Review of "It seemed like a good idea at the time"

This show - directed by Julie Marshall, inspired by the children themselves
and written by Tony Watts - attracted a bumper audience, and the logistics
of accommodating them and the seventy children in the cast must have caused
some headaches.

As always these children (aged from about six upwards) spawned some stars,
surprises and a glittering, noisy, in-yer-face event. Tom Green, Oliver
Willems and Robin Sheridan made the introductory announcements with aplomb.

The tinies' item, "How much is that doggie in the window?" was a real
"A-A-A-A-H " number.

Neil Vaux, cool in shades, and his fellow presenters did a great job. I
loved the Elvis impersonation - Oscar Wimshurst wowed the screaming teenage
girls in their colourful, swirly skirts. And yes, here was a youthful Cliff
Richard (Oliver Willems) in "The Young Ones" to more swooning girlies.

The 1960's era was well represented by flower power placards waved by
hippies to "All you need is love". All this energy and enthusiasm was
almost tangible - an electric charge. The punk era was powerfully recalled
- - - torn clothes, bizarre body piercing -- - as these lads jumped,
grimaced, yelled, and - more spine-chillingly - stared menacingly at the
audience while bathed in an eerie green light. I didn't know whether to
laugh or hide under my seat!

I particularly liked the choreography of "Wake me up before you go" as the
century progressed through the rap, hip-hop and Spice Girl phases. As the
performers swung into their finale "Reach for the stars" I thought "Wow!".

These youngsters have made us confront our memories and in some cases youth
long past, with so much fun and laughter. Thank you all.

Rosemary Hodges