Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

Their rendition of We Built This City had the audience clapping along, and they projected well, making sure their enthusiasm filled the room. The pair’s chemistry was excellent, and their ability to entertain, despite their young age, was impressive. Stephen Moss played Baron Hardup, adding more humour to the story with his lovable, downtrodden character. Kathryn Gorton, as the evil Baroness Hardup, also brought her own brand of humour to the role. While it’s always difficult to compete with such strong comedic performances from the step-sisters, I think Kathryn could have played up the villainous nature of her character a bit more with some sharper facial expressions or exaggerated gestures. It would have helped distinguish her more clearly as the “baddie” of the piece. Josh Ingham played Prince Charming, and he was a great fit for the role. His diction and projection were excellent, and he truly embodied the “upper-class” tone of the character. Alongside him, Alexander Cohen played Dandini, the Prince’s flamboyant and eccentric aide. Alexander’s experience in pantomime shone through in his portrayal, and his larger-than-life performance added an extra layer of fun to the production. Hannah Cohen’s Fairy Godmother was a delightful addition to the show. Her storytelling skills, paired with a great accent and over-the-top gestures, captured everyone’s attention. She truly embodied the magic and whimsy of the character, with her dramatic wand flourishes bringing the fairy tale to life. Andrea Berger played Chambers, a small yet crucial role similar to a town crier. Her clear diction, strong miming skills, and commanding stage presence made her a memorable part of the ensemble. I hope to see Andrea take on a larger role in future productions, as she clearly has the talent to shine. The ensemble, made up of Nadya Kearsley, Belinda Miller, Natasha Miller, and Lindiwe Mashangombe, did a fantastic job, providing solid support throughout the show. The costumes, designed by the costume team, were colourful and fitting for each character, from the bright dame outfits to the Prince’s ruffled shirts. One suggestion for the future would be to add a bit more glamour and sparkle to the costumes, particularly for the ensemble members and those with smaller roles.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=