For the first time in forever, this West End hit musical has premiered in Wisbech!
Frozen the musical is the 2017 show based on the modern classic Disney film Frozen. Frozen opens in the wonderful kingdom of Arendelle, where we meet two young princesses: Anna and Elsa. We discover Elsa contains powers and after an accident, the two princesses grow up in isolation from each other and the outside world. When the gates are opened for the first time for coronation day, Elsa loses control of her powers and flees to the North Mountain. As an eternal winter threatens Arendelle, Anna sets off to find her sister and bring her home, leaving fiancé Hans in charge of the kingdom. Whilst on her travels, Anna meets Kristoff, Sven and Olaf as they attempt to bring back summer to Arendelle.
Frozen has become one of the most popular films by Disney, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of its initial release. With a third instalment on Frozen on the way next year, it is the perfect time to do this magical musical. Nine Lives Theatre Company is a theatre and training company which strive to create high quality, semi-professional productions for all ages. Their students are consider professionals in training and the company put on a two musicals per year (Spring and Autumn), whilst creating original Christmas shows in the winter. Their musicals are performed at The Secret Garden in Wisbech, a unique and picturesque location. I’ve been fortunate to watch Cats, The Little Mermaid, Alice By Heart and SpongeBob the Musical by the Nine Lives Theatre Company and they consistently perform to the highest standard. With this in mind, Frozen was bound to be exceptional.
Frozen has a large team of creatives behind it, with Michele Larkin leading as director, choreographer, costumes and hair/makeup. The combined team have worked together to make a heartwarming and exciting show. An aspect of Nine Lives Theatre Company’s production which I always find intriguing is their set. Using the stage at The Secret Garden, the set expands the width of the audience. For Frozen, the set is well utilised by having different parts occurring across the stage. This helps to keep the movement and energy fresh, as well as constantly entertaining. The use of lighting within the backdrop allowed for us to escape to Arendelle and see Elsa’s magic live, which was used very effectively. Similarly, the costumes were all perfectly crafted to suit the setting and story. The live band was very impressive and managed to play the score, which has challenging components, effectively.
The incredible cast were brilliant throughout the entire show, showcasing all aspects of the arts from dance to singing. Each individual who had additional roles embraced this and were inspired. The rock trolls Pabbie and Bulda are played by Samantha Rose and Ellen Petterson-Brister. Both worked very well together to learn this mysterious pack, adding to the mystery. Young Elsa and Anna are played by Rosie G and Brooke C. Being the opening roles of the show, both parts are very important. Both Rosie and Brooke looked very confident on stage, singing through each song effortlessly together: helping the audience prepare for the adult versions of their characters. Weselton was played by Imogen C. In the musical version, Weselton is even more despicable. Imogen was able to capture this very well in her role. Oaken/Bishop was played by James-Lee Campbell. With both roles being entirely different, Campbell was able to mix between them effectively and gave a great ‘Hygge’.
Sven was played by a group of actors including Annie Larkin, Eva Mason, Sophie Fenner, Katie Leach and Kimmy T. The puppet and puppetry was very well done, bringing the magic of a reindeer being on stage to life. Natalia Beare plays Olaf, the loveable and friendly snowman. Beare really understands what makes Olaf so likeable and has put her all into the characterisation of the snowman. Her rendition of ‘In Summer’ was joyful and entertaining throughout. Mark Burns plays Kristoff, the rugged and cynical ice harvester. His dynamic with Ward as Anna was well directed and they worked as a duo in scenes. Burns also sung the duet ‘What Do You Know About Love?’ very well alongside Ward. Billy Garner plays Hans of the Southern Isles. Garner has a very princely aesthetic which works well for his character. He sung ‘Hans Of the Southern Isles’ really well, giving lots of energy and passion.
Though the entire cast were fantastic, Niamh Ward as Anna and Laura-Jayne Cook as Elsa were stand out performances. Both seemed to understand their characters incredibly well and the passion in their performances came across to the audience. As a fun loving princess, Ward was able to bring joy in all the scenes she was in. Her vocals were also very strong in ‘For the First Time in Forever’, ‘I Can’t Lose You’ and ‘Love is an Open Door’. Cook was a brilliant Elsa, giving the character depth. Cook’s vocals were the strongest in the cast, with brilliant renditions of ‘Dangerous to Dream’, ‘Monster’ and the iconic ‘Let It Go’. Both Ward and Cook lead this wonderful cast amazingly well!
Frozen continues to let it go until Sunday 5th April, offering a production for everyone this Easter weekend. Book your tickets now!
Tickets for this performance were provided complimentary. Many thanks to Nine Lives Theatre Company and all the best with the rest of the run!
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