Review: Whistle Down The Wind by SONG at The Atkinson, Southport
Well there was a well deserved standing ovation for that one – Whistle Down The Wind by SONG atThe Atkinson in Southport was fabulous to watch.
There were so many talented young performers on stage tonight. We’re blessed with up and coming theatrical talent in Southport.
If you’ve missed the openings two shows, there is a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday.
The famous Whistle Down The Wind movie, starring Hayley Mills, was set in Lancashire!
However this version based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with lyrics by Jim Steinman has a new setting of Louisiana in the 1950s.
When children discover a mysterious stranger in a barn they believe he is Jesus and vow to protect and look after him.
Outside however, the adults are hunting down an escaped convict and bow to bring him to justice.
What ensues is a collision of the hope and kindness of children, against cynicism and harsh judgements of adults.
It’s a production where hope and despair intertwine.
Will ‘Jesus’ be crucified a second time?
This is a very confident and impressive cast.
There is real friendship and chemistry between the performers on stage that stands out, they perform well as a team – they enjoyed themselves!
They all played their parts well from the lead characters to the supporting cast to the chorus, as well as to the musicians and the production crew backstage.
What a powerful presence from the likes of Swallow (Fleur Grace Wigmore) and The Man (Fred Holland-Carson); Swallow’s family members, Boone (Nathaniel Grills), Poor Baby (Thea Shawcroft) and Brat (Lucas Creed) as they struggle to cope following the tragic death of the children’s mother; warring couple Amos (Alfie Christian) and Candy (Hannah Arnold); Earl (Noah Vogel), Snake Preacher (Andrew Dunnett-Edge) and Minister (Lucia Taylor Valles); and so many of the other characters.
Individually there are some stars of the future, and with the many opportunities available in Southport’s rich cultural scene, I’m sure we’ll be seeing them again on stage very soon in more local productions.
Have you been to see Whistle Down The Wind? What did you think?
Let us know in our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
