THE WOW SHOW Weymouth Pavilion

CELEBRATING 35 years of WOW, more than 40 young people pulled out all the stops to create a compilation show of songs that was as good as anything the group has performed over all those years.

The production gave the audience a selection of music from shows and films old and new, most of them iconic songs but also new and less well known musicals that gave an interesting edge to the evening.

The young cast also delivered a host of classy dance routines in this non-stop show that never missed a beat, thanks to the inspired dedication of director and choreographer Martine Burt whose amazing talents bring out the best in the young performers.

Pride and passion shone through every routine from Flash Bang Wallop, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Jail House Rock to a selection from Newsies and Hamilton, both shows unfamiliar to most of us but wonderful to watch.

All the young cast got a chance to shine and many starred as solo singers, notably Shannon Parfitt, Molly Thorne, Lucy Bone, Charlotte Watson, Harry Lake and Luke Southern, just a few of those who won well deserved acclaim from the capacity audience.

Musical direction by Heather Reed was as always first class as the small but sensational band played rock, rap and romance in equal measure without missing a beat while mention must also be made of the numerous and classy costumes of the cast, gorgeous, colourful and young.

And for those who love tap dancing - and who doesn’t? –there were of course a number of lovely tap routines reminiscent of the good old days of musicals that never die. It comes as no surprise to learn that many WOW members go on to pursue successful careers in show business, watching the current production demonstrates just what a marvellous introduction they receive to the adult world of work.

In November, the group will be performing that old favourite, Me and My Girl at the Pavilion and tickets are already selling, go for it.

MARION COX