CRE8tion: Volume I - A Musical Theatre Showcase
Review by Martine Silkstone.
What a joyful way to end a Sunday!
CRE8 Theatre Productions (the Suffolk CIC which aims to deliver classes, workshops and performance opportunities to both children and adults across the county) took to the Theatre Royal stage last night for a spectacular musical showcase - and it was such fun!
A large cast of children and young adults presented songs and routines from a handful of popular shows including Beauty and the Beast, Legally Blonde and, my personal favourite, Guys and Dolls.
There was no staging to speak of, just a few props, some subtle outfit changes and an abundance of local talent.
Which is just as well, because founder and director Dan Moore did not go easy on them when it came to songs and choreography, instead asking a lot of his company of players, secure in the knowledge that they were up to the challenge.
Which isn’t to say it was all perfect - live theatre rarely is! But while it was perhaps a little rough round the edges, each and every one of the cast brought an infectious, slightly untamed energy to proceedings, giving it their all and having a great time in the process.
Which we all know is contagious - when they are having fun, we as the audience do too, right?
Yes, bravo to all. They fully deserved the rapturous round of applause being given as they took the final bow.
Congratulations too to musical director Edith Stewart who we, from our balcony position, could see on a display screen directing and applauding those on stage.
Now, given that these are young, amateur performers, I hesitate to single any one out from what was clearly a fantastic team effort.
However, there were a few stand outs for me…
Lorna Glennie gave a superb vocal performance as the hairdresser, Paulette, in Legally Blonde. She is one to watch.
Cián Harriss, as Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, performed a wonderful version of ‘Sit Down Your Rockin’ the Boat’, supported by some of the ensemble in the classic chair/congregation routine (always love this song and group choreography, and they didn’t let me down).
Meanwhile, for Beauty and the Beast, Eleanor Chamberlain was wonderfully angelic as Belle, Emma Bryant was voice-perfect as Mrs Potts and Tom Williamson undeniably the perfect choice for Lefou.
Then, the appropriately-named Oliver Webdale melted hearts with a beautiful rendition of ‘Where is Love’ in Oliver, before Seth Jackson charmed with an exuberant performance as The Artful Dodger.
Finally, Sam Finan - who had already given a glimpse of his talent as Gaston - showed off his wonderful voice as Nick in The Great Gatsby.
They closed with songs from Wicked and, while I myself have never quite got the hype of that particular musical, it was nevertheless a lovely end to what had been a soul-lifting couple of hours.
I am pleased to report that CRE8 already have more shows in the works, and I highly recommend taking a look at their website to find out more…
CRE8tion: Volume 1 was at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds on 12 April 2026.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THEIR UPCOMING SHOWS, CLICK HERE