"MADD On Broadway" by Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama.

Squire Performing Arts Centre.

Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama (MADD) is one of the oldest and most prestigious Musical Theatre & Dance Colleges in the UK. All the tutors at the Academy are working professionals in their own right therefore bringing direct industry experience and knowledge into their studios, benefitting the students.

In addition to the members of staff, MADD welcome guest practitioners from across the industry including Directors, Choreographers, Playwrights, Casting Directors and Agents, providing their students with the best insight into a business that is so hard to make a dent in. And if you look back over MADD's history, you'll discover several alumni that have gone on to big well known performers, dancers and actors who have turned professional, all thanks to MADD.

I don't need to state that every performer on the stage tonight excel in their various performing areas, whether that be dance, musical theatre or performance, because I've been attending these showcases for several years now and know that they receive the very best tuition, so the quality goes without saying. That said, it gives me more online column space to tell you of the variety in this celebration of Broadway musicals, past and present.

There were twenty-nine separate performances that spanned a wide variety of musical theatre, and as usual, a few pieces that even I had not heard before!

You have to open with something that whets the theatrical appetite. as well as set your stall out for the evening, and it's a brave statement to open with "The Greatest Show" from "The Greatest Showman", but the evening definitely lived up to that opening gambit, literally opening with a roar and no whimper. This opener got my skin tingling with real excitement, and throughout the evening those tingles made several encores.

For many years I have been banging on a bout a musical called "Something Rotten", and in fact the first time that I saw anything from that musical was actually performed by MADD at the Nottingham Playhouse back in 2016, and I have loved that show ever since, even though it's only just been licensed for performance in the UK, so hopefully we'll get to see this brilliant musical in 2026. 

The narrative into this section was smoothly done off the back of the opening number, featuring the four young men in the show, Toby Farley, Hamza Akhtar, Kaylen Ashfield and Jamal Moyo as they explained exactly what "A Musical" was.

From this excellent opening couple of numbers, the rest of the evening just flew by with performances from classic musicals like "Guys 'n' Dolls", "Cabaret", "Beauty & The Beast" and "Les Miserables" through a massive showcase of newer musicals like "& Juliet", "Ghost", "Legally Blonde", "Frozen", "Hadestown", "Chicago", "Wicked", "Waitress", "Moulin Rouge" via little heard of musicals such as "Summer", "Who Cares?", "The Prom", "Smash" and "Death Becomes Her" and "Pretty Woman".

These showcases are so well researched and put together which makes the two acts so smooth to watch that time just slips away.

The performers, several of which graduated during the show, I'll mention shortly but I can't resist letting you know some of my highlights of the evening.

I loved the ballet sequences for the two sections from "The Color Purple"; ballet always makes me so relaxed when watching such talent make dancing of this quality seem so easy - believe me I've interviewed ballet dancers and I know that this style of dance is not easy and takes immense body and core strength to make it look easy. just think of how graceful a swan looks on the top of the water, and then you see the energy use below the surface.

"Without You" from the musical "Ghost" has always been one of my favourite ballads from musical theatre, especially when it's performed with passion, as Grace Jackson did on Saturday evening. A welcome return of the tingles for me.

I love the musical "Cabaret" and the medley performed, which opened with Toby Farley bidding us "Wilkommen".

Another of my favourite musical theatre power ballads is "On My Own" from "Les Miserables" and Francesca Lewis' powerful and emotive performance reaped enthusiastic responses from the packed auditorium, and deservedly so.

Closing the first act was a lovely modern section with "It's All happening" taken from the musical "Bring It On", a musical about cheerleading, so as you'd expect, the first half ended on a very energetic level, with some brilliant rapping from Jamal Moyo.

Yet another one of my favourite musical theatre ballads came near the start of the second act with "She Used To Be Mine" from "Waitress". Megan Blake's soaring vocals certainly hit the spot.

A pretty raunchy version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" came next, titled "Backstage Romance" from "Moulin Rouge".

