Tonight’s performance was the culmination of a movement started in September 2011. Looking for something to celebrate the Cultural Olympiad, as well as the venue’s 50th anniversary, the Pegasus Youth Theatre groups settled on the idea of ‘Dreams’.

 

The first group up, 'Dream-makers' - the 6-7s drama and music group - were genuinely scary, haunting but evocative. It was only after this that the true volume of the crowd became apparent. The noisy crowd – made up mainly of parents – meant that the event was possibly one to avoid if you had a headache.

 

A late addition to the bill, Dreams Are…, focussed on crushed dreams - and possibly pushed things a bit too far. It would be interesting to know how much personal experience they put into their testimonials, as some really slated their parents!

 

Possibly one of the best numbers of the night came from the 8-9s drama and music group’s ‘Hats!’ performance. The “We could do anything” duet from ‘Ivan’ and ‘Ivy’ was particularly good. The timings of the piece were a little bit stilted, but perhaps I’m being too demanding. 

 

During the course of the night both meanings of the word ‘dream’ were explored - both hopes, and fantasies. However, the production might have been better if there were dedicated shows for each, possibly separated at the interval.

 

‘Raising the stakes’ was a nice Faustian take on the financial crisis, really well played by the 14-19s drama group, but possibly one that played a bit looser with the ‘dream’ theme. It was particularly memorable for one leather jacket-clad kid who had the crowd in stitches with his single line.

 

One thing that does strike home is that the off-stage support has to be really good so that the kids aren’t left standing around like lemons. For most of the show this is kept up, but there are moments when the veil slips. 

Finally, everyone crowded in for the last number. As the acts filed out to the thunderous applause (boy, do those parents love it!) the guys with green buckets came round to collect donations.

 

Overall the evening was an interesting one, with plenty of unexpected treats, and only a few nightmares in store.