Snap

If there is one thing that the Peel Region does particularly well, it is putting their children on the stage. Koorliny Arts Centre, Murray Music and Drama, Nine Lives and Stray Cats have all used children in their shows recently and for this company, Primadonna Productions, it is their modus operandi. It augers well for a very secure future for theatre in this area.

Snap, by Steve Harris, Erin Hardy and Catherine Field, is a musical set in the world of the paparazzi. It starred thirty young people, all of whom were well-trained in stage technique and producing their best performances.

The set was minimal, allowing us to focus on the young performers. Lighting, by Grace Crawford, was simple and nicely operated, with one showcase number using glow-in-the-dark accessories to great effect. Sound (Michael Rogers) was well balanced and managed.

Director Carole Dhu has taught her young cast well and managed to give many of the performers a moment to shine.

Particularly memorable performances included Bella Lambert in the central role of Ricki Bailey, a young actress who handled singing and acting a major role with sweetness and confidence. Cassie Power was a lovely match as the older and wiser Ricki.

Steven Jones belied his youth as suave, sophisticated Paparazzi leader Lorenzo, while Zoe Lyons had Meryl Streep like power as ruthless magazine editor Sharon Schneider. Charlotte Roberts looked and sounded like a guardian angel.

Each of the many celebrities brought a different energy to the stage. I particularly enjoyed the verve of Riley Jones, the deer-in-the-headlights moments of Cosima Bazzani, the red-carpet confidence (then not) of Dayna Draper, the "I can't believe I'm here" honesty of the footballer played by Jesse Pens and exuberance of rockstars Liam McCormack and Ashton Pens.

I liked the suave hosting of Pierce Franklin's John Jamal and the brave modelling of Christopher Riley. Ruby Liddelow's television host cameo was a highlight of the show.

Lovely energy from the journalism students, paparazzi, magazine staff, angels, devils and celebrities.

Primadonna Productions always creates a wonderful atmosphere with good, wholesome entertainment suitable for the whole family and Snap was another successful production.

Kimberley Shaw