"Hadestown" is a fairly new musical, and one that I have yet to see, although I know the soundtrack, and "Wait For Me" is a big production number and nothing was held back. I must commend Hamza Akhtar in this section for his dancing prowess in heels.

Another musical that I've not seen before is "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and know very little of the soundtrack, but after hearing Lottie Stone sing "When I Look At You", I'm now going to search out the soundtrack, especially if it's as gorgeous as this track.

"If You Want Perfection" from "Death Becomes Her", another musical that I'd heard of but not the soundtrack, has also piqued my interest in discovering more. This section features Shannon Elmore.

"Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago" is always going to be a winner, and Elise Lawson, Emily Sandison, Lottie Stone, Abi Dring, Francesca Lewis and Victoria Gilda delivered a brilliant version of this.

Delivering the glam, Francesca Lewis featured in "Let Me Be Your Star" from another musical I know some of the music from, but can't wait to see the musical "Smash".

We're then taken on a journey to "Wonderland" with "Welcome To Wonderland" which really got to show off some amazing costumes.

Pointing the way to tomorrow was "Bring On Tomorrow" and a brilliantly spirited version of "Spread the Love" from "Sister Act" closed the evening. 

These are just a few of the highlights in a show absolutely jam packed with the best of Broadway past, present and future. Every year MADD seem to better the year before, which is probably why I always look forward to being invited to the MADD showcases.

One performer for me really stood out this evening and even though there were only four men among al of the women, it was Kaylen Ashfield's dancing skills that kept catching my eye. He is so quick and fluent, almost like a streak of liquid energy on stage. He feels the music in his bones, and you can see that just by the way he moves, and I think, in my humble opinion, that Kaylen is destined for a career in dance, especially now that he has graduated as part of the Class of 2025. Watch for his name in a few years time in touring and West End productions.

This show was conceived, directed and staged by Mark Hedges, Musical Director was Kelvin Towse, Choreographed by Stewart Avon Arnold, Tori Robynn, Peter Parker, Luke Haywood and Hannah Fox. A marvellous wardrobe of costumes from Shannon Elmore, Olivia Thein and Jessica Grant.

This was opening night and it came with a few technical issues. Mic packs crackling and cutting out, missed mic cues, and at some stages the backing track slightly overpowering the vocalists. I've an idea that these have all been noted and will be remedied for the next show on Sunday.

There were odd occasions with the lighting where some of the performers were in half light or in the dark, or silhouetted - maybe that was what it was supposed to look like, or maybe the performers just didn't stand in the right place, who knows, but again, I imagine that any opening night issues will be corrected and amended for Sunday's performance.

These forty-five students are all stars of tomorrow, and I for one will be looking out for their names in playbills over the next few years.

"MADD On Broadway" is an energetic rollercoaster ride of musical theatre magic and a showcase of stellar talents, everything that I have come to expect from the UK's top talent training college for the arts. For the fourteen who graduated, break many legs, and I look forward to reviewing you in professional productions very soon.

"MADD On Broadway" is at the Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham for one more performance on Sunday 29 June.

 "Shrek The Musical Jr" by Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

I've seen quite a few productions of "Shrek the Musical" over the years, but I can't remember seeing a "Jr" version of this musical, well now I've managed to tick that off the list with this production by the Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group. This musical is not the easiest of musicals to perform as a Junior edition, but this big group did the show proud.

The story begins with Shrek telling the audience of his childhood, and how, on his seventh birthday, his parents send him out of their house and into the world to make his living. They warn him that because of his looks, everyone will hate him, and he will not have a happy ending. After saving Princess Fiona from the dragon who had kept her locked in her tower, he delivers her to Lord Farquaad so that he can marry the Princess and become King of Duloc, just so that Shrek can get his marshy home back. On his way he meets many fairytale creatures and of course Donkey who becomes his best mate.

