By Hilary May

IT was the sixth year that Dianne Turner had brought together a big bucketful of acts to engage audiences in a delightful programme of variety and fun.

This was a programme where parents, grandparents and friends of the performers could see for themselves just what all those rehearsals were all about.

Young compere Callum Hughes had a highly entertaining style and kept the show swinging along with his interaction with the audience and his great ad libbing when the chips were down – he did a fine job.

The Dreams Youngstars were a delight in the Disney Parade and Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, with their little faces beaming out at us. 

We also watched as the older students interpret some well-loved pieces of music such as ‘Mamma Mia’, a modern version of Mozart’s ‘Lacrymosa’, ‘I see Fire’, and the Hungarian ‘Czardas’.

I was greatly impressed by the choreography created by Yasmin Turner, Caitlin Hill, and Megan Hodges and Anna Ross. I brooded on Shakespeare’s Ophelia, as seen by Sir John Mills, as I watched Caitlin – she danced in a completely ethereal style.

The tappers performed their highly entertaining set routine ‘Happy’ and this will be their contribution to the Tapathon World Record being held later this year in Butlins. 

I was bowled over by the piano solos from Oasis performer Lizzy Eary, and from Maddy Brinkley and Charly Sly, and the musical treats from little Ruby Sowden singing from’ Frozen’ with the lovely Tamsin Ferguson, who also performed her own solo and a duet ‘Royals’ with seasoned performer Yasmin.

The ballroom dancers, Matthew, Anthony, Solveiga, Juozas, Olivia and Marietta – well I could have watched all night.

Their step precision and body language brought a little tear of appreciation down my cheek – irresistible! Strictly, here we come! Unknown, a two-family band from Dunster, were a delight! 

The Sullys and the Slys – what a wonderful platform Dianne gave them to play together on the Regal stage.

Oasis Theatre, under the supreme guidance of Georgina Charnock, Rachel Wylds and Sophie Elston, performed in their own inimitable style a musical medley from Frozen with Alexandra Rossister and Alisha Coles.

There was the added attraction of male dancers James, Colin and Richard appearing as big-booted Spanish dancers with the fleet-footed Dianne.

The vocal soloists, Yasmin, Rolando, Natalie and Tamsin, were quite outstanding this year and were an absolute joy to hear. Then there was Dan Boulton, straight from his starring role in Les Mis.

Chaz Hardiman and Gareth Bass were on sound and projection, Ben Embling lit the show with Edward and Robert Taylor on follow spot, and costumes from Dianne and Rachel were colourful and were a visual feast for us all.

The backstage team of Georgina, Rolando, Dianne and Rachel worked hard to ensure the show ran smoothly and successfully.

Dianne’s own hard work and that of her team gave us a highly entertaining show but my lasting memory has to be little Sophie Sefton.

This little girl, dressed in a little black dress, whose voice sent shivers down my spine and is still giving me goose bumps as I write.

Adele would have been proud to hear her song ‘Skyfall’ performed by Sophie. As the song says, she did ‘stand tall’ and ‘faced it all’ and was simply amazing.