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They really are dynamic! July Havant Arts Centre Dynamo Youth Theatre is well named. ‘Dynamic’ sums up the production that begins its 25th anniversary year. A cast of more than 60 inevitably includes a range of acting and singing abilities, but talent is evident at every age-level – and the snap-and –crackle factor is consistent throughout. July, a musical by Dynamo director Andrew Bowker and Jonathan Headon, was first performed by the company in 1992. Against the back-ground of the World Cup Finals of 1966, it sets a story of neighbouring families torn apart by tragedy. The son of one has been killed in an accident on a motor-scooter ridden by the son of the other. The letter has returned home paralysed from the waist down, and he – like the bereaved, and indeed the whole community – has to learn to cope. It is a sometimes shocking but ultimately compassionate tale, with that ‘they think it’s all over’ commentary signalling final acceptance. The musical is full of strong, beaty choruses, and the production is notable for skilful marshalling of the large forces in a small space, for the use of costumes and hairstyles to different age-groups, and for some well-observed behaviour. The hooligans are either terrifying or a hoot, depending on one’s viewpoint. This is very much a company show, but Nick Casey in the wheel-chair and Alyson Rough and Madeleine McHale as mothers have particular impact, with Madeleine singing especially impressively. Mike Allen Portsmouth Evening News Friday 6th January 2006 |