Shrek is played by Leo Capaldi, and a massive role to pull off, but you can tell that Leo has worked on the whole physical feel of the Ogre and knows his onions. Shrek's Scottish accent isn't the easiest to maintain but Leo did a really good job in this department, and apart from The Proclaimers, who else can sing in a broad Scottish accent?

Seth Burgess plays Papa Ogre  and Florence Everitt is Mama Ogre with Rupert Shaw playing Young Shrek in a very confident opening.

Donkey is played by Charles Beckett. Charles is one of those young performers that I have seen several times in showcases and always manages to attract your attention. Same here. Charles got the attitude, physicality and fun just right as Donkey.

Princess Fiona is played by Alisia Carolea. I was saying to Keira in the interval that I had forgotten just how strong Alisia's vocal abilities are. Alisia gave us a lovely sassy, and bossy Fiona along with a very powerful set of vocals. Alisia really got under the skin of Fiona and again shows that she is a fine character actor and can deliver comedy with ease. Her timing on "I Got You Beat" is brilliantly funny.

Young Fiona is played by Annie Shepherd and Teen Fiona is played by Imogen Pullen. Both young actors own extremely confident voices which blend well with Alisia's in the song "I Know It's Today"

Lord Farquaad is played by Teddy Hunt. This is a hard role for an adult to play due to having to act on their knees. Teddy seemed not to have any issues whizzing around on his knees. Teddy's comedy skills and delivery are spot on, and he looked brilliant in the costume. The legs were just slightly too big which made Farquaard look bow-legged, all of which added to the fun. A really clear delivery in the scripted sections as well as in his singing, especially in one of his big songs, "What's Up Duloc".

The Dragon is voiced by Elizabeth Kenny and operated by four young puppeteers. I have been a fan of young Lizzie's for a while now and always stands out in everything that she does on stage. Previous reviews that I have mentioned her in always show what a focused young actor she is. I'm so pleased that Lizzie got to be on stage at the same time as the Dragon, dressed in a lovely shiny red outfit, but what really strikes you about Lizzie is her voice. The Dragon's big song is "Forever" and this was no problem for Elizabeth to hit those big notes. And she performs like a diva should as well; you can see that she feels the song she is performing.

Pinocchio is played by Harry  Merrick. By attending and reviewing the Nottingham Arts Theatre Showcases, you get to see these young actors as they progress up the ladder in their acting abilities, and Harry is another one who is always on the rise. He looks brilliant as the wooden little boy (not a puppet or a doll) and Harry has perfected that voice that we all recognise from the Disney films. Another young man who can deliver comedy really well.

Gingy is played by Benjamin Green and another great vocal styling for a comic character.

Noah Shaw plays the Captain of the Guards. Noah is a natural on stage and is very comfortable to watch. He knows exactly which words to stress and enunciate which really brings his script to life. Noah is also a very confident physical actor and I think will make a fantastic character actor when he is ready for a leading role.

Polly Sibley, Mia Woodward, and Abigail McGregor are the Three Little Pigs, as well as doubling as Knights.

Darcey Orwin, Martha Kemp, and Sophia Smith take on the roles of the Three Bears.

The Three Blind Mice are played by Adleigh Chappell-Royce, Varvara Ivanauskaite and Lillian Tattersall.

Julian Magda, a regular face in the Arts Theatre productions takes on the role of the Pied Piper.

Flossie Bailey, Fergus Hillery, Betty Metson-Scott, Louis Dickson, Ivy Barton and Theo Clarke are the Knights.

Josie Leigh plays the part of the Wicked Witch and a skeleton.

Alex Michael is the Big Bad Wolf, as well as a skeleton.

Maisie is the Sugar Plum Fairy

Francesca Attewell is playing Peter Pan, as well as a skeleton.

Reuben Clarke takes on the part of Puss in Boots.

Asger Dobbs is the Ugly Duckling as well as playing a skeleton.

King Harold is played by Fergus Hillery and Queen Lillian is played by Isabella Tattersall.

