I have become a great fan of Script Youth Musical Theatre Company in recent times; therefore, I had no hesitation going to see this short junior version of the West End hit, Frozen. We were in the smaller, Ron Barber Studio at The Crescent and with a company of 50, it was inevitable the four performances would be split into two casts. On my visit I saw Cast Anna with Cast Elsa being the ones I unfortunately missed. However, having been to a few shows by Script now, I am certain the Elsas would have been as equally amazing.
I am not going to dwell too much on the story. Princess with magical freezing powers flees her land to safeguard her people and is followed by her sister and friends who want to save her, plus enemies who are out to destroy her.
In the role of Elsa was the wonderful Evie Rice who never disappoints and excelled in Let it Go. As Anna, we had the equally amazing Aimee Whillis who duetted well with Evie during For the First Time in Forever. Aimie also shared the excellent Love is an Open Door alongside the marvellous Sam McCormack who played Hans. Elsewhere, we had a great rendition of Reindeers are Better than People from Finlay Laidlaw (Kristoff) and Lewis Ward-Bygrave (Sven) who also successfully undertook the task of working the reindeer puppet. Similarly, Ruby Edmonds did a fantastic job at the helm of everybody’s favourite snowman, Olaf and performed In Summer well. I also want to mention the younger Elsa’s (Poppy Kerr and Lilah Edmonds) and Anna’s (Matilda Cartwright and Maddie Howard).
With such a large amount of people involved, it’s impossible to give everybody the credit they deserve, so I shall simply scan the cast list of both groups. Producing Frozen Jr on my visit was Louise Farmer while choreography was shared between Molly Chamberlain and Maddie Fleming. The dancing had an especially high standard and in particular, Francesca Roberts stood out in flair and skill. Production for Team Anna, on other performances, was Louise Sall and Tim Rice (Producers) and Erin Mooney (Choreography).
The show was a short one at an hour, but that did not lessen the experience as you were taken to a magical land in such an intimate venue. It was also interesting to note that many on production and backstage were pupils past and present, and that some of the senior members attend the prestigious BOA Academy in Birmingham. A sign of this youth company having a high standard indeed. Script are back next summer with We Will Rock You at the Highbury Theatre in Sutton Coldfield. I recommend you check them out.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*All photos taken from social media.
Antony N Britt - Author 