The Ragged Child
Last updated: 06/11/2009 06:35:00
The Ragged Child
Norfolk Youth Music Theatre
Maddermarket Norwich
Education, not only a treatment for contemporary ills but in the mid 19thC a way of moving from working class gutter poverty
to the teaching of rudimentary social skills. Benefacors set up the Ragged Schools of London before Lord Shaftesbury brought them together under the Ragged School Union.
This latest musical theatre from the present members of NYMT concentrates on the story of just two of those destitute children in Taylor and Whately's drama with Karen Stangham's small orchestra adding much atmosphere to Adrian Connell's fine production.
When this enterprising group first performed it in 1996 I said they were 'completely convincing...in a slick, ever-moving production' and consistently nothing has changed in the current show. There are periods when the band was a little too loud, voices did not project due to delivery speed or being directed upstage but there was always movement and interest - especially clever in the ensembles.
Tragedies unfolded as Lord Shaftesbury's son and Joe's sister both die. Is Joe a thief? London's cholera saves him from deportation and he emigrates to Australia for a new life but with a cruel twist. It's all 'a bloomin' shame' but there are few weak moments from a talented cast who obviously enjoy it all themselves.
Michael Drake
The show continues tonight and Saturday