My youngest two children are part of a children's theatre group in Warrington called Showkids UK. Showkids is a group for 5 to 11 year olds ran by four talented and enthusiastic tutors (and it is the "junior" version of Warrington's well known youth theatre group Codys). Last weekend it was time for them to perform the most recent show they have been rehearsing, Hairspray Jr. There were two shows in the one day, quite a tiring challenge for this young cast?..but you know what kids are like...full of energy...and their enthusiasm was clear to see.
If you don't know the story of Hairspray it's based in 1962 in Baltimore. It centres around Tracy Turnblad a dance-obsessed teen who watches "The Corny Collins Show" and is infatuated with Link, the star of the show. If you've seen the movie (which famously featured John Travolta as Tracy's mother Edna) you will know that the subject matter is actually very serious as it tackles racial segregation. Showkids' version was understandably toned down for the youngsters and focused instead on segregation of rich and poor kids. And it worked very well too.
The main roles were played wonderfully. The children had worked hard on their American accents and their characterisation. I am not going to go through every role but will just single out a couple... Tracy was played fantastically by Erin who has a beautiful voice and definitely has a bright future ahead. Max played Edna Turnblad and he did so brilliantly...he mastered walking (and dancing!) in heels and I could definitely see a nod to John Travolta in his performance! Jamie as Link did a great job in his first main role and Charlotte as Penny was a wonderful character, beautifully acted. Dan who played Corny Collins lit up every scene he was in. As did the two Wilburs (played by two Joes!). Special mention to Amy as Motormouth whose solo "I Know Where I've Been" was very moving and extremely well performed. (I may have had something in my eye....)...
All of the principals and ensemble did such a good job. All in all I found Hairspray Jr to be an excellent show which featured some very talented up and coming performers!
But! The show wasn't over! There was a final section where the Showkids sang a selection of songs from High School Musical, Moana, Jersey Boys, Madagascar the Musical and The Greatest Showman. (And there was even an onstage cameo by the tutors at the end - yay!).
You could tell that all the children absolutely loved doing the show and that was reflected in the fantastic audience reaction. Well done Showkids.
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