In 2001, the romantic comedy novel
Their stamina, vocals, and acting are West-End worthy
I must say, this cast probably has one of the strongest ensembles I have ever seen. Their stamina, vocals, and acting are West-End worthy. A standout number is Whipped Into Shape, where the cast manages to maintain their harmonies while dancing and jumping over skipping ropes. The choreography for the whole show, by Linzi Devers, was vibrant and as exciting as the songs themselves.
As for the vocals, Callum Glenford did an excellent job as musical director, especially considering the musical's numerous key changes. The harmonies sent chills down my spine multiple times. Zoe McRae’s direction was believable and coherent, though some characters felt underdeveloped and somewhat bland. I think some more work could have been put into the chemistry between certain characters to strengthen the characters even more. Despite this, you could tell McRae put a lot of hard work into this show with this cast, striving for success on the Fringe!
As for the performers, they gave their all, putting 100% of their energy into their performances. Kathleen McClenaghan, as the beloved character Paulette, had amazing comedic timing and a marvellous voice, making the audience laugh out loud. Their solo, Ireland, was a spectacle to witness, showcasing pure talent. Sasha Dewar, playing Brooke Wyndham, showcased incredible stamina and vocal power together with their amazing acting techniques, reflecting the depth and effort put into their character. The trio of friends (Keira Porter, Grace Cameron, and Rose Warburton) were truly exceptional, commanding attention whenever they were on stage. The chemistry between this trio was unbelievable. Rhys Crawford and Louis McNorton also delivered performances which are very promising. On the whole, I am eager to see where this talented cast ends up in a couple of years.
This is definitely a great afternoon out at the Fringe!