The show opens as it means to go on, with a practically perfect rendition of Mary Poppins. Introducing us to the whole Broadway Showtunes company that cover those aged from junior school to sixth form, you are whisked away onto the rooftops of London as the cast stepped in time. This scene set the energy, pace, and talent for the rest of the evening. 

Act One continues with the same energy as the Limelight Company take on the brilliant Our House. With lyrics by the legendary band Madness, this section was packed with different things going on around the stage and the audience could feel how much fun the performers were having on stage! I almost wish I could have joined them!

Into The Woods is up there as one of my favourite recent staged shows and I absolutely love how you can take the script and interpret it in so many different ways. The Limelight Company and Professional Development Programme collaborated on this section to create a modern interpretation with protestors, school children, a killer pink suit cladded evil stepmother, and what appeared to be an election speech going on. I must give a huge nod to the young performer playing Little Red Riding Hood and the PDP vocalist who sung "Children Will Listen" who both blew me away. 

Act One closed off with the iconic Newsies. Having taken the West End by storm, it was time to take the Bournemouth stage by storm and that is exactly what they did. With enough energy to incite a revolution, I couldn't help but have a huge grin on my face throughout and I loved the opportunity to showcase some fantastic male vocals throughout the scene and some brilliant dancing to match. I could feel the buzz of the audience talking about the first act throughout the interval.  

Act Two opened with a more sombre start than Act One with an ode to Young Frankenstein. With some brilliant physical comedy, it was the perfect way to ease us gently into the second half of the show. Soon enough we were taken on a Summer Holiday with the adorable Footlight Company, the youngest members to grace the stage, and my goodness their tenacity and energy was incredible. 

The Professional Development Programme is a group of students who are part of an intensive musical theatre programme that sets them up for the professional world alongside studying in years 12 and 13.  It's clear to see that these students work tirelessly alongside their educational studies to shape themselves into stand out future stars and their time to truly shine came across both the Mrs Henderson Presents section and the rendition of "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing" in Act Two where they had the opportunity to showcase a variety of talents from dancing to acting, and singing. 

The show switches up the energy towards the end of Act Two with arguably my favourite musical Rent. I absolutely loved the nod to director Jamie Lloyd as the scene opens with an off stage live video feel. Rounding off the show we have the hilariously brilliant Sister Act. From the cast dressed like nuns to then flipping it to a disco party full of sequins, you couldn't ask for a better closing scene. With the whole cast crammed on stage you can truly take a moment to appreciate the level of organisation, skill, and talent to put on a showcase such as this.