ZIGGER ZAGGER.
Southampton
ZIGGER ZAGGER
by Peter Terson
Hampshire Youth Theatre 2002 at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium, Southampton
2-3 August 2002
Runs 2hr 45min One interval
Review Hazel Brown 3 August
A high-energy youth production with Premiere Division performances.Times have changed since Peter Terson wrote this play in 1967, but young people's needs and aspirations given voice in the play remain as relevant today as then. This is a high energy production by Hampshire Youth Theatre, overseen by Nuffield Theatre Company, amazingly brought together in just two weeks of rehearsal for these two performances.
The show follows the life of Harry Philton, a young City football supporter, as he leaves school and struggles to find his place in the world. On the one hand, his family wants him to find a good job with a future and on the other, there is the draw and excitement of the football terraces, personified by the charismatic and energetic Zigger. James Bourne, a talent to watch, gives a winsome performance as Harry, whilst Akin Omosebi is a magnetic, rapping Zigger. Liz King as Harry's mum glories in her boozy, sexy lifestyle, whilst Rebecca Pennick as Edna, Harry's sister, is boringly straitlaced to match her husband, Les, played by Luke Richards, who reminded me of the cartoon character from the Tetley Tea Bag ads.
Showstopping singing performances are given by Caroline Chipperfield as the Class Teacher, Jess Farnhill as the Policewoman, Edd Bord as the Recruiting Sergeant, Kate Kavanagh as the Youth Careers Officer, Bethan Cutler as the Youth Leader and Heather Stone as the Magistrate. Emma Williams, as Harry's girlfriend Glenice, develops nicely from shy youth clubber to full blown football groupie.
The company was blessed with the opportunity to stage the play at the Saints' football ground, even using the video screens to highlight the action. The chorus and movement were impeccable, especially in the Factory scene, when the cast and chorus become the conveyor belt in a jam factory. The singing throughout was very good, the comedy well handled and the casting seamlessly encompassed actors with a wide range of abilities and talents.
Harry: James Bourne
Zigger: Akin Omosebi
Recruiting Sergeant/Vincent: Edd Bord
Class Teacher: Caroline Chipperfield
Youth Careers Officer: Kate Kavanagh
Youth Leader: Bethan Cutler
Policewoman: Jess Farnhill
Mother: Liz King
Les: Luke Richards
Edna: Rebecca Pennick
Glenice: Emma Williams
With 18 more speaking parts and Chorus of 38 members of the HYT
Director: Fran Morley
Designer: Ian Teague
Musical Director: Chris Barton
Movement Director: Catherine Church
2003-01-26 17:39:18