Review on Billy Elliot by the Evening Post! Well done Ben!!

GOSH. Where to start with this one? There are times when I think that being given the opportunity to review theatrical productions could well rank as one of the best jobs in the world, and this superlative show from the talented young performers of the Sir Harry Secombe Trust is one of the most triumphant pieces of theatre I have been lucky enough to see for the past 11 years. ​ Having already seen West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company's production of this show a little while back at Taliesin, I thought there was no way anyone could beat it in terms of staging, performance or sheer energy, but the Sir Harry group wins hands down. From the minute these kids take the stage, it is evident they fully understand not only the characters and the motivation, but also the times in which the story is set — the bitterness and division that delineated Thatcher's Britain, and the gulf between real life and a wish to escape. Given the fact that this is very much an ensemble show, it seems unfair to focus upon individual performances, but John O'Gara shines like a beacon as Billy, and the characters around him are fully rounded: Rachael Clee's dotty Grandma is brilliantly realised, as are Jack Roberts's Dad, Abigail Rice's Mrs Wilkinson, Catrin Byrne's spectral Mum, Joshua Williams's Tony and Ben Roe's cross-dressing and hilarious Michael. Director Kathryn Rice, musical director Phil Orrin and choreographer Rosie Cottle ensure that this is a powerful show which scores a hit on every level — even the lighting, designed by the ever-reliable Chris "Bomber" Barrett, is so smartly devised that it deserves a round of applause of its own. The dance numbers are beautifully conceived and executed, and the energy with which the cast and chorus go through their paces is inspirational. It is a pity the show's run is a mere three nights, since I feel confident that a week-long run would have attracted capacity audiences every night. An absolutely spellbinding show, and one which fully deserves all the praise which has been heaped upon it during the past few days by the local theatregoing fraternity. Billy Elliot rocks! Graham Williams