TNWD Youth theatre Footloose Wyvern Theatre 13th April 2017

Tanwood Youth Theatre followed last year's successful production of Cats with a completely different genre of music and dance in Footloose.

The production team, under the direction of Tanwood principal, Pollyann Tanner and M.D. Chris Newton, provided excellent choreography and direction.

A splendid orchestra was a real pluss and all the other members of the production team did a good job. A special set meant the production moved at a fair pace, lighting, costume and sound were of a standard I would expect from this team. Again, excellent work!

The young principals sang, danced and acted to a good standard.

Chaz Murray as Ren and Olivia Wicks as Ariel gave good performances throughout. There were some tuning issues at times on the first night. Maybe it was just the nerves, but we forgave that because they were so endearing, and exuberant, and had a great rapport with one another.

Anna Eyre as Rusty was just right for her role, while Liam Brailsford, as Willard, definitely showed he had the attributes and all round ability to go far in the theatre world. There were some stunning voices from Fiona Patterson and Alex Weaver who were one hundred per cent believable, and the rest of the cast were all brilliant.

I have to say that I rather enjoyed the guys performances. Whenever they were on stage they just had the edge over some of the talented young ladies and children. I felt exhausted just watching these young people who performed with so much enthusiasm, energy and fleet-footed dancing feet.

My only criticism was that sitting at the side of the auditorium, I could see directly through to the wings and the cast waiting for their entrance. Sometimes this distracted my attention from the stage but I can only marvel at the hard work of all associated with this enjoyable production.

Ros Hollands