MADD Showcase 2018
Nottingham Playhouse

This is the third consecutive year that I have had the pleasure and privilege of experiencing some of the best up and coming talent from this rich area of the arts.

The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD) prides itself on being a ‘College of Excellence’ providing one of the leading Musical Theatre Courses in the UK. Many of their students have gone on to appear and work in the West End, and anyone who knows anything about the theatre and the arts will know the standard that is expected to find paid work in this field.

The past two showcases have been to such an incredible standard of professionalism that sometimes one wonders just how far that bar can be raised, well let me tell you, that bar seems to have an infinite level where these scholars are concerned.

Of course we all marvel at the polished performances on display but this also reflects the work the teachers, production teams, Directors, Choreographers, Stage Managers, Musical Directors, musicians, Light and Sound designers etc etc etc have invested throughout the year, so this really is a showcase of some of the best talent around in local theatre and the Arts.

I have no intention of mentioning every performer by name for two reasons. The first is that every single person on that stage were equals, I honestly would not be able to pick one performer, one group of performers over another. the second is that I'd be here for the next hour just typing their names up.

Music wise, the choices varied from the opening piece "Dirty Laundry" from "The Witches Of Eastwick" through tracks from "The Greatest Showman", "The Addams Family", "Hello Dolly", "Copacabana", "The Wild Party" - a musical I'd not heard of before tonight - "Spongebob the Musical", "Spamalot", "And The World Goes Around", "West Side Story" plus many more musicals. And then there were classics like Nat King Cole's "Orange Coloured Sky", Sinatra's "That's Life". Dance sections incorporating Run DMC. Kelis and Michael Jackson, plus a very powerful piece called "Vikings",every one performed to the highest of standards..Not forgetting an incredible tap dance routine.

I've said in the past that what I love about this showcase is the way that one scene and song segues smoothly into the next, and yet again the seamless way MADD have made this showcase run meant that there were no awkward pauses and scenes being taken down and others set up were all incorporated into the separate performances.

I could say that these performers are the stars of tomorrow, but I may be wrong, They are stars today but just need spotting and sending on their way to fame and fortune. They are ready now and they look like stars with their brilliant costumes, make up and attitude, not to mention their limitless energy.

With an amazing band and some wonderful lighting designs, this showcase really is something very special.

There's a repeat of this showcase on Saturday, so if you want to see the closest thing to a West End showcase, then get your ticket for MADD;s showcase at the Nottingham Playhouse.