Hairspray kids hold their own (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Hairspray kids hold their own

9:40am Sunday 8th November 2009

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Hairspray
October 29 to 31
Queen Mary’s Hall

ONE-hundred-and-forty-seven young people auditioned for the Broadway musical Hairspray, produced by BATS Next Gen (Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society Next Generation).

This, in itself, is a sign of the growing reputation of this vibrant, young company.

Thirty-four youngsters were successful and this company was supported by an amazing group of volunteers with a wide variety of professional skills.

Musical director Rachel Glover assembled a terrific band of musicians and a first-class sound technician, Daniel Paine, made sure the balance between soloists, chorus and musicians was as it should be.

This in many ways compensated for the lack of tiered seating in Queen Mary’s Hall, which meant that many in the audience had a limited view of the stage.

Financial restrictions make it impossible for the company to perform in The Haymarket, but this problem needs to be solved. Nevertheless, the show was a huge success playing to packed houses.

It is essentially a feelgood show with “big hair” and “a big heart” and is currently playing in the West End.

Basingstoke really is ahead of the game and well done to committee chairman Richard Cox and administrator Sandie Thomson for obtaining the rights and giving Basingstoke’s youngsters such a rare opportunity that utilised the youthful enthusiasm of the ensemble.

Guided by director Sally Manning and assistant director Ian “Spud” Smith, the company showed a good understanding of musical comedy with plenty of smiles and sparkly eyes.

Good choreography co-ordinated by Sharon Westwood and her team all added to the excitement. They really looked as if they were enjoying themselves and it was irresistible in so many ways.

Lead players Emily Marshall, as Tracy Turnblad, and Ben Summers as Edna Turnblad, rose to the challenge of incredibly demanding roles in the most amazing way, as did Jade Hollingshead, Zak Shrapnell, Becca Ridout, Jake Wilson – a natural entertainer – Lizzie Long, with a glorious singing voice, Harry Harwood, Hayleigh Alexis and James Pemberton, who made the most of every scene they were given.

The girls generally probably tried too hard to muster the American accent resulting in too many high-pitched screams, especially in the first half. The boys fared better with deeper voices and Summers in particular could have come from Baltimore! Marshall was especially good in the quiet, compassionate scenes.

Mention must be made of the lighting effects. At times, I thought I was watching The X Factor as there were colourful, flashing lights all over the place – but lighting design is supposed to enhance what is on stage and it was a pity that Fiona Morgans’ truly authentic costumes sometimes did not get the lighting effect they deserved.

This just shows what standard we are looking for from BATS Next Gen these days, that I should choose to comment on the show as if I had been watching a professional production.

BATS Next Gen are ambitious, wildly enthusiastic and reaching for the stars – we are so proud of you all!

–Hannah Williams

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