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Children of Eden

Review

Nothing humdrum as first lady leaves audience sobbing

So it is not as well known as Stephen Schwartz's more familiar offering Godspell?

So the songs are not instantly recognisable?

So what?

Under the direction of James George for HumDrum AmDram, Children of Eden is a musical which should stomp all over its sibling for much-deserved attention.

Although set as the Biblical tales of Adam and Eve, and Noah, the try story is of the father/son relationship - and it is proficiently tackled by an able cast in a brilliant production.

Members of the strongly-choreographed chorus step out in turn to take on the lead roles.

The additional use to the chorus as scenery is especially ingenious - from the Tree of Knowledge to Noah's Ark.

It is difficult to mention individual names when a group is as talented as this but Jane Pegler's performance as Eve has to be an exception.

She left last night's audience sobbing uncontrollable by the interval - and what a voice!

My only criticism is that sound levels occasionally caused the flawless orchestra to drown out the voices - presumable a first-night lapse only.

This amdram company gives a professional performance which is a must-see for all musical fans.

Paula Cartwright - Reproduced by permission.

Mike Allen – Portsmouth News – Tuesday 9 May 2000