I was unsure
what to expect from the Abbey Theatre's latest venture, 
Aimed
at a young audience of three to eight-year-olds, it is new territory for the
theatre. The mixture of original songs, dances and sketches performed by a group
of seven youngsters was devised by director, choreographer and co-writer Jill
Priest in a bid to bring a different audience to the theatre.
The atmosphere of excitement and anticipation was immediately evident as I
entered the foyer. The show, which the group have been rehearsing since October,
was sold out - and I can see why. The talented youngsters - Max Simons-Dukes,
Rachel James, Bethany Shepherd, Elroy Elvie, Jodie Holley, Joseph Giacone and
Emma Barry - demonstrated seemingly unstoppable energy and enthusiasm throughout
their performance, even when the occasional slip-up was made. From the opening
number - a catchy song called -
right through to the end, the young audience seemed captivated by the show and
could be heard discussing which group member was their favourite and asking
them for autographs in the foyer afterwards. Fame already!
Jill Priest's vision for the group is ambitious but I believe achievable. She hopes to build up a relationship between the audience and the group so that children will return again and again familiar with the songs and dances. Not only a great way to bring new faces to the Abbey Theatre, but also a great way to tear children away from their TV screens and Playstations, and back into the theatres.
will be appearing next at the
Abbey Theatre on February 27 at 2pm, and tickets cost £4. Group bookings
can be made - buy 10 tickets and get one free - and if it's your birthday you
will even get invited on stage for the birthday rap!
Rosie Strudwick
© Herts Advertiser, January 2005. Reproduced by permission