AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: NKTA May Showcase - The Forum Theatre, Romiley. Greater Manchester.

The evening's showcase began with song and dance presentations from the older students, the first songs and dances were from 'Footloose'. The male lead gave a very strong vocal throughout,  then they did “I Can’t Stand Still”. All the older dancers were in both of these and gave really strong deliveries. “Mamma Says” was just by the older boys and this gave them the opportunity to showcase their abilities. There was then a duet in “Almost Paradise” which was well sung and acted, you did feel like as a couple they had a connection.  Following this was a full ensemble of the older cast in “I’m Free, Heaven Help Me”.

The second act was from, 'The Wiz', performed by the middle age group, they danced first of all to “The Wizard”, all in character and costume, lots of strong dancers in the group who kept drawing your attention because of their confident, and fluid execution of  moves. There was then a solo singing performance of “Home” which was beautifully animated and such a powerful voice from one so young, followed by a final dance from that age group to “Brand New Day”

The third act in the first part was presented by the very youngest in the company and although their performance may not be of the technical ability of the older students they gave a feelgood factor to the show and they did look very sweet in their colourful array of animal costumes. The first dance was 'The Crcle Of Life” and one thing was very clear from their faces, they clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Big smiles and confidence, there will definitely be some rising stars in that cohort. It was nice to see a mix of boys and girls in this section as well. All were supported by a few of the older dancers to help prompt anyone who  may have forgotten their moves or felt overwhelmed. I have to say they didn’t and the smiles on their faces were captivating. They then followed this dance with “I Just Can't Wait To Be King”, then by all singing to “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”. Their final one on this was “Hakuna Matata”.

The final performance in this part was from 'The Hunger Games'. This started off with ballet style dance but was quite contemporary. It was a very powerful display from all the dancers and really moving. Katniss stood out in her military styled costume but the way they all moved with such dynamic force and rhythm was captivating to watch.

The second act saw a variety of performances from ballet, to the elite contemporary, the mini and juniors performing, and two solo songs by Jessica Camilleri, the first song “Rise Like A Phoenix” was with a dance by Charlotte Greehalgh, totally complementing each other through harmony of song and rhythm of dance. The second song Camilleri sang was “Nothing” from 'A Chorus Line', an amazing voice from one so young, she certainly wouldn’t have been out of place in a west end musical.

The final production before the finale was the 'Men In Black', and again strong group displays, well timed, dynamic and energetic. They certainly looked the part all wearing black jackets, white shirts and glasses.

The whole show was enjoyable to watch, well-rehearsed with excellent performances given by all, with some very strong singers, a really enjoyable evening from start to finish.

Reviewer - Catherine Gall
on - 20.5.22