West End Showcase

West End-side Story

West End Showcase

Dramacube Productions, at the Wonderville Theatre, Haymarket until 18^th June

Review by Sadie Williams

I’ve regularly enjoyed Dramacube shows at the Cecil Hepworth Playhouse in Walton and at Hampton Hill Theatre but there was a little extra prestige about the latest production which was being staged at London’s Wonderville Theatre.

The Wonderville Theatre is just a stone’s throw from His Majesty’s Theatre, currently home of Phantom of the Opera, and opposite The Theatre Royal Haymarket.  Competition for a full-house was always going to be tough but this was no problem for the Dramacube cast with every seat taken.

There was a buzz in Haymarket on Saturday as musical lovers queued patiently for West End Live. The buzz was even greater inside the Wonderville Theatre as we filed into the impressive auditorium which was set out with seating on three sides and a raised proscenium arch stage at one end.

Playing to an audience on three sides was a new experience for most of these students and being in such close proximity to the audience required a greater degree of bravery.  There was however no sign of nerves as we were treated first to the Twickenham Blue, Green and Purple casts medley of West End and Broadway hits which were delivered with gusto and glee!

A totally engaged audience saw scenes and songs from shows including Six, The Greatest Showman, Matilda, Mean Girls, Heathers, Wicked, School of Rock, Encanto, Moana and Beauty and the Beast.

So good was the show in fact that I returned on the Sunday, when I enjoyed the Hampton Hill Red and Yellow casts and the Esher Orange cast, who were equally impressive, also performing in brilliant brightly coloured T-shirts to reflect their own cast colour.

As with all Dramacube shows this was truly an ensemble piece and every young actor lit up the West End stage with energy, commitment, and zest.  I must however give a special mention to Ramona Sleight in Candy Store, Huey Chalmers in Revolting Children, Judith Kuhnel in We Don’t Talk About Bruno, Hannah Kuhnel in School of Rock, Florence Bastin and Grace Young who opened the Sunday show with Defying Gravity.

Even more impressive – this production was put together in just four weeks by Director Matthew Bunn and choreographers Heather Stockwell and Rory Cubbin.

With the excitement of performing at a West End theatre, these talented students have more excitement ahead with Dramacube having just announced their autumn season which includes the Christmas classic Annie and the hugely popular Little Mermaid. I’m personally looking forward to seeing both shows!

Sadie Williams, June 2023

Photography by Csilla Horvath Photography