All Shook Up (WBOS Youth Theatre)
Probably recognised as a Jukebox Musical based on the Elvis Presley Songbook and full to the brim with recognisable tunes although it is strange to think that the cast will not have been born at the point these songs were released. Whilst that may be the case it doesn't mean that a youth cast cannot deliver a really compelling and entertaining performance, something that WBOS Youth Theatre certainly do to an exemplary level.
Audiences are treated to an interesting storyline with multiple interlinking relationships, at times one might even wonder who is in love with who which poses a further challenge to the actors, one they absolutely have the measure of and one shouldn't underestimate how difficult this could be during a performance.
At the centre of the story is heart-throb roustabout Chad (we never find his surname) and played with some panache by Joe Simmons, who arrives in a dreary little town only to be the catalyst to turn it upside-down. Arriving at a honky-tonk (for the uninitiated a country music bar) owned by single mother Sylvia, played authoritatively and with a sturdy vocal by Jess Millinchip and occupied by an array of local characters.
Mechanic Natalie Haller (played with considerable stage presence and musicality by Holly Page) is fatally attracted to Chad but, struggling to approach him whilst being pursued by the rather socially awkward Dennis (the performance of the night form Luca Marandola). Her father Jim (played with great confidence by Tom Rantell) having lost his wife is also seeking a relationship and falls for Miss Sandra, caretaker of the Town Museum (a delightfully bubbly performance from Tia Rose McDonald).
Conservative Town Mayor, Matilda Hyde, played commandingly by Molly Duckhouse, patrols the town looking to assert her authority, with Sheriff Earl, a man of few words but, a great character performance from James Bratt-Wyton. Matilda's son, Dean (a gloriously under-stated and vocally powerful performance from Will Foggin), looking to rebel against his forced military upbringing, hooks-up with Sylvia's daughter, Lorraine (a stunning performance from Jessica Sennett).
I would forgive anybody for being confused at this point but, now let's reveal that Natalie dresses-up as a guy and calls herself Ed, in order to get closer to Chad ! If you really want to understand how this all plays out and who ends-up with who then you of course need to buy a ticket and find out for yourself and not only will your confusion subside but, you will also witness a team of youth talent wider than the principal players, that must be going places, deal with a complex plot and some well known and loved songs as if that was an every day task.
Credit equally must go to the management team of Ben Cole (Director/Choreographer), Claire Flavell (Choreographer) and Oliver Bennett (Musical Director) who have taken the vast talent available and created a richly entertaining experience for the audience.
Book Here
Audiences are treated to an interesting storyline with multiple interlinking relationships, at times one might even wonder who is in love with who which poses a further challenge to the actors, one they absolutely have the measure of and one shouldn't underestimate how difficult this could be during a performance.
At the centre of the story is heart-throb roustabout Chad (we never find his surname) and played with some panache by Joe Simmons, who arrives in a dreary little town only to be the catalyst to turn it upside-down. Arriving at a honky-tonk (for the uninitiated a country music bar) owned by single mother Sylvia, played authoritatively and with a sturdy vocal by Jess Millinchip and occupied by an array of local characters.
Mechanic Natalie Haller (played with considerable stage presence and musicality by Holly Page) is fatally attracted to Chad but, struggling to approach him whilst being pursued by the rather socially awkward Dennis (the performance of the night form Luca Marandola). Her father Jim (played with great confidence by Tom Rantell) having lost his wife is also seeking a relationship and falls for Miss Sandra, caretaker of the Town Museum (a delightfully bubbly performance from Tia Rose McDonald).
Conservative Town Mayor, Matilda Hyde, played commandingly by Molly Duckhouse, patrols the town looking to assert her authority, with Sheriff Earl, a man of few words but, a great character performance from James Bratt-Wyton. Matilda's son, Dean (a gloriously under-stated and vocally powerful performance from Will Foggin), looking to rebel against his forced military upbringing, hooks-up with Sylvia's daughter, Lorraine (a stunning performance from Jessica Sennett).
I would forgive anybody for being confused at this point but, now let's reveal that Natalie dresses-up as a guy and calls herself Ed, in order to get closer to Chad ! If you really want to understand how this all plays out and who ends-up with who then you of course need to buy a ticket and find out for yourself and not only will your confusion subside but, you will also witness a team of youth talent wider than the principal players, that must be going places, deal with a complex plot and some well known and loved songs as if that was an every day task.
Credit equally must go to the management team of Ben Cole (Director/Choreographer), Claire Flavell (Choreographer) and Oliver Bennett (Musical Director) who have taken the vast talent available and created a richly entertaining experience for the audience.
Book Here
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