Lights, Camera, Action! Little Downham’s Youth Acts UP group join prestigious theatre association NODA

A representative from NODA also visited to review their latest production of The Dracula Rock Show held at the village hall last month. (Image: Archant)

NODA (National Operatic Dramatic Association) now support the group and provide theatrical decisions.

A representative from the association also visited to review their latest production of The Dracula Rock Show held at the village hall last month.

The cast of vampires and zombies saw seven to 16 year olds take to the stage with their spooky stories.

During rehearsals for show one of the cast members, Nathaneal Fulford, who played Dracula, won a full-time scholarship to study performing arts.

A representative from NODA also visited to review their latest production of The Dracula Rock Show held at the village hall last month. (Image: Archant)

From September he will attend the Redroofs School for performing arts in Maidenhead.

He will be covering not only academic subjects but also drama, ballet, tap, musical theatre, script and street dance.

Auditions and workshops are now being held for the next show of Peter Pan the panto, written by local children’s story writer Peter Crussell.

Here is the NODA review by Julie Petrucci:

This was my first visit to new NODA youth society Youth Acts Up in Little Downham and you would not think that spending the evening with a crowd of

vampires and zombies doesn’t sound much like fun but it was. The script was just right for the cast of 7 – 16 year olds with some great songs. A story of Zombies, Dracula mixed with a rock star Jagged Mick and saving the day Shirley Holmes with Dr Watson, not forgetting Holmes’ arch

enemy, Moriarty, this all made for a good romp. The excellent set created a super home for the Count and the undead. Lighting added to the spooky effect, sound effects were great and sound level was well handled and pitched just right to accommodate the young voices.

The costumes and make-up enhanced the characteristics of the array of colourful characters. Director Becky Green had rehearsed the company well in the limited rehearsal time available. All the music, which included country and rock, was sung to backing tracks. Singing, particularly when the whole cast was involved was excellent and movement which suited all abilities was performed with a good level of accomplishment.

Once or twice there appeared to be slow entrances but having seen the limited access available from the wings that was understandable. Dialogue was handled reasonably well but at times nerves overcame recall and projection. All involved were well focused and everyone in the company will have learnt from the process. This was mainly an ensemble piece led by two good narrators. As the story unfolded all the characters were convincing.

The humour was reasonably well timed and well brought out. Jagged Mick and The Blood Sisters were very good and the principal characters were all well-cast and did a splendid job. I am not sure who played which role but an extra well done to Count Dracula,

Shirley Holmes, Dr Watson, Moriaty and particularly Mrs Peterson, Moriaty’s

Housekeeper. This was a fun show which was obviously enjoyed by those involved and all their hard work was very well received by the audience.