Noah the Musical *****

Forget the image of the school musical where you are dragged along to watch your embarrassing offspring, or to see a performance that even a doting parent would find hard to enjoy. Under Christine Ellis direction this show sets new standards for teenage musicals.

This British musical, written by Ian Gower and Rob Alderton, has plenty of catchy tunes and humour to make the show bob along. Under the musical direction of Liz martin and Alex Morris the youths really put heart and soul into every line, without exception their cheery smiles and enthusiasm was soon passed on to the audience.

Noah (Justin Edwards) and his family, despite taunting from his nemesis (Brendan Ellis) set about building an arc – and an admirable one results. Under the guidance of the Angel and storyteller (14 year old Liana Hallam) the whole rescue plan comes to fruition.

Who said never work with children or ‘animals’? Peta Flanigan’s choreography was simple but delicately performed, and with Fran Gordon’s colourful costumes was delightful. The antics of the animals were hilarious.

The theatre’s available lighting equipment was limited but used skilfully to the full, with special effects like the falling deluge.

So often songs are projected from petrified, emotionless faces of children, accompanied by occasional mechanical or robotic movements. In this musical there were solos, close harmonies, contra harmonies and even a bit of gospel singing thrown in. The songsters smiled, and enjoyed every moment as their clear singing rang out. There was a sad and beautiful duet from the two unicorns left behind to drown.

No I don’t have any relatives in this show.

This is wonderful musical for the school, holidays, full of colour and fun. Highly recommended.