A wonderful array of young talent took to the stage at the Harrogate Theatre on Sunday 18 June in support of SHINE, charity supporting individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
There was most definitely something for everyone in danSing for Shine. The compères for the evening were ITV News Presenter, Christine Talbot and Shine Patron, Danny Mills, and they introduced trumpeter, Ed Addo, who had travelled from London especially for the show. Fresh from the National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, musical theatre artist, Lucy Sherman, gave an outstanding performance of “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” from The Little Mermaid. danSing juniors and intermediates took to the stage in splendid costumes and were joined by soloists, Megan Mead as Mary Poppins and Will Jackson as Willy Wonka.
Next on the bill were Leeds based, The Fabulous Smith Twins with one of their own comedy sketches involving Spiderman and Cat Woman. The Brackenfield School Choir gave an excellent rendition of their wonderful ‘Yorkshire Medley” which had been previously performed at the Tour de Yorkshire.
Musical theatre artists, Lydia Bradd and Kitty Watson, demonstrated strong vocals and dance skills and there were excellent harmonies and a very colourful Bollywood tribute from danSing seniors.
To close the first half of the show, Ilan Sherman gave the very first performance of his new charity single “All Leeds Aren’t We,” which had the audience singing along and waving their arms.
After the interval dansing students burst onto the stage to perform a rock medley, joining forces with local rock group Oblivion. Singer, Bethany Hare, enchanted with a superb rendition of “The Impossible Dream.” Swing Time featured a well- rehearsed routine from duo, Sam Daltry and Will Jackson, followed by precise harmonies and slick moves from the Duchy Belles who were then joined on stage by singer, Bradley Johnson. Bradley was a finalist in the BBC’s ‘Let it Shine’ talent show and he reprised his audition number “Bring Him Home” which won him a standing ovation from the judging panel. Olivia Jackson, who is just about to graduate from the American Musical Theatre Academy in London, performed with a number of former dansing students, celebrating danSing’s 10th Anniversary Year. Finally, comedy legends, Cannon and Ball, topped the bill. Tommy and Bobby are now celebrating 54 years together and it is claimed that they are the longest running comedy double act in the world. They interacted with the audience to much amusement and also did their very funny ‘table tennis’ comedy sketch.
danSing for Shine was a great show, full of amazing young talent, directed by actress Adrienne Posta, with musical direction and arrangements from Helen Leaf and choreography by Jane Waring and Joe Hodgkinson. Throughout all the performances there was sign interpretation by Vivien Sabel.
Christine Talbot said: I had a wonderful time co-hosting the Shine show with a lovely group of very talented young people, many of who are destined for great things in music and on stage – a huge privilege.
George Farrar, drummer with Oblivion, added: We really enjoyed taking part in the danSing for Shine event and hope that it has helped a lot of families.
Blossom Sabel, a senior danSing performer, commented: It is so wonderful to be involved in a show that supports others. It is great to know all of our efforts are going in some way to supporting Shine UK.
Written by Mike Hine
