“Spring Awakening” by NTSU Drama Society
Nottingham Arts Theatre

Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking and controversial play (once banned in Germany), Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s soundtrack and emotional book tell the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt, and self-discovery into a new century.

It’s 1891, and the grown-ups hold all the cards. Headstrong Melchior and naive Wendla stumble into each others’ arms, passionate and curious, while anxious Moritz struggles to live up to the expectations of society. With only each other for guidance, this group of young men and women course the rocky path of adolescence, discovering their bodies, their minds, and themselves along the way. A celebration of youth and rebellion, this musical fuses issues of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll into a story that packs a powerful emotional punch.

A very talented cast of Robbie Nichols (Melcchior), Benedict Wills (Moritz), Josh Bingham (Hanschen), Broderick Coursey (Ernst), Chris Simons (Otto), Louis Simpson (Georg), India Wellman (Wendla), Rosie Durant (Martha), Katie Oliphant (Ilse), Rachel Weinstein (Anna), Molly Williams (Thea), Aidan Lever, Katie Tongue and Aimee Ayton made the two hours on stage seem like ten minutes.

This has such a gorgeous soundtrack and songs like "The Song Of Purple Summer" set the hairs on my neck going again. "Mama Who Bore Me", which opens the musical is a beautiful folky song and sets the whole tone. The song "Totally F****d" is anthemic and a reprise of this at the end sent everyone home in a great mood.

The musical though is mainly a dark discovery and I must complement Robbie Nichols on his emotional version of "Those You've Known", along with India and Benedict.

There are several lighter moments though including the one in Act One with Josh Bingham.

David Hails is responsible for the beautiful sound which wraps itself around these talented vocalists.

Choreographed by Rebecca Ingram, she injected even more excitement into this intense piece of theatre.

I also need to mention Jessica Keyte, the stage manager for keeping the flow going, helping the pace of the musical.

Directed by Louis Simpson and assisted by Megan Stephenson Poore, this show is not the simplest to direct, then again which show is simple to direct, so I imagine the challenge, for both, has reaped their rewards in the knowledge that this show is a big success for everyone involved.

Many of these actors are bowing out of the NTSU Drama Society with this one, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they do afterwards, but I think they can safely say that they went out on a high.

“Spring Awakening” is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Saturday 27 April with a matinee and evening performance. Go and witness this talented group while you can!