Razzamataz at Her Majesty’s Theatre
Sunday 9th February 2020
It might have been the day that Storm Ciara hit the UK, but nothing was going to dampen the spirits, enthusiasm and talents of more than 300 Razzamataz students as they took to the stage of Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End.
Welcoming the audience to the home of The Phantom of the Opera, was our compere and host Matt Lee-Alliston who introduced each of the schools and spoke about the hard work and passion that each Principal, teacher and student puts into creating this amazing showcase. This was Razzamataz’s sixth performance at the iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre and a fitting way to continue the 20th Anniversary celebrations.
Act one
Razzamataz Carlisle presents: This Place Where We Belong
It’s ok to be you, whatever or whoever that may be was the inspiring message from the students at Razzamataz Carlisle. Opening the show with a burst of energy and cool street dance number called Don’t Even Know It, from the musical Everyone’s Talking about Jamie, this piece captured the raw emotion of teenage years and what if feels like to feel different. Sharp dance moves, clever staging and an emotional and mature performance from all involved, showed the special bond between Jamie and his friends, in a moving and heart-felt opener to the gala performance. Great moments of tenderness between the lead characters and a strong performance from everyone on stage, with a special shout out to Jamie and his teacher who offered a mature and intelligent performance.
Razzamataz Chester presents: City of Stars
Inspired by the gorgeous award winning musical film La La Land, the students of Razzamataz Chester captured the colours and magic of this iconic film where becoming a star is just around the corner. Some ‘Strictly’ partner dance moves in the opening number added a wow factor and technical difficulty and showed the trust students have in each other. Clever staging and choreography kept the audience smiling throughout and the students all did brilliantly to control their breadth and singing, enabling them to go from fast energetic numbers to the beautiful and haunting ‘City of Stars’.
Razzamataz Bristol North and South present: Crazy Little Plant Shop
How to bring a plant to life? Well the students of Bristol North and South know how with rock n roll dance and fantastic makeup and costumes. Confident solo performances with strong acting from the ensemble brought the Crazy Little Plant Shop to life. Inspired by the Little Shop of Horrors, this was an incredibly confident and mature performance, especially by the young Audrey and her evil dentist boyfriend. Funny and witty, a wonderful debut to the West End from the Bristol schools.
Razzamataz York presents: Together, Together, Together, Everyone! Come on York Lets Have Some Fun!!
Bringing the party and fiesta to the stage of Her Majesty’s was the students at Razzamataz York with their interpretation of High School Musical. Sequins and sparkle and high energy kept the audience tapping their feet throughout this musical masterpiece. Special shout out to the solo performers who didn’t drop their characters for a moment and the entire ensemble who despite their young age, kept the energy throughout with a larger than life stage presence. It was great to see the boys putting their all into the performance and the wow factor was there in the form of some clever ‘cheer’ tricks.
Razzamataz Southend presents: Auditions!
Based on the popular children’s musical film Sing, this much loved animation was brought to life by Razzamataz Southend. Each performer on the stage took on a different character to create the setting for the re-telling of the story. There were some very cool characters and quirky tongue in cheek moments allowing every performer to have a chance for a moment in the spotlight. Special mention to the Taylor Swift classic Shake it Off number that featured slick choreography with lots of attitude from each performer.
Razzamataz Carlisle presents: Nowhere To Go But Up
They promised to leave the audience wanting more and they certainly didn’t disappoint with this beautiful pieced based on the classic Mary Poppins sequel. Gorgeous costumes and a cast that were perfectly in sync created a magical performance. The audience enjoyed mature solo performances with strong vocals including a tricky tongue twister rhyme, together with intricate choreography and challenging rhythms. Adding an extra layer of difficulty, the cast incorporated props to add a further pop of colour to finish the first act in style. Breathtakingly beautiful and a fitting tribute to this wonderful film.
Act two
Razzamataz Mansfield presents: Give a Little Love
Strong vocals , sharp movements with flapper choreography from the young cast opened the second half of the show with some good old fashion show biz magic. Set in a 1920s speakeasy and inspired by Bugsy Malone, the young cast filled the stage with the most popular characters from this much-loved film. Strong vocals from the solo performers and wonderful characterisations from all. Special mention goes to So You Wanna Be A Boxer routine – fun and feisty!
Razzamataz Yeovil presents: Attention all Whos
A promise to bring colour and enthusiasm did not disappoint with an eclectic cast of characters from the world of Dr. Seuss. Bringing the world of Horton the Elephant to life, the cast took the audience on an energetic journey through the jungle showcasing a musical theatre performance with some stand out solo performances with confident vocals. Beautifully arranged numbers allowing every character to stand out and shine. Collectively the cast were able to brilliantly tell this story with heart and confidence.
Razzamataz Hackney and Queens Park presents: Razz Rocks
This was the debut Her Majesty’s performances for these two schools, although they certainly did not look like novices as they came out on stage looking fierce and strong and full of attitude. Bringing the rock to the West End – the dance was on point and the confidence was buzzing. Excellent dance and packing a powerful punch, this joint cast made sure to keep the energy in the theatre with classic Queen hits. Captivating solo performances and striking but simple staging gave a moving and fitting tribute to the legends of rock. By the power of this performance, many of these young people may well be returning to the West End stage as professionals.
Razzamataz Penrith presents: School of Razz
Rocking out this evening were the energetic students of Razzamataz Penrith who got the mix between goody-two-shoes pupils and rock stars brilliantly. Complete with head banging and rock star moves, the cast got the essence of hit show School of Rock. On point choreography showcasing strong dance moves, this performance was full of energy and fun. With non-stop jumping and dancing, the cast released all of their inhibitions to create a memorable and fiery performance.
Razzamataz Cambridge presents: Modern Twenties
A beautiful piece of storytelling created this historical showcase performance with stunning costumes and a look back to a story inspired by the film Thoroughly Modern Millie’. Fun choreography with a nod to the flapper dances of the 1920s, the students captured the quirkiness of this film brilliantly. Showcasing a wide range of dance styles and mature acting performances, the cast transported the audience back to an era of style and elegance in this enchanting number about young people making their way in the world.
Razzamataz Durham presents: Sparklejolly twinklejingley
On a cold and rainy winter’s night when we were visited by Storm Ciara, the Razzamataz Durham students had a big challenge to transport us back to the cosines of Christmas. But they certainly left us feeling warm and fuzzy with their adaptation of Elf. Opening up with lots of little elves and a strong vocal solo performance, which set the yuletide scene perfectly, the students showcased musical theatre song and dance. A lovely duet between two of the cast members was well executed and heartfelt and confidently delivered. In fact, the performance gave many students the chance to shine with solos and all were confidently performed with big and powerful vocals.
Razzamataz Mansfield presents This Is Me!
Closing the show with one of the biggest musical films in the last few years, there was lots of expectations from the Seniors at Razzamataz Mansfield to deliver, which they did with gusto. This Is Me, inspired by the hit film, The Greatest Showman, featured powerful, sophisticated street dance numbers with mesmerising choreography. Tackling some of the most iconic songs with powerful vocals as an ensemble and also solo performances, it was impossible to look away for even a second. The contemporary dance section showcased the talent of the young dancers and the skills many are learning in Razz Project Intense. The whole group moved perfectly as one to create a professional and joyful finish to what was an incredible night at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
