A Guest Review by Graeme Johnson – Performance Reviewed Friday 24th October
Centre Stage are an ambitious theatre company that produces a number of shows throughout the year, whether it be major musical productions, an annual pantomime, pop-up theatre plays or in this instance, All Shook Up, a musical cast entirely made up from younger members of the company, all under 21 years old.
My preconception prior to watching the show was that I would have to write the review full of caveats excusing any shortfall in performance to young age. I couldn’t have been more wrong; this was musical theatre of the highest quality.
As I took my seat the curtains were already open with the ensemble dance troop all on stage. Whilst there were a lot of individuals on stage at no time did the stage look crowded thanks to the skilful handling of the cast by director Megan Mayes and choreographer Charlotte Scammerton and also to the relatively simple but effective set that allowed the dancers to perform freely.
All Shook Up is set in the late 1950’s in a generic Midwest American town named here (by the use of the fantastic handmade signs) as Presley Pines. The plot features a collection of characters whose love lives become intertwined throughout the show to the back drop of Elvis Presley songs in a similar vein to Mamma Mia. The show opened with Jailhouse Rock performed by Oliver Reid in the lead role of Chad. Oliver set a high standard of singing which all principal cast members lived up to. Credit here to musical director Catherine Dennison for getting the best out of these performers as well as the excellent band.
Opposite Chad was Natalie, played by the excellent Lotti-Mai Parker who’s singing voice was beautiful and her facial expressions were a delight. Natalie was pursued by nerdy Dennis, an outstanding performance from Charlie Jones that generated much deserved sympathy from the audience. Bar owner Sylvia was played by Emily Bonfield with the right balance of sass and emotion; her solo song There’s Always Me brought a tear to the eye. Museum curator Miss Sandra was the love interest of Chad and portrayed brilliantly by Joni André who really owned the stage every time she was on. Isaac Ives was excellent as Jim, Natalie’s widowed father, who was searching for love and his tremendous acting ability really gained empathy. Lorraine and Dean were played by Chloe-Anne Martin and Max Standeven who were very good in their first principal roles and finally the double act of Mayor Matilda and Sheriff Earl, played by Mary Murray and Holy Eden, who displayed excellent comedic timing and Holly’s expressions in particular has me in stitches. Well done all.
Credit must also go to the crew who managed scene changes with no drop off of energy. Whilst it was a simple set, the careful use of props made the scenes easy to distinguish. I particularly liked the lighting in the second act, set in an abandoned fairground that flowed into the auditorium.
The programme was put together with love and care; it’s the attention to detail that adds to the overall experience. Centre Stage last performed All Shook Up in 2009 and the programme reflected this, showcasing the cast who have gone on to work professionally in performing arts. Based on the current production, there is no reason that the class of 2025 cannot go on to follow their dreams.
SUFFOLK THEATRE 