"Moana Jr" by Kristian Thomas Youth Company

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

I'll admit that I have never seen Disney's "Moana" at all, so I had absolutely no idea of the story, or any pre-conceptions of the musical. This was something completely new to me.

"Moana Jr." is a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life in front of our very eyes. "Moana Jr." features the songs from the film, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.”

The story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With all of the positive messages of bravery and selflessness, "Moana Jr." is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Moana is the tenacious, and optimistic daughter of Motunui’s chief, and the hero of the story. Played by Felicity Holman, she is feisty and passionate, just like her character and she has a great voice, full of power, but she also has control as well; a joy to listen to.

Maui is a Demigod and master traveller. Despite Maui's hard exterior, Maui becomes a wonderful friend and mentor to Moana throughout their journey. Amy Skelmerdine seems like she is having brilliant fun with this role and is sassy and very confident. Great fun to watch and I think she has a big future in local theatre as she also shows a lovely sense of comedy timing also.

Gramma Tala is Moana’s wise grandmother and the mother of Chief Tui. She is the village storyteller known for being eccentric and dancing to the beat of her own drum. Grace Kolasa gets to bring this character to life on stage and brings out a great gentleness in the character.

Chief Tui is the proud leader of Motunui and Moana’s father. He prioritizes the safety of his people and his family. Finlay Lewis brings the voice of the father loud and proud to the stage as he stamps his authority on Moana not going out in the boat. Like all teenagers though Moana took no notice of her sensible father.

Sina is Moana’s supportive mother and Daisy Hamilton really shows that mother/daughter connection here.

Pua is Moana’s fiercely loyal friend. Pua always supports Moana – even if it means facing her own fears. Heidi Parsons creates a lovely chemistry between these two friends.

Hei Hei is Moana’s not-so-bright friend. Hei Hei is well- meaning, but naive, but completely lovable, and I understood, after his first appearance why he is called Hei Hei. Miles Potter brought colour to the stage, not just in his wonderful costume but his personality as well.

Tamatoa is the vicious and egotistical giant crab who lives in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Tamatoa enjoys gathering shiny baubles to add to an ever-growing collection. And Zannah Gilding's performance was as bright and shiny as her outfit. Tamatoa's two claws were played by Izzy Gallagher and Isla Baskill-Conroy.

The Chief Ancestors were played by Tessa Clover, Maisie Denney and Eve Lumley. Te Fiti was played by Olivia Thomas and Te Ka was played by Millie Denney. "Moana" fans will know exactly who these characters are.

A massive ensemble who not only played waves but also worked as seamlessly and smoothly as a wave.

One thing that really hit me about all of these actors was the passion and total commitment to their roles and the musical. You could see it in their faces that there was no half stepping with this group. It was all or nothing and we certainly got 110% from everyone.

The costumes were incredible, and I loved Tamatoa's outfit - I'd wear a suit looking like that if I had one! They all looked amazing.

The set was also just brilliant. Twenty years ago I'd go and see a "youth" production and there would be a very minimal set. Today I saw a full set, backdrop, props, a boat on stage full costumes, professional lighting and sound. Youth Theatre has come such a long way in the last couple of decades, and that is thanks to drama companies like the Kristian Thomas Company, who make the young actors feel like they are in a big production. That all pays off as well when you look around and see an almost full theatre, a tribute to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by the children as well as the Directors (Shannon O'Donnell and Andrew Buxton), Choreographer (Shannon O'Donnell), Producer (Kristian Cunningham), set makers, wardrobe (Alison Bond), props (Carol & Katie Lawson), Musical Director (Tom Bond), the lighting (James Cladingboel) and other groups of people that you don't get to see.

The soundtrack is almost guaranteed to be catchy as one of the writers is Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was responsible for "Hamilton", "In The Heights" and the recent "Encanto". "Moana" is not a soundtrack that I've really listened to but after tonight I may just get a copy, just to see if it's as good as the Kristian Thomas's Intermediate Youth Company version.

The show was only on for two nights - yesterday and tonight, but if the rapturous applause and standing ovations were the same last night as they were tonight, I've a feeling that this production definitely had sea legs and could have gone on for a couple more days.

Great energy, really entertaining and some stars of the future were witnessed tonight. Kristian Thomas can be extremely proud of what they have delivered, and likewise the young actors, and all can be very proud of what they have accomplished.