GYC Interview | FAME

Today Grand Youth Communicators had the opportunity to interview Georgia Hudson and Jason Guest, leading cast members from the Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company’s, FAME THE MUSICAL. 

As soon as we entered dressing room 1 there was a welcoming and lively presence, both the cast members had bubbly personalities, which makes you unable to resist a smile. Both Georgia and Jason have a lot of performance experience in a variety of roles, Georgia Hudson who plays Carmen Diaz has been performing for 17 years (since she was 3 years old!), and Jason Guest, playing Tyrone Jackson, has been performing for 15 years, and both have participated in over 40 shows! 

During their performance careers, both Georgia and Jason have performed with famous celebrities; Jason performed with Kylie Minogue at Hyde Park as a dancer in her show, (and gave us a short rendition of her interesting vocal warm up exercises!) and Georgia performed with Take That at the O2 Arena in London.

Jason performed the role of Tyrone 10 years ago in a school production, and is really excited to be reviving the role again with MUSCOM, although if he could play another role it would be Mabel- Lord, give him a sign! 

Georgia and Jason have always been fans of the show, which meant that the 6 months of rehearsals have flown by! Georgia’s favourite part of the show is when she gets to dance on top of a taxi (all of the team want to have a go at this!) while the opening number is Jason’s favourite, as he stands on top of the stage platform taking in the beauty of the auditorium before he turns to open the number! 

Both performers have had obstacles to overcome during the rehearsal process, for Georgia it was learning sing in Spanish, while Jason adds that climbing the stairs of the on stage platform is taking a a bit of getting used to. 

Make sure you check out FAME THE MUSICAL at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 15-19 March 2016.

GYC Review | WHITE CHRISTMAS

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS is one to bring your parents and grandparents to for an early festive treat! Based upon the Paramount Pictures Film it tells the story of two ex World War II US soldiers, and their journey to help their General in his failing business through the power of show biz!

Luke Renwick playing Phil Davies stands out with his energetic performance, bouncing off his co-star, Simon McGee (Bob Wallace) with impeccable comedic timing. The two of them together create an atmosphere that is guaranteed to make you giggle, and want to get out of your seat to groove and sing along! 

Lexie Bennett, playing Betty Haynes, stars the show with her stunning vocals.

The unlikely romance between Betty and Bob is one that all audiences will fall in love with! The show was one of a high standard. With an enthusiastic, talented and energetic cast, that exceeds the expectations set from the film. 

South Staffs next production of 9 to 5 will be performed from 11-15th October. With music by Dolly Parton, it will be a production not to miss.

Photos by New Era Photography. 

GYC Review | LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE

Here's what our GYC Reviewers Alex and Kirsty thought of LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE!

Going into Last Night a DJ Saved My Life both of us could admit that we had no idea what to expect, but the moment the first song started we were hooked. A mash up of the Spice Girls and the theme tune tune to The Only Way is Essex doesn't exactly sound like the best mix on paper but when it was matched with the sheer energy of the cast it had an entire audience dancing along. The show itself was set in 90's Ibiza and a colourful set and arguable fashion choices take us back there in no time. When we stepped into the theatre we were greeted with the announcement that not only could we take pictures but it was encouraged. We were even asked to send in selfies to show during the interval (ours didn't get on to the big screen, but we've included a lovely one of Press & PR Manager Scott to make up for it.) 

Now, anyone who has heard about the show will probably know who stars in it - the wonderfully enthusiastic David Hasslehoff (who Alex knew from Baywatch and Kirsty knew from the SpongeBob SquarePants movie...making Alex feel incredibly old*.) The Baywatch/SpongeBob Movie star gave a great performance as DJ Dad Ross and despite a few joke jokes that made us cringe - including trying to fit in as many 'Hoff' puns as he could - David did not disappoint and his unique singing voice was a highlight to many in the audience. The ensemble cast were all excellent singers in fact. It included the likes of Kim Tiddy (most known for being on Hollyoaks), Stephanie Webber (most known for being on The Voice) and Shane Richie Jr. Shane in particular stands out as wannabe-DJ Rik. His loveable charm and great voice made us like him even when he did a rendition of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up - one of the many hits from this shows 80's and 90's soundtrack. 

We've heard quite a few words being used to describe this show, but the one that came up the most was funny. And we're in no place to disagree. (No spoilers, but Hasslehoff's 'happy pill' scene had us in stitches). One person in particular who made cry with laughter was Tam Ryan, playing the club's barman José. A couple of juggling acts gone wrong and one moment that we were pretty sure was improvised only made him funnier. If you come show you will have a good time and leave the theatre with a smile on your face. The energy supplied by the audience and the cast alike will make sure of it. It may be a little cheesy at times but the cast's performance ensures that everyone will find something they love in Last Night a DJ Saved My Life. Whether it's the music, the dancing or even just the Hoff of it all. We both came into the theatre certain that we wouldn't be caught dead singing or dancing along, but by the time the finale began (though let's be honest it was much, much earlier than that) both of us were out of our seats, dancing in a way that was more cringey than every single joke in the show put together. *even though she isn't.

 Alex Shutler & Kirsty Lodge

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