Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical

For the third year running, Playlovers have kicked off the year with a youth musical, and the shows are getting better and better. Making great use of the hired space at Mount Lawley - with a production that uses the whole auditorium - Camp Rock is a vibrant, fun and well performed production.

Set designer Wayne Herring gives us a single set that transforms quickly and simply between our heroes at Camp Rock and richer, rival camp, Camp Star. This is supported by a quality lighting design from Fiona Reid, and costumes from Nyree Scott that are vibrant and true to character - including fun camp uniforms for each camp site.

Central character, Mitchie Torrens, is played with grace, skill and likeability by Bronte McLennan, who anchors the show with aplomb. Mitchie’s boyfriend, rockstar Shane Gray, is played with ease and charm by Charles Sherrington. Shane’s brothers are fellow members of band Connect 3, with Nate played with depth by Marc Antony, and Oliver Skinner making an impressive stage debut as Nate.

Camp Rockers include Mitchie’s friends Caitlyn (Ella Scott), Ella (Abby Letts), Peggy (Kristen King) and new girl Rosie (Amelia Count) as well as the great trio of Barron, Sander and Andy, well played by Henry Hayes, Marc Obi, and Owen Severn, all of whom create distinct characters and work well as a team. They are supported by a busy “Camp Rock Ensemble”.

Over at Camp Star, the lovely Dana Tuner, a girl who knows her own mind, is played with nuance and talent by Anneka McLennan, while the spoiled Tess Tyler (a very dynamic Juliette Andrews) and Luke Williams (a confident Sebastian Robison-Crook) fight for star status. Like its rival, Camp Star also has a strong and energetic ensemble.

In adult roles, Daniel Nievelstein is believable as Camp Rock’s owner and founder, struggling under financial pressure, while Will Gore revels in playing driven, win-at-all-costs Axel Turner. Jessica May makes a lovely cameo as TV presenter Georgina Farlow.

Singing is strong under the Musical Direction of Sue McLennan and dances are performed with high energy and precision - showing off Connie Wetherilt’s clever and varied choreography.

If you enjoyed the movie or are looking for some good, clean, holiday entertainment that the whole family will enjoy - you simply can’t go past Camp Rock. A show that will leave you humming.

Kimberley Shaw