With the pedigree of a book by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall and music from Tony Hatch, Norfolk Youth Theatre maintain their reputation on the fringe with this production of ‘The Card’ which is not only amusing but backed with some really catchy numbers.
This is a new venue for the group and certainly more comfortable for their large audience although the dome of the Merchant’s Hall sometimes made it difficult to catch all the words. These young performers did well without the obvious support of microphones but occasionally they need to project their voices and characters a little more.
The show is about the rise and rise and rise of Denry Machin the son of an industrious washerwoman who grasps every opportunity to make money and enhance his social standing amongst his fellow citizens.
Fraser Davidson does really well coping with his character going from childhood to adulthood in front of our eyes. The diminutive Charley Nicol makes a big impact in a small part as she sees her son make progress despite his doubtful morality.
The women in his life are all strong with Nellie Cotterhill (Phoebe Robinson) playing the coy and unrequited admirer while ‘our hero’ dallies with the forceful Ruth Earp played in commanding style by Jess Davidson. The Countess of Chell role was filled by Ellie Freeman who looked every inch a lady.
In this production, the male actors are up to a similar standard with impressive performances by Alex Green, Edward Bartram and Dan Cruikshank supported by Chris Brown and Dan Herman. The ensemble not only contributed to the overall quality of the production but their non-verbal work was first class and were well supported by the band under the direction Of Adrian Connell..
This is an engaging show, light but interestingly performed by a young but equally engaging cast of teenagers. The queue to get in snaked round into Rose Street and this was a show worth the wait
Runs to 14th August @16.25
Tickets £8 & £6