APS News No. 17

abingdon.org.uk /prep 9 Abingdon Prep Performing Arts By Roger Holman and Simon May Director Jennifer Brown Musical Director Debbie Rose This musical adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby was pulled off in some style at the Amey Theatre - with terrific ensemble work, poignant duets and solos accompanied by the ragamuffin Y6 choir, all for one night only. This time-shifting production blended the original novel with a witty script and a brilliant mix of pathos and rumbustious ‘attitude’ in the twenty low-whispered to big high-tempo numbers, delighting the audience. Debbie’s band, a sextet that included APS old boys, had the astonished audience stamping and hollering alongside the cast led by Leo in the infectious Dotheboys Rock number. Mention must also be made of the behind the scenes team that took on the stage management and technical roles that helped everything to run smoothly. The contrast of the dual roles in Dickens’ Dotheboys Hall - in Yorkshire, complete with rich regional accents - and the modern school, gave the principal singer-actors plenty of opportunity to shine. The larger-than-life Mr and Mrs Squeers were played with verve and confidence by Hugo and Rupert. Tom, as Smike/Smeeton moved the audience in his demanding solos with outstanding emotion. Josef as Nickleby/Nicholls was an effective straight man who carried the play’s social message with quiet assertiveness. A bewigged Christopher convinced everyone with his articulacy as Florrie/Miss Grant, and the other pupils and characters, played by boys from Years 7 and 8 gave able support throughout. The Year 6 choir played cat’s cradle in the background and swelled the sound impressively in the group musical numbers. It was a remarkable performance. Bravo to all involved. But for one night only? Ah, that’s show business boys! Review by Alan Tull, edited by Jennifer Brown SMIKE abingdo .org.uk/prep 9