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Hoodwinked/Show Stoppers, New Forest Players, Performing Arts Centre, Ballard School, New Milton

NFP has always ensured that its younger members have their turn in the spotlight, so what better way for the company’s week of 80th birthday celebrations to begin than by showcasing the talents of those youngsters.

The very youngest, from 9-14, performed Hoodwinked, a musical romp based on the story of Robin Hood. Some were seasoned performers, for others it was their first time on stage, yet all bubbled with infectious enthusiasm and made this a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. They did themselves proud, not least the main characters Robin Hood (Art Gosling), Sheriff of Nottingham (Jack Haberfield), Maid Marian (Lara Powell), The Deputy (Tali Broadhurst) and The Narrator (Laura Cantegreil).

Next came Show Stoppers, in which a dozen 14-17 year olds strutted their stuff with enviable confidence as they sang a selection of songs from shows both familiar and unfamiliar, directed by one of their number, Connor Miller. I wasn’t too keen on the ‘mood lighting’ that sometimes left faces in semi-darkness, but there was no doubting the extraordinary talent within their ranks. And how refreshing that they had sought out several less well-known numbers too, rising to the challenge of the likes of Sweeney Todd’s Epiphany.

With youngsters like these, NFP’s future is assured.

Linda Kirkman  

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