Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

performance left a strong impression, making Callahan both a formidable obstacle and an essential driver of Elle’s journey. In all, Steven Coles delivered a sharp, polished performance as Professor Callahan, adding depth to the role with his authoritative stage presence and impressive vocal performance. His portrayal was essential in bringing tension and gravitas to the production. Emma Johnson delivered a wonderfully heartwarming and comic performance as Paulette, the lovable hairdresser with a big heart and even bigger dreams. From her first scene, Johnson infused Paulette with a quirky charm that immediately endeared her to the audience. Her portrayal captured the character’s mix of vulnerability and strength, particularly in her journey toward self-confidence and love. Johnson’s comic timing was spot on, and her scenes were filled with laugh-out-loud moments, especially in her interactions with Elle, and her hilarious admiration for Irish men. Vocally, Johnson shone in "Ireland," delivering the song with a blend of humour and wistfulness that highlighted Paulette’s softer side. Her genuine warmth and vibrant stage presence made Paulette a lovable character, adding both humour and heart to the production. The sorority sisters were another highlight, bringing vibrancy, humour, and energy to every scene in which they appeared. Emily Cannell (Margot), Jessica Davidson (Pilar), and Eleanor Morris (Serena) formed a fantastic trio, each infusing their characters with distinct personalities that made them stand out individually while working together seamlessly as a unit. Their bubbly enthusiasm and unwavering support for Elle provided the perfect backdrop to the story, and their comic timing was impeccable, drawing consistent laughs from the audience - especially when they popped up in Elle’s imagination as a Greek chorus! Their vocal performances were equally strong, with tight harmonies and infectious energy in numbers like "Omigod You Guys," setting the tone for the show right from the start. Cannell's wide-eyed optimism as Margot, Davidson’s sass as Pilar, and Morris' peppy cheerfulness as Serena made for a delightful combination, capturing the spirit of sisterhood that is central to Elle’s character and her journey. Beyond their individual moments, all the sorority sisters functioned as a cohesive unit, adding energy to each scene they were in. Their dynamic interactions, synchronised choreography, and infectious enthusiasm made them a joy to watch. Whether they were supporting Elle through her ups and downs or simply bringing fun to the stage, the sorority sisters elevated the

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