By David D Ballard
A lively cast of young people aged from 8 to 16 years old from across the Isle of Wight brought their own special magic to a fantastical tale of mystery and adventure for a run of four performances, directed by Apollo Youth Theatre leader Mish Whitmore.
Karl Whitmore, who wrote The Devil’s Mirror and also helped design the set, realistically evokes the evil looking-glass forged from the souls of millions of demons in the fires of hell. Once shattered the scattered fragments bring chaos to the world with an endless winter.
“My story brings together various well-established themes about Hell, the Devil and the dark days of winter,” says Karl. “There are elements of The Snow Queen, Dante’s vision of an icy Hell, the Greek myth of Persephone and other snow-filled fantasies such as Narnia and Frozen. I am really proud of each and every one of the cast of young people. For many it is their first stage performance before a paying public. This production is a tremendous achievement for them and really demonstrates the range and complexity of all their skills and achievements.”
Jack Perry in the lead role of Iblis brought vocal range and a carefully crafted performance of evil personified. He was ably supported by Khaya Mangena as a spring goddess who escapes her imprisonment in a palace of ice. The three demons - Hades Seager, Daniel Harries and Florence Cowley - made the most of their performance in the auditorium as they broke through the fourth wall and interacted confidently with the audience.
When the travelling circus came to town we were all treated to a spectacular display of tightrope walking, aerial acrobatics and circus skills. Simple displays of magic revealed assured performances that invited more audience participation. Tom Howard as Kay, who disappeared in one of the many impressive circus tricks, was matched by Jess Rockhill as Gerda in the demanding role of spurned love. It was all done by members of the Apollo Youth Theatre with a real passion for developing their stagecraft and acting skills.
Credit should also go to the costume designer Liz Santer, and Anthony James,who made the impressive helmets and masks, for their other-worldly creations and to Huxley Magic who helped with the close-up magic tricks.
For details of the Youth Theatre at The Apollo in Newport, Isle of Wight, contact Mish at apolloyouththeatre@gmail.com. or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/apolloyouththeatre
