Spring Awakening – Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre

Spring Awakening is a story of how sexual desires take hold of teenagers as they reach the precipice between childhood and adulthood. It is an exploration of the potential dangers of oppressing these desires, and of improper education about them. First hitting Broadway in 2006 after several years of previews and concerts, the importance of the show’s theme is not to be understated and is as relevant in the 21st century as ever. The juxtaposition of alternative rock set against a religious, conservative backdrop is a real interesting concept.

Over the last few years, I have seen lots of productions by Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre and have always found their ambition to be their greatest strength. Their production of ‘Chess’ a couple of years ago was particularly terrific, and Spring Awakening maintains their very high quality of performance and production.

Spring Awakening is a real ensemble piece, with truly outstanding performers, it is no wonder young people from the city are desperate to get into LEYT.  All the ensemble numbers were excellent, but some of the standouts were ‘My Junk’, and ‘The Dark I Know Him Well’, which was led superbly by Eboni Degeir-Mawdsley and Maggie Patino (Ilsa and Martha).

The show was led in a strong opening by Libby Sunter in the role of Wendla, who was a powerhouse throughout. Her opening performance of ‘Mama who bore me’ was tremendous. Sunter offered a fantastic vocal performance, and captured the naive, curious stage of life wonderfully, and gave a beautiful and ultimately haunting performance.

Jack Wright in the role of Melchior was the standout performance of the show. Wright has a lovely singing voice, but ultimately his outstanding dramatic performance was what took the show to the level it reached. An outsider in a conservative community, Melchior’s cynical view on life and belief is the most interesting writing in the show. Wright has a truly bright future as an actor.

Many others could be highlighted for their performances, as everyone in the show was excellent. Some other standouts were Maddy Bell, Freya Maudsley, and Hannah Johnson.

The pit band were truly excellent, as you would expect, and Sheik’s score was delivered with menace. Congratulations to Paul Lawton and his team on the music, it was delivered truly masterfully. A rock band with a string section is always going to be a winner in my eyes.

Direction of the show by Jamil Abbasi and Natalie Flynn was simple but effective. It was operatic, and very fitting of the genre. The movement lacked synchronicity in a few places, and probably would have benefitted from bolder choices.

Overall, the show was a fantastic success, and another quality experience offered by Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre to the talented young people of the region. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre follow up with a production of the musical ‘Bring it on’ (written by Lin Manuel-Miranda, who penned ‘Hamilton’, and ‘Mary Poppins returns’) on 16th and 17th August. Tickets can be bought here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/liverpool-empire-youth-theatre-presents-bring-it-on-the-musical/liverpool-empire/

Reviewer: Andrew Lee

Reviewed: 10th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: