Review - 'Our House' by Southend Theatres Summer Youth Project 2014

Children between the ages of 9 and 19 are invited to audition for these shows, and Our House, the project's seventh production certainly chose budding stars.

From the opening scene - two London teenagers learning to dance in Southend's Kursaal - I realised that this was no amateurish production. The stage sets - which went from the Kursaal to a building site to Las Vegas and back again - were truly impressive, and the sound, lighting and use of projections transported the audience far away from the London Road.

The premise, a Sliding Doors-style split story of a boy's decision to choose either a life of crime or the straight road, flowed very well, but the star of the show were the stars themselves. Considering these are young kids, still at school, not West End graduates, I was absolutely blown away by the sheer talent. It couldn't have felt further from a school production at all! The singing - particularly from the lead roles of Joe, Sarah and Joe's mum Kath - was outstanding, and the acting utterly convincing.

The closing dance number was highly energetic, with the main cast running into the audience and dancing. There was heart and soul from the central love story, and belly laughs from the main characters' four best friends - such comedic acting from such young actors.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this production - and of course immensely proud of seeing my friend's little boy have a speaking part too. I for one cannot wait for the Summer Youth Project 2015. Visit www.southendtheatres.org for more information.


Article written by Ray Morgan