west end show. I know that I am a little biased on this one, but I reckon that their performance more than justifies my praise.
The best part was that there were so many other parts for people to shine in. With Samuel Brookes quite literally high kicking his way across the stage as George Bernard Shaw, Ben Thompson's Dr Watson rescuing Joseph Hext's Sherlock Holmes. Queenie, Doris and Flo (Katy Varney, Carys Lesley and Holly Pridmore) were a hoot as they both gave continuity in Covent Garden and offered sage life advice to Jess Henshaw's Annie. It was lovely to see that Poppy Hargrave had a chance to demonstrate her dancing skills as Derbhile. All of the cast were great - I just don't want to risk boring people more than usual by commenting on Oscar Hewitt-Richard's Bristolian accent (Donkeys?) or Ben Hewitt-Richards Dumbledorian lamp lighting (was it magic?). Molly Hewitt-Richards was amazing as Mrs Murdstone, Robert Mosley was a great Ebenezer Scrooge, Lucy Jennison's usher was pedantry personified and Jack Mosley made an awe inspiring white wigged judge.
Actually the one last person that I will make a special mention of was Sophie Hext who shone as Mrs Dilber. She had a great voice and acted the part really well.
So a huge thank you to everyone who took part. You looked like you loved every minute and that made sure that the audience did too. We can't wait to see and hear you on the stage for the Autumn Concert!
It's not a show that I knew anything about (and yes, I am aware that's a familiar phrase for me when it comes to musicals) but I read up on it a bit beforehand to make sure that I could put something half way accurate into the programme. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the script and the style of many of the songs within it. And that made it a great show to see, trying to pick up on the links.
Niamh Pugh, who took the part of Olivia, threw herself into the role with a high level of enthusiasm and energy - right up to the last moment and her hamming it up for the Convict's Child lament was a real joy.
Lucy Taylor, taking her last role in a Junior performance as she moves up to the adult company, was excellent in her portrayal of Eliza and her voice showed a great deal of maturity as she sang her songs with accent and aplomb. Great stuff.
Daniel Shaw and Jacob Mellors as the Artful Dodger and Fagin entranced the whole audience whenever they were on the stage. It was an incredible partnership and worthy of a west end show. I know that I am a little biased on this one, but I reckon that their performance more than justifies my praise.
The best part was that there were so many other parts for people to shine in. With Samuel Brookes quite literally high kicking his way across the stage as George Bernard Shaw, Ben Thompson's Dr Watson rescuing Joseph Hext's Sherlock Holmes. Queenie, Doris and Flo (Katy Varney, Carys Lesley and Holly Pridmore) were a hoot as they both gave continuity in Covent Garden and offered sage life advice to Jess Henshaw's Annie. It was lovely to see that Poppy Hargrave had a chance to demonstrate her dancing skills as Derbhile. All of the cast were great - I just don't want to risk boring people more than usual by commenting on Oscar Hewitt-Richard's Bristolian accent (Donkeys?) or Ben Hewitt-Richards Dumbledorian lamp lighting (was it magic?). Molly Hewitt-Richards was amazing as Mrs Murdstone, Robert Mosley was a great Ebenezer Scrooge, Lucy Jennison's usher was pedantry personified and Jack Mosley made an awe inspiring white wigged judge.
Actually the one last person that I will make a special mention of was Sophie Hext who shone as Mrs Dilber. She had a great voice and acted the part really well.
So a huge thank you to everyone who took part. You looked like you loved every minute and that made sure that the audience did too. We can't wait to see and hear you on the stage for the Autumn Concert!
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