Viva Youth
Theatre triumphed again. In a second production this moth it presented a
show at Ely Community College that breathed life and reality into a
nostalgic visit to the 80s. The show called “Back to the 80’s” vibrated with
familiar songs sung in clear, youthful tones. Vibrant, imaginative dance
routines, well defined and sometimes humorous gestures and moments of
in-depth characterization made the show a memorable experience.
Matt
Johnson as Corey played a credible teenager, keen to become ‘cool’ amongst
his peers. Robert White (playing Alf ) and Daniel White (Kirk) were his
supportive chums. Hetti Wood (Tiffany) was the ideal teenage beauty
capturing the hearts of Corey and becoming the much-prized girlfriend of
Michael the school’s macho heart throb (played magnificently by Matt
Brinkley). Charly Johnson as Cyndi, Rachael Gatehouse and Sarah Newns as the
twins, Katie Margerson as Debbie and Kirsty Hart as featured singer/swing
formed a bevy of teenage beauties interacting wonderfully in typical teenage
manner. One of the most vital contributors was Shellie Baigent as Eileen,
the new girl. Her versatile facial expressions and her sparkling
personality, so desolate in despair, were real highlights of the show.
Guy Watts
(Billy) and Luke Obrien (Huey) played admirable lads about town. One of the
undoubted heroes of the show was Javan Hughes (Feargal) the much maligned
nerd who overcame the cruelty of his peers to fight for justice for
heartbroken Eileen, the butt of a long-standing joke by the ‘cool’ set.
Simon Thompson (Mr. Stevie Cocker) and Lindsay Bartram (Ms Sheena Brannigan)
were credible staff members who endured the turmoil of an intense
relationship very effectively and realistically. Mr. Cocker’s breakdown was
an especially impressive scene.
David
Tickner’s reflective and nostalgic voiced role as Corey Senior was in fine
keeping with the play. The band throbbed and bopped in wonderful 80’s style
featuring Mark Ellis (drums), Laurie Todd (lead guitar) and Sarah Bateson
(keys).
Above all,
this show gelled magnificently with its swiftly incorporated stage movements
and positioning especially in the flashing sword fights in the Star Wars
dream sequence and Corey’s party shenanigans.
This was a
magnificent effort by Directors Dan Schumann and David Tickner and their
team: Angela Bocking (music), Jenny Roberts and Karen Revill (choreography),
Nigel Thompson (lighting and design) and Chris Mayes-Wright and Daniel
Bocking (sound). They should have high hopes for this production’s
participation in the Edinburgh Fringe mid-August.
Dr. Rosemary Westwell
