JUST SO To 30 August 2008.
South.
JUST SO
music by George Stiles book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe inspired by the stories of Rudyard Kipling.
Regent Centre, High Street, Christchurch To 30 August 2008.
Mon – Sat 7.30pm Mat Thu, Sat 2.30pm.
Runs 2hr 10min One interval.
TICKETS: 01202 499199.
www.regentcentre.co.uk
Review: Geoff Ambler 30 August 2008.
The Limpopo River never looked so good, thanks to Big Little Theatre School.
One of Styles and Drewe’s earliest collaborations was the delightful musical interpretation of Kiplings Just So stories. Explaining how the elephants trunk became long, the leopard got his spots and what happened to the Crab that played with the sea, Just So breathes life into these timeless tales, inspiring a vivid, glorious musical world of shapeless animals discovering their purpose.
It is within this magical land that Bournemouth’s Big Little Theatre School has produced one of the finest shows of the summer, worthy of a bigger stage, pricier seats and a much, much longer run. Director Graham Hubbard has achieved wonders working his student cast through a rigorous month-long professional rehearsal schedule, followed by a full week of eight performances, to introduce these exceptionally talented fifteen to eighteen year olds to the demands of the real musical thespian world.
Led by MD Colin Billing and his ten piece band (percussionist James Pritchard had seventy three instruments to handle), they deliver song after thrilling, inspiring song with uplifting passion and spirit. Confident and poised vocal performances abound, however these dedicated actors also embrace the humour throughout the show, notably with the Jaguar and Leopard (Piers Bate and John Sandberg) achieving an hilarious double act.
Chris More thrives as the Eldest Magician, with a knowing teacherly glow as he leads proceedings, as well as Dylan Mason’s Elephant’s Child to the Limpopo River. Mason is every bit the naive, curious child, journeying through the stories with the wonderful Charlotte Clitherow’s wise yet petulant, parasol-wielding Kolokolo Bird. Clitherow’s magnificent solo 'Wait A Bit' electrifies the theatre as much as Matthew Gibbons’ Parsee Man and Lydia Shaw’s Stove induces hilarity, with their Parsee Cake-Cake Walk dance number.
Just So suits these young actors perfectly, allowing them to concentrate on the animals they are becoming, rather than playing beyond their ages, their youth enhancing the performances rather than distracting. Together they have created a heartening, delightful production, always compelling stories populated with wondrous characters, at times moving but always
professional and a real summer treat.
Eldest Magician: Chris More.
Elephant’s Child: Dylan Mason.
Kolokolo Bird: Charlotte Clitherow/ Emma James.
Parsee Man: Matthew Gibbons.
Stove: Lydia Shaw.
Rhino: Sophia Handscomb.
Giraffe: Zadie Ward/ Briony Wood.
Zebra: Emma Freed/ Hollie Crisp.
Jaguar: Piers Bate.
Leopard: John Sandberg.
Dingo Dog: Aimee Richardson.
Kangaroo: Ellie Mower/ Jodie Dodington.
Crocodile: Connor Miller.
Director: Graham Hubbard.
Designer: Roger Ness.
Lighting: Georg Spindler.
Sound: Shaun Luckly.
Musical Director: Colin Billing.
2008-08-31 23:40:59