Young performers in time of their lives
Napier Frivolity Minstrels’ musical comedy Circus Days has swept into Taradale with all its colour and fun.
Written by New Zealand playwright Sid Henney, set in the madcap world of Professor Popoff played with charm by Daniel Carr, this show is full of mystery and criminal intrigue.
Directed by Margaret Atkins, assisted by Lyn Sealey who also gracefully moved about the stage as ZAZA an Eastern Dancer, their combined talents bringing this production to life.
If things go missing who better than a magician to make them reappear, but Marvello played by Cola Hunt has other ideas. Her assistant played by Kaia Ranston had plenty to say along with some clever acrobatic moves.
Looking over everybody’s shoulder was Carlo played by Kevin Hole who had a secret of his own, as well as romancing Mitzie played by Juliet Watt. She had a nice singing voice along with Melanie Staples as a Latin Bombshell.
The crime solving duo Sheerluck Jones played to his usual high standards by Steve Driver assisted by Doctor Flotsum played by Deborah Beck-Boyd. Not only was she everywhere with her magnifying glasss, he also had an excellent singing voice.
Ruby Hacker was solid in her movements as Popo the Puppet with Emma Danks, Sky Pin, and Gray Ruffell all showing suitable enthusiasm as Sideshow Barkers. Lacey Hacker was a very skilful Sword Swallower and it was hard not to fall in love with our very young Wild Man played by Manaia Pene.
The set, along with lighting and a live band contributed to our enjoyment.
The “Fivs” always do this style of show well and much credit must be given to them for involving so many young performers, all looking like they are having the time of their lives on stage.