"Rewind" by The Young Performers

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton

Can I first say that it is wonderful to be back inside an actual theatre, speaking to actual people and watching an actual show. The Duchess is made all the more welcoming by the wonderful front of house staff and everyone involved in this production which showcases the last 36 years of The Young Performers.

The show was a sell-out, and I know 100% that without Covid and having to social distance, the empty seats, required for distancing, would have all been sold as well.

From the opening number "Another Op'nin Another Show" from "Kiss Me Kate" to "Any Dream Will Do" from "Joseph", this production was jam packed with brilliant songs, sketches and dance routines, showcasing the talents of all of the young performers on stage.

I am not going to mention all the performers and all of the pieces performed as there were 29 performers and 32 pieces, crammed into one hour and forty minutes - interval included.

After doing what I do for the twenty odd years and seeing thousands of shows you get to recognise the nerves on stage and there were nerves tonight. Let's face it, these guys have not performed on stage in front of an audience for so long, no wonder there were nerves. the show was not perfect and I did not expect it to be.

That said you could see by the second act that those initial nerves had melted and these performers were starting to enjoy what they were doing. It was also lovely to see in the faces in these young performers, which pieces they were enjoying as they let it show in their faces, which I really enjoyed recognising.

There were some brilliant group performances of "Mr Blue Sky", "Lovely Day" and "Hallelujah" which reminded me of some of the many Rock Choirs that have become so popular over the last few years. Two performances in particular I loved were "Something Inside (So Strong)", which has always been one of my favourite songs, and "You Will Be Found" from "Dear Evan Hansen" were excellent inclusions when you look back at the last 18 months when most of us have all been segregated and at a low ebb.

There were songs from "13", "A Chorus Line" and "Hamilton" rubbing shoulders with classic pop songs like "Walking On Sunshine", "Make You Feel My Love" and "Live And Let Die". Dance routines, poetry performances and comedy segments, all having some link to shows put on over the last 36 years by The Young Performers. These links explained by the MC's for the evening, Vicky Byrne and Zak Charlesworth. Lovely to speak to you both and lovely to see you both again tonight.

I won't mention all the performers, with there being so many, but I have found that I am always drawn to maybe one or two who just seem to stick out, for all the right reasons. Tonight was no different. After the initial first half nerves were calmed, the cast started to enjoy what they were doing, and they were all wonderfully entertaining but I kept being drawn to a young man with blond hair who slowly began to really enjoy what he was doing.

He started to feel the music, he started to show an expression of pure enjoyment for his performance on his face, he danced, he encouraged others to let loose, and it was a real joy to see him enjoying himself on stage. He is a name to watch out for in the future. Drew Boswell.

Drew drew me in and if he applies the same enthusiasm to his future performances as he did tonight, that young man will be drawing in many new fans, as well as people who want to include him in their shows. His brother Finn didn't do too bad either might I say!

There were others in this cast who you could see starting to loosen up a bit and really feel what they were doing but as most of these performers were new to me, there were a few that I had seen previously and noted their advancement, I did not get their names to mention, but I really hope that they continue with the Young Performers as there are quite a few little stars that shone brightly on stage tonight.

Light and Sound tonight were by Dave Dallard and Dave Martin The band also did the performers proud with a clear sound which complemented those on stage.

Thank you to everyone on and off stage tonight for making my return to the Duchess such a delightful and welcoming one. I can't wait to be back there again.

"Rewind" is at The Duchess Theatre until Saturday 19 June.