After two postponements and weeks of preparation, Strictly Youthful at last was able to take place on September 11^th in the Orpheus Barn with both a matinee and an evening performance. It played to full houses. The result was beyond all my expectations. The performers, a mix of students, staff and friends both past and present, were worthy of a professional stage and wowed the audiences with their wonderful talents. The smooth running of the show was owed in no small measure to the fantastic support and hard work behind the scenes of Head of Community Fund-raising Beverley Worsley to whom, as producer, I am truly grateful.

Below is a short review by former student Jenny Musselle whom I befriend and scribe for weekly.

Strictly Youthful

by Jenny Musselle

On Saturday afternoon on September 11^th, my PA Adele and I came to see the Strictly Youthful show. Whenever I go to Orpheus I always have mixed feelings because it brings back a lot of memories and I am reminded of all the good times I had when I was a student there for six years from 2006- 2012. I was myself in the very first Strictly Youthful.

Saturday’s show was amazing and the talent was off the scale and wonderful. It was really good to see everyone performing after so long. It brought out all sorts of emotions.

I really enjoyed Andrew Self dancing a duet with Blythe my favourite music Time after Time. The show had everything – it even had a bit of comedy with Richard Stilgoe and Chris Lovelace singing old time skiffle. The only thing is, they aren’t exactly strictly youthful but never mind! And I liked Richard’s song Maxine which was hilarious – especially as I know a real Maxine.

I would like to say everyone was excellent in their own way. Here’s hoping there will be lots more shows like it in the future.