Playing Farquaard's Father is Rosie Jones.

Helping bring the tale of "Shrek" to life are a trio of Storytellers, Abigail Newman, Amelie Burgess and Maisie Fletcher, but on first night (Friday), Cleo Sims replaced Abigail.

The Shrek Jr dancers are Emelia Pound, La Mai McKenzie, Heather Beardsmore, Ellie Strang, Isobel Burchell, Daisy Kemp, Varvara Ivanauskaite, Adleigh Chappell-Royce, Lillian Tattersall, Rosie Jones, and Lauren Varley.

The Ensemble are made up of Betty Metson-Scott, Louis Dickson, Julian Magda, Isabella Tattersall, Flossie bailey, Theo Clarke, Ivy Barton and Stella Walker.

Directed by Keira Dormer-Hazell and Eleanor Carty, and while first night will always have a few niggles, the show was pacy and captured the fun of the full blown production, and you could tell that the young actors were having a ball.

Musical Director is Jonah Williams. I've mentioned what a cast of talented singers this lot are and that is partly due to their own talents, but also due to one of the most talented singing coaches that Nottinghamshire has. Jonah has brought out the very best of vocals from this group in this show, and that obviously reflects on the work that Jonah has put in, as he always does.

Choreographed by Charlotte Clay and Kate Russell. This is a show with a large cast and that means a lot of work on the choreography front for both choreographer and the cast, but the cast made the show fun with the lively choreography.

The Production Manager is Jessica Royce, assisted by Arlo Perrons.

The costumes are by Jessica Royce and World Of Wigle, who used to be called Spotlight Costume Hire. This is "Shrek" and there are many, many costumes required for all of the characters in this musical, and they all looked fantastic. Donkey, Fiona, Pinocchio, Farquuard, Big Bad Wolf, Three Pigs are all worthy of mentions for being eye catching and vibrant.

Set Designer is Keira Dormer-Hazell, and I loved the hired in projections used in the background.

Sound is by George Wilson from College Street Technical Services. You know that I am always on the listen out for a good sound, especially in musical theatre, and while the sound started off really well, we did have mic pack issues and missed mic cues. These, I am sure will all be resolved after opening night (Friday).

Lighting is by Zach Silcock, assisted by Evie Webster, and while there may have been the odd slightly late light cue, I also acknowledge that this area of production is very new to some of these young people. It's opening night, most people may not have even noticed but I'd hate to think that people may think I am going soft by not mentioning it. But seriously, I know, and Evie will back me on this, something like the lighting, and sound, takes ages to perfect, so an odd late spot is nothing to worry about. I know Zach from his singing and acting skills and I doff my cap to him for widening his theatre skills in this way.

Stage Manager for the show is Oliver Sheard - who I am sure I spotted as one of the Dragon puppeteers. Deputy Stage manager Lenny Brady, both mentored by the legend of stage management Nigel Newton. The Stage Crew were James Cragg and Cleo Sims; all keeping a smooth flow for the scene and prop changes.

Prop management by Jack Kent, Ace Merkell, George Ward and Charlotte Clay.

As with several theatre youth groups nowadays, the actors are getting more and more involved with non stage work, including stage management, lighting, sound, make up etc. which is fantastic because it gives these young people a more rounded education into theatre and theatre production. This also means that the production side, as well as the stage side of local theatre will be in very good, and eventually experienced hands, guaranteeing the future of local theatre; and that is a very good thing in my eyes.

One other area I also need to mention is the Front Of House Crew, who often don't get credited, but they are always so happy to help in whatever way they can, and nothing is too much trouble for them. They are forever on the go, and in this heat at the moment, that has to be applauded and recognised.

You just can't help but have fun with this show, and especially with the finale of "I'm A Believer".

"Shrek the Musical Jr" is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 29 June. I'm definitely a believer that you will love this production, so go on , get your freak flag out and let it fly!

Photographs by Chris Rees.