It’s time for the Apprentices to shine! Manchester Musical Youth’s (MMY) latest production, Finding Nemo Jr, swam onto the Z-arts stage this week and what a splash it made. With a 34-strong cast of young performers, this vibrant musical adaptation of Disney and Pixar’s beloved underwater adventure truly showcased the depth of talent within MMY’s apprentices.
Directed by Shannon Holland with Sarah Barron as Assistant Director and produced by the ever-fabulous Kimberly and Dave Holden, the production captured the heart and humour of the original film while allowing every performer to sparkle.
Finding Nemo Jr features music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and a book adapted by Lindsay Anderson. The story follows Marlin, an anxious clownfish father who embarks on a daring journey across the ocean to find his lost son, Nemo. Along the way, he meets unforgettable characters, learns to let go, and discovers the true meaning of trust and love.
At the centre of this heartwarming story is Sebastian Millrine as Marlin, making his MMY debut. Millrine beautifully embodies Marlin’s journey from fear to faith, delivering a performance brimming with sincerity and emotion. His transformation in the final moments when he finally believes in Nemo is genuinely moving and sure to bring a tear to the eye.
As Nemo, Albie Gilbert is simply delightful. His vocals, honed under the guidance of Dave Holden, have developed remarkably, and his performances of “Not My Dad” and “That’s My Dad” were tender, powerful, and exquisitely sung. Gilbert’s natural stage presence and emotional depth make him utterly captivating.
Isla Cregeen shines as Dory, the forgetful yet big-hearted blue tang who brings comic relief and warmth in equal measure. With impeccable timing, charm, and a joyous energy that lights up the stage, Isla truly captures Dory’s lovable spirit. Her vocals, trained by Kimberly Holden, add an extra layer of polish to a standout performance.
A highlight of the show comes from Elsie Ingram as Crush, the laid-back sea turtle who steals the scene with a fantastic rendition of “Go with the Flow.” Her cool confidence and strong vocals make this number one of the production’s high points. Aliana Bennett also deserves special mention her energy as one of the lobsters lifts every moment, she’s on stage.
One of MMY’s greatest strengths is its sense of family, and this production is no exception. With so many siblings performing together and others following in the footsteps of MMY alumni the company’s community spirit shines through. It’s this nurturing environment that has helped countless young performers progress to prestigious drama schools and universities.
The staging and technical design were equally impressive. Clever use of a projected backdrop, strobe lighting, and colourful costumes transported the audience beneath the waves. The choreography, led by Shannon Holland, was both imaginative and dynamic, particularly the sharks’ tap sequence and the show-stopping “Go with the Flow.” The use of seagulls to cover scene changes was inspired, and young Joshua Hooks as the baby seagull added an adorable touch that drew plenty of smiles.
Another standout was Alice Dunphy, who threw herself into every dance number with energy and commitment. Long-standing MMY members Eliza Dunphy, Sophie Forster, and Ruby Pennington also brought experience and poise to the stage, balancing perfectly with the excitement of so many new faces performing for the first time.
Every performer, from lead to ensemble, radiated confidence, enthusiasm, and pure joy, testament to MMY’s ethos: Igniting Passion, Nurturing Talent, Showcasing Success.
Having seen many MMY productions over the years, I can honestly say they continue to set the gold standard for youth theatre. Their dedication to developing young talent and creating professional-level productions is unmatched. Watching these youngsters grow into accomplished all-round performers is an absolute privilege and I always feel like a proud parent by proxy!
If you can catch Finding Nemo Jr at Z-arts this weekend, do it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave feeling uplifted by the extraordinary talent of Manchester’s stars of tomorrow. It is a heartfelt, high-energy production that proves Manchester Musical Youth’s apprentices are destined for big things. Grab a ticket whilst you can at Z-arts box office www.z-arts.org or 0161 226 1912
Reviewer: Katie Leicester
Reviewed: 10th October 2025
North West End UK Rating: