"A triumph, an absolute triumph!"

The Music Box (Music and Drama Class) summer term production 'Olivia' was performed to delighted audiences at the Stewarton Area Centre this weekend (25 and 26 June).

This was the first full-length musical that The Music Box have produced and, without a single extra rehearsal, the young actors rose to the challenge and put on an excellent show.

As ever, Ashley Snaddon, who played Olivia, delighted the audience with her beautiful singing.

Among the most noteable performances, James McDougall, a late replacement as Fagin, and Ross Davidson, as Dodger, were outstanding, as were Shannon Gilchrist as Eliza Doolittle and Sarah Allison as Annie and the other flower girls, Lorna Smith, Jennifer Abercrombie and Sophie Moore.

Matthew Allison as Sherlock Holmes and Rebecca Welsh as Dr. Watson also put in great performances. These two also delivered excellence in their cameo roles of George Bernard Shaw and Ebenezer Scrooge.

Another last minute replacement, Lisa Costigan, gave a thoughtful and well characterised performance as Dicken. And Chloe Hume excelled in her four roles - Mrs. Murdstone, Mrs. Dilber, Mrs. Hudson and the Fat Lady with some excellent singing.

The youngest cast members, Jenny Morton (also a late replacement) and Christina Ritchie gave lovely performances as Charlotte and Emily and also entertained as the Constable and the Usher.

All the cast had to work very hard - the longer breaks between scenes necessary because when not playing their main characters the cast also had all the chorus work to do, playing orphans, school girls, Londoners and jurors. On Friday night they were joined by Lois Wright.

Naomi Allison was assisted in this production by Maureen Rodgers and Lydia Breaks and Martin Ritchie volunteered his services with sound and lighting which greatly enhanced the production.

The Music Box would also like to thank the Nether Robertland and Lainshaw Parents Associations who provided interval refreshements.

You can see photos from the show in The Music Box online photoalbum.

After a very short break, The Music Box are back in action with their Summer Drama projects. The official closing date for bookings has passed but if you're very quick, there are still a few places remaining in each of the weeks: Senior Drama begins on Monday 12 July and Junior Drama on Monday 19 July 2010.