This was a new production to me and the very talented members of SOSage Factory did it proud. And despite the title, there is no gore or horror in this show. In fact it was full of lively songs and good fun. Jonny falls in love with Toffee, but unfortunately, just after getting together they break up. The break up causes him to run away and after a mishap at a nuclear power plant loses his life. However, Toffee’s love for him is so strong he comes back from the dead after to rejoin his senior class, graduate and take his girlfriend to their high-school prom. The large cast all certainly knew what was expected of them and came up trumps. Ellie Cross was pretty scary as the College Principal Miss Delilah Strict. She handled her solos extremely well. David Morrison did well as Jonny and created a believable relationship with Emily Dowson who was impressive as Toffee. She handled her solos well. Andrew Morrison as the strangely wonderfully named Eddie Flagrante did a fine job. Costumes looked good and the scenery looked good from the audience. Sometimes the band were loud and the company had to compensate this but the singing both principals and chorus could be heard. Congratulations to the cast and crew and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Another great afternoon’s entertainment from this very talented group who seem to be coming on leaps and bounds. We were treated to some great chorus numbers including ‘Revolting Children’ and ‘It’s a hard knock life’ and even a small sketch ‘Giovanni’s Cafe’ which made this audience laugh out loud. Also the six young ladies who sang ‘Mama I’m a big girl now’ went down very well with the audience. We were also treated to some outstanding solo numbers songs from Anaiya, Beth and Ruairi. I am not going to mention all of the company by name as they all worked so well together and you could see that the group were enjoying theirselves. Well done to you all and thanks for the invite.

This group of very talented young actors pulled off another hit for the company with ‘The Wizard of Oz’, performed at a new venue for the society. Anaiya Kalla played Dorothy, she had a marvellous stage presence and a lovely singing voice. Very well acted. She was supported by Ruairi Silcock, Elliott Wright and Ryan Crowley who played The Cowardly Lion, Tinman and the Scarecrow. They really worked as a team and gave a good performance. Miss Gulch / Witch of the West was played by Amelia Tomson who played this role to the full. Great support also came from Halle Kwarteng and Louis Haywood as Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. Oscar Sutton did a great job in looking after the puppet of Toto the dog, after a while you forgot he was there and just concentrated on the dog. Fine acting indeed. Also good to see a female Wizard played bu Ellie Cross, unusual indeed. The entire company worked well together with some lovely singing and acting , with the chorus giving good back up to the main principles. Some very good backcloths for the company to work in front of, and even though there was not much scenery, you felt that you were in munchkin land. The band, under the direction of Chris Corcoran, sounded good and costumes were outstanding. Director Izabelle Mellors and chorographer Sarah Golby, assisted by Emily Holtom and Katie Holtom should be proud of the production. Many congratulations and thanks for the invite.

I was delighted to be invited to this summer concert performed by a very talented group of younger members of NODA. We were treated to Chorus numbers, solo numbers, dancing and even three sketches’, the funniest ones I have seen for a long time including the creation of Sosage factory and one about drinks at a party. All written by members. I particularly enjoyed the vocal talents of Ruairi, Ryan and Issy but the great thing about this vibrant society is that there are no stars, all of the company from youngest to oldest are the stars and they all work so well together. One thing I have to do is congratulate Stuart and Ryan for ‘You will be found’. Congratulations to you all and I look forward to ‘Wizard of Oz’.

They say that the future of amateur theatre is with the younger members of societies. Well, if this is the case our future is secure with this society full of talented members. This production suited the age range of all the members involved and the company really brought it to life. Costumes looked good and the set, even though minimal did not look out of place, anymore and it would have over powered the stage. Sound was good and the orchestra were just right so that you could hear every word. The production told the story of Bugsy Malone (Jake Morgan) who gave a strong performance. The battle between Fat Sam (Louis Haywood) and Dandy Dan’s gang was excellent with Fat Sam’s gang using the splat guns against their rivals. Tallulah (Madeleine Sanderson) and Blousey Brown (Anaiya Kalla) supported Jake well and both really sang well and had great stage presence. All the other principals and chorus were great and came over really well. I am just sorry that I cannot mention you all. Well done to all of the production and back stage crew who made this production the success it was.

After a two year break, SOSfactory were back with this lesser known musical ‘The Battle of the Boat’. A courageous tale of a group of children trying to find their place in a world at war in 1916. Frustrated by their inability to join the soldiers in battle, the children decide to do whatever it takes to help in the war effort. However, they soon have to tackle their own conflict in the form of a local gang of bullies who will stop at nothing to see every plan they form fail. Heart-warming, funny, emotional and exciting, this original new musical is a true celebration of the steadfast British spirit that shone through during WW1. This performance showcased two hours of emotive drama that was heart-warming, funny and really entertaining throughout. By using a minimalistic set of trees and the boat the scene was set. The props and set were used well with purpose in many creative ways. Izabelle Mellows as Frances led this company of talented young people well. And she had a beautiful singing voice. She was supported well by Amelia Tonks as Beagle who gave a funny, moving performance. Beagles two sidekicks, Jack and Felix were well played by Ryan Crowley and Stuart Bradbury who gave good support. William was played by Ruairi Silcock and was well cast in this role; his song with Frances was well performed. Williams love interest was played by Daisy Newey. The ‘baddie’ Gripper was brilliantly played by Jake Morgan who gave a commanding and menacing performance. The remaining cast and chorus gave there all in this wonderful production. The band was just at the right level and every word could be heard from the stage. Well done to you all.