2022 so far…
- Jess Lock
We Will Rock You
A "Brilliant showcase for Viva's Talents"
Launching Viva’s brand new Theatre, We Will Rock You was performed from Wednesday 23rd March – Saturday 26th March. `
Viva was given special permission from Theatrical Rights Worldwide and Queen to perform the dynamic and unique musical. Featuring more than 20 hit Queen songs including “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody To Love,” “We Are the Champions,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and many more.
The show follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ‘n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world. In an age where algorithms predict our every preference, We Will Rock You is a musical for our time: a fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to individuality.
Each performance was incredibly high in demand with a full house every night and live screenings upstairs.
The cast of over 40 started the rehearsal period in January and followed a strict schedule over 3 months in preparation. Both new and familiar faces were seen performing with Aaron Blackburn as the protagonist, Galileo; Galileo’s love interest (Scaramouche) played by Sinéad Mathias-Medeiros; and Samantha Dodd in the role of Killer Queen.
‘An incredible performance and what a great beginning to what is only going to be such a great time for Viva and the theatre.‘
Read all about it! Viva’s We Will Rock You received great reviews from NODA!
Sense & Sensibility
The "highly skilled cast did a splendid job"
Kate Hamill’s Sense & Sensibility was performed at the Viva Theatre from Wednesday 4th May- Saturday 7th May.
Each night was busy and all audiences thoroughly enjoyed the comic adaptation of the Jane Austin Classic.
The small cast of 16 worked incredibly hard throughout the rehearsal period to portray all characters and scenes appropriately- with several cast members playing dual roles! They all shone in this cast. Thought and attention had gone into each characterisation and it showed.
Donna Kitching (Elinor Dashwood) and Maddie Palmer (Marianne Dashwood) both gave superb performances; displaying the perfect contrast between the two sisters. Aidan Bayford (Edward and Robert Ferrars), together with the two other suitors Scott Robertson (Colonel Brandon) and Joseph Hall (John Willoughby) gave first-class performances.
‘What a terrific show Sense and Sensibility was. A very funny play, with a great cast and a superb slickness’
Read all about it! Viva’s Sense & Sensibility received great reviews from NODA
Matilda JR the musical
"A top-notch production which was greatly enjoyed"
The forty-strong cast of Viva’s Matilda Jr gave SIX exceptional sold out performances at The Viva Theatre from 16th- 19th June.
This is Viva Youth Theatre’s first production since lockdown and for many of the young cast it was their first performance ever! The young members rehearsed twice a week and worked very hard with Choreographers, Directors and a Stage management team to create this high energy, complex and very entertaining show.
‘The singing and dancing was performed to an excellent standard, especially when one learned that, for some, this was their first public performance.’
Congratulations to all involved and special thanks to the wonderful team of volunteer chaperones without whom our wonderful Youth activities would not be possible.
Read all about it! Viva’s Matilda JR received great reviews from NODA
Morecambe
"Hugely entertaining, touching and good fun"
Viva’s performance of the one-man show about comedy legend Eric Morecambe gave three great shows before heading off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
From the 29th-30th July The Viva Theatre was full of laughs and classic gags from Morecambe and Wise duo.
Taking on a daunting fifty-page script is a phenomenal task but this is what Richard Dodd did. Whitnall’s dialogue is witty, poetic and expressive with lots of familiar quotations that audiences recognise fondly.
Directed by Keith Gallois and David Tickner the show is hugely entertaining, touching and good fun. The production team worked long and hard to assure that Morecambe’s story was told ‘beautifully’.
‘Not only does Richard portray Eric Morecambe splendidly, but he also takes on many other characters from agents who represented the duo to the legend that is Bruce Forsyth and makes them believable. The audience happily joined in with Bring Me Sunshine and I won’t have been the only one to well up as Eric said farewell to mum Sadie.’
‘Thank you, Richard Dodd, for not only bringing Tim Whitnall’s remarkable play to life for us all but delivering the warmth, joy and energy of Eric Morecambe right into the centre of our hearts again. A memorable, emotional evening.’
Read all about it! Viva’s Morecambe received great reviews from NODA
