“Seussical – The Musical” by Greasepaint Productions
Loughborough Town Hall

This production was only the second time that I have seen this musical, the first being performed by a younger theatre group.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge--not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. The powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Now, that's the story and I was thinking on the bus ride back from Loughborough that this review would either be a very short one, or a very long one. Well, I never have done short!

I was thinking of a seven letter word, maybe a ten letter word that would describe tonight. "Perfect" or "Perfection"? I can't make up my mind.

I have had the pleasure of seeing some pretty amazing pieces of theatre of late but this has to be my favourite of the year so far, no disrespect to any of the other amazing shows I've seen this year. It touched every base and ticked all my boxes. Let me tell you why......

From start to finish this is the most colourful of musicals I've seen. I've seen less impressive and colourful light shows in nightclubs. It is an explosion of colour. A 100% success for Lighting Designer James Cladingboel.

It's a children's story that will keep any age transfixed to that stage. I at times found my jaw dropping open like a child confronted by all their favourite sweets in a candy shop, and discovering everything was free.

There's fluorescent under water sea creatures in the sea scenes, pole walkers, roller skating, lighting effects that made the stairs on stage seem to wobble, actors coming in from all directions, dry ice,incredible costumes, wigs and make up, non-stop songs, laugh out loud comedy, water pistol fun, shadow play. I did notice one thing though that was missing; a kitchen sink. Come on, this musical has everything.

This is one hell of an energetic show and not least where the dancing is concerned. This cast must lose pounds every night from the amazing choreography by Kat Pledger. There are all styles of dance and I loved the jive sequence where the kicks and flicks were so sharp you could have sliced your bread with them. Oh and then there's the Latin section, and with those costumes. As one dance expert would say A MAY ZING dahlings!

The ensemble during these choreographed pieces were out of this world; I really have been to heaven and back tonight, not just Loughborough!

The orchestra, under the musical direction of James Stevens was just the finest I've heard, and so many musical styles, they were on the go all night, so you can only imagine how hard they worked. Plus the sound quality was perfect thanks to Rob Temperton.

This size of musical, I can only imagine is not the easiest job in the world for the Director, but Liam Patrick absolutely excelled himself. A mammoth task for one so young.

The set design was absolutely stunning, as well as quite complex from where I sat. Credit goes to Steve Pledger, Ash Moulton and Duncan Gadsby.

With all of these bodies and various set changes going on, there are a pair of unsung heroes back stage in the guises of the stage managers, Chris Marshall and Lyndsey Bloomfield.

And of course not forgetting the Production manager, James Nelson.

Gareth Wynne (Horton the Elephant), Jonny Painting (The Cat In The Hat), Sophie Draycott (Gertrude McFuzz), Lucy Woodcock-Tarry (Mayzie LaBird),Emma Healey, Alix Stevens and Hannah Wolden (Bird Girls),Jade Waltham(General Genghis Kahn Scmitz) and Ian Dean (Vlad Vladikoff) all just amazing and thoroughly entertaining.

Toni Brattle ( The Sour Kangaroo) has a wonderful voice whihc really made me sit up and listen and Layla (Baby Kangaroo) in last night's production was mega cute and has loads of sass about her. Reya also plays Baby Kangaroo in alternate shows.

There are also two young actors playing Jojo. Poppy and Theo. I saw Theo on Thursday night and WOW! what confidence he has and does not seem at all phased by being on stage with these seasoned actors, in fact none of the kids in the show do, they just get on with it in a very professional manner. You'd be fooled into thinking these youngsters are flown in from a London stage school they are that good.

The mischievous Wickersham Brothers are played by Joe Harrison, Ollie Lewin,Scött Tomkins and Bethany Brotherhood. They are the bad boys of this musical with bomber jackets and chunky gold chains with some cool dance moves. just as well they are all excellent dancers!

Mr and Mrs Mayor are played by Liam Patrick and Lottie Heimes respectively.

It was great for everyone who stayed in the auditorium in the interval as they were entertained by The Cat (Jonny Painting) who took selfies with the kids and generally messed around with the audience, climbing over seats, just like his character's name sake. This is the sort of thing that keeps the younger members of the audience coming back for more and encourages their love for theatre.

Even after the show, the cast were in the theatre foyer to meet the kids, and adults and have more photos taken and to chat with them. I can guarantee that there were many young kids who go home very happy and tell all of their friends about the night they had at the theatre.

If ever there was a cure of the blues, then this show is that. If the NHS could prescribe a medicine for feeling down, then this production would cure all in just two hours flat.

It's just utter fun at breakneck speed. I should really apologise to anyone sat right behind me though because when I rose to give the cast a standing ovation - which they richly deserved - I then remained on my feet as the cast then sang a closing number, clapping away, only to realise that only one other person was doing the same thing. I was so lost in this magical show and a production that is worthy of any professional West End version.

You do need to book your tickets for this. DO NOT LET THIS PRODUCTION PASS YOU BY!!!! And if you feel that maybe I have gone a little bit over the top, go see the show and prove me wrong.

“Seussical The Musical” is at Loughborough Town Hall until Saturday 18 May.