Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre [CPYT] 
The Arch, