Grease -WOW, Feb 2014 - NODA review

"WOW! presents Grease". I am quoting from the programme cover. It could have added a futher WOW! for that is what this talented group gave us: It was Witham Operatic Winner!

Working totally as a company, it was evident that every move and all the wonderfully imaginative choregraphed numbers had been worked on with many rehearsals to get to this terrific standard. So exciting to watch and every person on stage looked so confident.

There were so many super characters in this production, I could not mention them all, but the two leads in Ben Huish playing Danny and Ashton Reed playing Sandy through to Sarah Williams as Rizzo and David Finch as a typical DJ as Vince Fontaine were delightful and led every member of the supporting important characters and chorus so well.

One of the real high spots was the terrific band and their huge contribution to the show. Elevated at the back on the stage all members under the direction of Emma Firth gave such remarkeable performances from Guitars, Keyboards and Percussion, with Paul in his glass cage. The tempi were something else - and set the place alive.

I do have to comment that here and there the dialogue was difficult to hear. Whether it was positioning on the stage or balance on the sound I was not sure.

It will be a hard act and show to follow. I do hope that this strong group of young people continue with the company for future shows.

Nikki as Director and Choreographer really topped the first class standard in this production and the songs and the backing was so positive from Emma and the band.

A sell out audience which is always good to see and from the buzz in the hall it was evident that everyone was having a good time.

Thank you for setting such a high standard with a Youth Group. Reading again from the programme, all the young people’s ages on stage ranged from 11-21 years.

Some achievement. Well done to each and everyone whether on stage or crew, costumes and props etc. Thank you also for your welcome which was appreciated.