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Show: Flashdance the Musical
Society: Performance Preparation Academy – PPA (student productions)
Venue: The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4SZ
Credits: With a book by Tom Hedley and Robert Carey, music by Robbie Roth, and lyrics by Robert Carey and Robbie Roth
Type: Sardines
Author: Chris Abbott
Performance Date: 25/02/2016
Flashdance the Musical
Chris Abbott | 26 Feb 2016 10:42am
One of the pleasures of reviewing drama school productions is the opportunity to see the same performers in a range of roles. Having already seen this talented group in Cabaret at PPA’s home base, it was good to see them expanding into the wider spaces of the Electric Theatre at Guildford (a valuable space currently under threat due to short-sighted local authority funding cuts).
Flashdance is a very different piece of course, although still period in its own way for a cast of this age, none of whom were born when it premiered. They took to it with enthusiasm however, helped on their way by the wildly partisan and whooping audience of friends and family. Having a supportive audience is always a comfort for a beginning performer of course, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I think it’s the first time I’ve attended a first night where the audience were the ones who were overacting… It would be good, too, to persuade the students in the audience not to block all the exits and the way to the bar in the interval – they may not be interested in looking after this audience, but they could be desperate to find one at all in a year or two.
There was much to celebrate, however, for this was another top-notch production from PPA with Christopher Howell directing, choreography by Louise Pieri and music under the direction of Simon Lambert and his six-piece (but invisible) band. Production values were impressive for a drama school production, from the opening scene with grinders sparking to the well-used multi-level set faced with steel, and with good use made of trucks for interior scenes.
As is usual with PPA – and to be commended – multiple casting was involved with lead parts played by two separate casts. On the first night, Rosie Napper was a confident and touching Alex, playing well opposite James Hudson’s very well sung Nick. In the difficult role of Hannah, Alex’s mother, Lauren Chinery was entirely convincing, handling the comedy as well as she did the pathos.
Other cameos to make a mark included Andrew Walker as Dr Kool and Jessica Stephens as CC, and Helen Slade’s Miss Wide was an entertaining portrayal of the type of ballet teacher that many of this cast may have come across in their time. In a strong cast with no weak links, it is impossible to mention everyone, but as Gloria, Hannah Morgan gave what, for me, was the performance of the night: touching, vulnerable and desperate for success.
Flashdance is an excellent show for a drama school with a strong group of singer/dancers, as is always the case with PPA. I look forward to seeing the same group in their third public production, when they present Sweet Charity at the even bigger venue that is the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in May.
- : admin
- : 25/02/2016