Young cast show impressive talents in classic musical
FIRST performed as a musical in the West End in 1986, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is one of the most successful – and longest-running – shows of all time.
Taking on such a production is daunting, even for the most seasoned performers, but Kirklees Youth Theatre Ensemble rose to the challenge at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
Universally strong vocals and confident performances make it difficult to believe that the cast members are under the age of 18.
This is a production any adult theatre group would be proud of staging – and it undoubtedly deserved its first night standing ovation.
For those who don’t know the storyline, the Phantom, a disfigured, masked and murderous musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House becomes obsessed by Christine, a beautiful
young chorus girl.
The Phantom tutors and composes operas for Christine but when she falls in love with a handsome suitor from her past, the Phantom terrorises the opera owners and the company.
From the moment she steps onto the stage, Charlotte Sowerby is captivating as Christine with stunning vocals matched by her considerable acting abilities. She is perfectly paired with Noah Marescaux, another talented vocalist, who is convincing as the handsome Raoul.
Their rendition of ‘All I Ask of You’ is a joy.
Oliver Richardson makes a powerful Phantom, growing in strength and confidence throughout the performance.
Alice Lambert showcases her own impressive operatic skills in the role of Carlotta, the Opera
Diva.
Remaining in character throughout and adding some comic touches as opera managers Firman and Andre, Sam Roberts and Jack Fickling are rising stars.
Every cast member, including Honey-Joy Spivey as Madame Giry, Grace Ellis as Meg Giry and Matthew Armitage as Piangi, should be congratulated.
The orchestra is outstanding, the young dancers are a pleasure to watch and the set design and lighting, including the creeping ‘mist’ which descends on the stalls, create a wonderful atmosphere.
Thoroughly enjoyable – and you’re guaranteed to go home humming ‘Music of the Night.’