Behind the Curtain – an ‘excellent’ show

By Roz Whistance

It was written to showcase young talent, and to highlight issues tackled by two Island charities. A new musical theatre production, last weekend, achieved that and far more.

Behind The Curtain was written by Hannah Brear, director of the Medina Community Choir, who were the chorus, and from which the lead actors were taken – some of whom had not starred in an acting role before. It is the story of a travelling chorus troupe, led by a wheeler-dealer impresario, Bruno Brunetti, played by Paul Smith, whose daughters Laura and Eva (Ellie Warne and Tilly Grimshaw), and ex-wife Laurène (Helen Lambert), are the stars. It celebrates hope over unlikely odds, but also rivalry and infidelity. There’s a lesson about homophobia and overstretched NHS workers too, and themes of eating disorders and serious illness.

Hannah wrote the musical, made up of songs from such classics as Matilda, Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, using it as a platform to raise awareness for two charities, The Wight Brainy Bunch and the IW Children’s Eating Disorder Service.

The quality of the performances was excellent, the singing was pure yet powerful. JoJo Thorne, playing the mum of Rob and Fiona Capewell, straddled comedy and poignancy effortlessly. Laura Stichbury captured the character of Brunetti’s very efficient secretary. As to the choir, their tone was excellent, as was their performance. Space in the theatre was limited but they embraced the challenge.

The quality of the production was cemented by the accompaniment of James Longford on keyboard, JC Grimshaw on guitar, Jon Thorne on double bass, Rufus Reader on percussion and Kathy Grimshaw on violin.