‘It’s Showtime From West End to Broadway’ 7th & 8th May 2010. This was the third Shining Lights production I have seen and it was without doubt the one that musically stretched the youngsters the furthest. Was it over ambitious? Were the youngsters overwhelmed? NO! They certainly were not. They rose to the musical challenges with an even greater enthusiasm (if that were possible) and gave two fifty minute halves of amazing musical variety! The well deserved ‘encore’ was inspirational and brilliantly executed. The cast of fifteen youngsters aged seven to eleven were superbly supported instrumentally and vocally by ‘Potential’, four ‘old hands’ aged twelve to fifteen. The programme contained thirty six songs from seventeen Broadway and West End shows, interspersed with a variety of comedy routines. It was all slick and fast moving; foot tapping one moment, reflective the next- sheer entertainment. The Shining Lights meet one night a week, and in total they had only nineteen rehearsals in which they had to learn the music, the lyrics, choreography, entrances & exits, together with the costume changes. However I challenge any one in the audience to spot somebody who was not word or move perfect- a truly amazing achievement!. It would be unfair to highlight any particular performance because the show was clearly not built on the individual but the whole cast working as a cohesive team. By my count thirty adults were credited with being part of the production team from Producer to Publicity Officer. Here I do feel mention, congratulations and an expression of appreciation must be given to certain individuals, Jo Chandler Producer, Michael Hawley Director, Helen Colebrooke choreography & stage management and Eileen Springall for costumes. And of course, we must not forget the memorable performances on stage from Michael, Jo, Becky and Helen. However it was clear to all, that behind these people there was a great team working very hard to make it work seamlessly. The musicians (band) were Janet Bower cello & percussion Michael Hawley rhythm guitar, with Andrew Moll and Katie Maidment as musical directors. Katie Maidment is a master pianist and accompanist but she has another gift and that is the ability to inspire. She has taught the youngsters the joys of music and performing, through example, dedication and discipline – invaluable life lessons. My heart felt congratulations to all those who are truly ‘ Shining Lights’ Colin Prentice Shining Lights ‘Music Hall’ 20th and 21st November Take 16 seven to eleven year olds, (many who have never been on a stage before) and 5 twelve to fifteen year olds who have some musical experience. Get them to learn to sing 26 songs, and perform them seamlessly, with some group dancing, comedy interludes, and many costume changes, all within ten weeks. Now invite a paying audience to come and watch them perform. It would not be unreasonable to expect some confusion, pregnant pauses, forgotten words, a few embarrassing moments and the odd song sung out of tune. But for those of us who were fortunate enough to be in the audience we saw none of the above; instead we were treated to musical magic, melodious singing, colourful costumes, comedy, slick timing and continuity all to a standard that was way, way above expectation. With such a large cast, tempting as it is, it would be wrong to pick out individual performances because it was clearly evident that the whole cast was acting as a team, with each performer supporting the other for the good of the whole. The old theatrical adage of ‘leave the audience wanting more’ was certainly achieved. I counted credits for some 28 adults who had helped with the production in one way or the other. However special mention must be made of Katie Maidment’s musical arrangements, tutorial vocal skills and for her outstanding keyboard accompaniment. She was ably assisted by Andrew Moll and Michael Hawley and a band made up of a further 3 youngsters with great musical potential. The producer was Jo Chandler, drama direction by Becky Hilton and Michael Hawley, Helen Colebrooke choreography and Eileen Springall costumes. These people and all the others who made it happen deserve a special round of applause and a big thank you, because not only did they give pleasure to the audience but they have introduced to those youngsters taking part an experience that can spawn many other skills, but above all a belief in themselves. C Prentice
Shining Lights
Saluting the 70\'s, in the Shining Lights recent show. Big Hair and Bell Bottoms probably seemed quaint to the computer era children that performed it. However, they expertly conveyed the essence of that flamboyant time in music, costume and sheer gusto and those of us who remember those colourful years were thrilled with the recaptured memories.
The talent that is displayed by that small group of children is at times quite astounding. To witness their genuine enjoyment of performing and the happiness that glows from them is a joy and a compliment, to those watching and to the many adults that give their time freely to nurture their natural abilities. As difficult as it to highlight particular children when they are all gems, mention must be given to Hazel Needham, who continually gives her heart and soul freely to the audience and is a budding actress who could go far. Little Leah Colebrook maturely laid back and unruffled in all aspects of stagecraft is a directors dream and Callum Adkins, just for being such a typical boy, that he made me chuckle throughout the show!
Amongst the lively music was a spattering of sketches, a re enactment of the Two Ronnies\' famous sketch, Four Candles, brilliantly portrayed by Rio Ritchie and Hazel Needham, Top of the Pops with an enthusiastic Rob Nicholls as Jimmy Saville, an amusing Dad\'s Army, a clever Mastermind and if I had to choose a favourite from these and those I haven\'t mentioned, it would have to be The Artists, with Chloe Chandler, Leah Colebrook and again Hazel Needham.
Complimenting the Shining Lights is a trio of talent, Paris Chandler, Angus Buxton and Leah Catten who call themselves Potential and potential is what they certainly possess.
\'Big Hair and Bell Bottoms - a Salute to the 70s\'
The people of Aylsham always know they are in for something special when Shining Lights Young Performers take to the stage, and their latest production, \'Big Hair and Bell Bottoms\' certainly lived up to our expectations. The show took us on a nostalgic journey back to a decade of platform shoes, bell bottoms and glitter, with each section cleverly linked by adverts and news clips of the time, reminding us, not only of the music and entertainment, but also of some of the momentous political stories of the time.
From the band\'s opening overture of familiar songs of the seventies, to the final Abba tribute, we were treated to a sumptuous feast of musical and dramatic talent from this amazing company of young performers. The music and sketches came thick and fast and it would be hard to pick out a favourite, but some do deserve a special mention. Rob Nicholls captured the mannerisms of Jimmy Saville and Eric Morecombe perfectly. The singing and dancing of Hazel Needham, Leah Colebrooke and Chloe Chandler in \'Matchstalk Men\' was a delight. Watch out for these talented performers in the future! The polished performances of Paris Chandler, Leah Catton and Angus Buxton as singing group \'Potential\' are a great example of talent nurtured and continuing to develop after graduating from Shining Lights.
Every Single member of the cast sang, danced, acted and played music accompaniments with complete concentration, confidence and exuberance energy. Their obvious enjoyment shone out from the stage and I am sure that every member of the audience left with a smile on their face and the words of \'Thank you For the Music\' on their lips. Congratulations to the directorial and production teams who worked so hard to create such a superb show. The great musical accompaniment from the band, fantastically colourful costumes, clever choreography, scenery, props, sound and lights all helped to create a truly memorable trip back in time.
So thank you, Shining Lights Young Performers: \'Thank you for your music, the songs you\'re singing, thanks for all the joy you\'re bringing.
Libby Henshaw
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