By Tim Saunders
My family and I are transported to America in 1906 at Kings Theatre Portsmouth.
The Stage One Youth Theatre production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is brimming with young talent and they’re all clearly enjoying themselves, which is infectious. I take my hat off to them all – there must be thirty actors and actresses on stage - for learning their lines and accents so well. From the outset when Oh What a Beautiful Morning is sung this is a pleasingly upbeat traditional family-friendly musical that feels pretty true to the original – that doesn’t happen often these days.
“My favourite character has to be Ali Hakim (Fraser Ndahiro),” say Heidi (13) and Harriett (15) in unison. “He makes me laugh,” adds Heidi. I have to agree. Fraser is a naturally funny man who really brings the gypsy Persian pedlar to life, no doubt helped by his tall, gangly demeanour.
The costumes are excellent, too; Ali Hakim wears a nice suit, there are cowboy outfits and the girls’ dresses are delightful, all of which remind Harriett and Heidi of the Little House on the Prairie television series. The scenery takes the audience straight to Kansas and the live music from the orchestra complete with double bass, violins and trumpets really enhances the experience.
It’s just under three hours long including an interval and a little over halfway through the first half Henry (10) starts to flag; it’s the seven o’clock show and he’s an early riser – but just as I’m wondering how I can hold his attention there’s an exceptionally well-timed gunshot from Jud Fry’s (Josh Witt) Colt 45 and Henry is once again wide-eyed and focusing. Brilliant. The fight scenes keep his attention, too.
It is a privilege to watch Oklahoma! which is on until Feb 21 at 2pm and 7pm in this beautiful Grade II listed theatre. Tickets from £17.
More information:
https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/oklahoma-stage-one-youth-theatre/
