From upbeat songs to heartfelt tunes, we see it all at this wedding!
Echo Youth Theatre has taken on this production of The Wedding Singer, premiering Wednesday 27th August. The Echo Youth Theatre company are a fantastic group offering accessible theatre experiences for young people in Norfolk. I was really looking forward to watching their version of this musical directed by Chris Davidson and associate director Will Mugford: especially in the Maddermarket Theatre which is a venue I’m very fond of. The production team is complete with Jessica Brydges as musical director, Sophie Chapman as Choreographer and Jasmine Harvey as assistant director and choreographer: as well many additional hands.
The Wedding Singer the musical is based on the classic Adam Sandler movie of the same new. After a wannabe rock star is stood up at the altar, he begins to fall out of love with love. After being hired to help plan another person’s wedding, he begins to discover love again. The musical opened with a UK tour back in 2008, with mixed positive reviews. But how was this production?
The set and lighting was well utilised within the show. It is actually the first time I’ve heard the songs from the show and they’re really good! The ensemble were amazing, from their many costumes changes, to fantastic dancing and singing: they really did it all! The production team have made a fantastic show! There are also many actors who did fantastic in secondary roles, such as Alex Leech as Sammy, Archie Woodward as George, Chloe Collier as Grandma, Rain Wernham as Holly and Tom Hare as Glen. All of them were fantastic and really embodied their characters: they should incredible proud.
Now to discuss the stand out performances: two of which stood out to me. Tallulah Godfrey plays Julia and gives an amazing performance. She is able to articulate the character perfectly, adding both comedy and seriousness. Her singing is immaculate and she followed this up by dancing, just fantastic! But the lead actor Joey Newton plays Robbie Hart and it is a phenomenal performance. His acting is fantastic and captures the love the original film has. Moreover, his singing is brilliant, specifically in his solos and duets with Tallulah. To add to the talent of this young man, he also plays the guitar… what can’t he do! He has a real talent and future in the industry!
The Wedding Singer will walk down the aisle again this Saturday at Norwich Maddermarket Theatre! Get tickets now!
Max
Leave a Reply