Moana Jr. (Walton Red Cast)

June 30, 2024

29th June – 1st July

If you haven’t seen Moana – find it, watch it. You won’t regret it, but also don’t blame me for the ear worms that will forage into your brain. The 2016 Disney animated film follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. Moana Junior is a 60 minute musical adaption which brings the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life on stage. Producer Stephen Leslie and his creative team including Directors Rory Cubbin and Matthew Bunn, and choreographers, Heather Stockwell and Natasha Boyle, bring performances from five different casts to Hampton Hill Theatre between 29th of June and 1st of July 2024.

“A job well done by all – they should be very proud of what they have achieved”

I was lucky enough to watch Walton Red Cast this Sunday afternoon, and what a heartwarming performance it was. The most wonderful asset that strikes me about Dramacube shows is that the whole theatre enjoys themselves – the cast on stage and the audience supporting them. It is an organisation that welcomes everyone. They seek to nurture talent, boost confidence and create a strong and supportive community.

After the announcement to switch off our mobile phones, the curtains are pulled back to reveal a spectacular set, designed by Hannah Calarco and built by her, Fiona Auty and Wesley Henderson Roe. I have been lucky enough to see many Dramacube productions and the sets are always imaginative, but this time Calarco has really outdone herself. The beautiful, South Pacific island fabrics, magnificent palm trees, ultraviolet tribal patterns on the floor and even a moving boat set the scene for this hour long adaption featuring all the well-known songs including Where You Are, Shiny, How Far I’ll Go and You’re Welcome.

Six of the main parts are each played by two different cast members, swapping halfway through. After some initial nerves, these soon gave way to confident and entertaining performances. The first Moana, Isobel Owens, provided a touching performance and has a lovely singing voice. She was supported by a very confident Gramma Tala (Maddy Hall), and Maui played by Oliver Bastin who delivered his lines and songs with ease, and knows how to capture an audience with his cheeky and funny personality. His rendition of You’re Welcome was a particular highlight of the show.

The charming ocean ensemble comprised Sophie Waggott, Lucy Dilley, Vienna Ruse, Scarlett Wettrich, Zoe Stone, Amelia King and Juliet Ruse, whilst comedic duo Isla Cookson and Penelope Lamb played Hei Hei and Pua. If you are unaware, Hei Hei is an accident prone rooster, and Pua is Moana’s cute little pot bellied pet pig.

We Know the Way, sung in Samoan, meant the children not only had to learn a new song but a new language too, and they performed it with gusto. Bravo.

The cast’s version of Shiny, featuring Alexander Ashton as Tamatoa, Sara Page and Jessica Page as the left and right claws was a glittering feast for the eyes thanks to Natasha Boyle’s costume design and wardrobe. Adorned with more sequins and gemstones than Liberace’s wardrobe, these three performers worked together to create a memorable number.

Halfway through the show, Moana, Maui and Tamatoa along with Hei Hei and Pua, had a cast change and featured Saatchi Fiander- Derry, Harrison Jenner-Clarke, Elizabeth Lamb, Emma Raynor, Anna-Beatriche Dovnar and Grace Young as Gramma Tala. Each performer gave it their all, with Fiander-Derry and Jenner Clarke shining in their roles as Moana and Maui.

Masie Bell, Elsie McIntyre and Alice Duke performed the chief ancestors while Rosie Cardillo-Zallo performed as Chief Tui with Amy Dilley as Sina and Eleanor Pockett as Gatemonster. I would have liked to have seen more of Ruby Jenner-Clarke who played Tefiti beautifully with poise and grace. Milo Cookson did a great job as Teka, winding his way down the side of the audience at one point, and he was, thankfully, not as scary as the character in the film.

A job well done by all – they should be very proud of what they have achieved.