Based on the traditional fairy tale of The Ugly Duckling, the fun musical by George Styles and Anthony Drewe is on stage at the South Canterbury Drama League during the first week of the school holidays.
Adults and children alike will love this vibrant show, full of catchy tunes and likeable characters and with a strong message of acceptance and diversity.
Main character Ugly is a duckling who is born to a family of ducks in the duck yard.
He does not look like his siblings, and as a result is teased mercilessly by all the other birds.
The only one who stands up for him is his mother, who teaches him that it is okay to be different.
He is lured away by the cat, and finds himself on an adventure which brings dangers and challenges, and ultimately teaches him some very valuable lessons.
Right from the start, the high calibre of acting talent is on display with Ida (Lucy Mackenzie) and Drake (Ben Compton), who await the hatching of their eggs.
With clear delivery and comedic timing, Compton plays the part of the rather reluctant father-to-be, who would rather be down at the "Watering Hole" with his pals.
The demanding role of Ugly’s mum, Ida, is carried superbly by Mackenzie’s strong vocal quality and commitment to the role of the caring and protective mother.
Ugly himself is played by Layla Rae, who undergoes a transformation on stage.
Rae at first is a timid duckling who cannot understand why being different should create such disharmony, singing the very poignant Different ("life’s harder when you’re odd").
He then faces challenges including outfoxing a very cunning Cat (Ella Phaff), who is determined to have him for dinner.
Phaff’s villainous characterisation and singing mark her as another standout within a strong, stellar cast.
The ducklings (Sophie Dunn, Roma McCambridge, Amelia Flatt and Yael Anisy Oudemans) create a delightfully unruly clutch for poor Drake to look after, giving him new-found respect for a mother’s role.
Stealing the show is the gaggle of RAF geese, led by the pompous Greylag (Zepplyn Anisy Oudemans) and the real organiser, Dot (Elsa Nelson).
Zepplyn’s delivery is confident and hilarious, clear signs of his depth of experience on this stage.
The creative team has done an incredible job with this show.
With Ella Thomas as director, Sam Roadley as musical director and Kat Thompson as choreographer, the paddling of actors has been under robust leadership.
Their skills have been especially apparent in the slick movement from line to line, beautiful harmonies and vibrant singing, and the engaging movement which constantly takes place on stage.
A special mention must also be made of the incredible production personnel who have clearly worked so tirelessly behind the scenes to bring us this wonderful show.
The costuming and makeup are vivid and creative, cleverly capturing the essence of the animals.
Audiences are in for a quacking good time at this show.
With a strong anti-bullying and positive self-esteem message, it is a "must do" activity for the school holidays, so make sure you book your tickets today as many sessions are already close to selling out.
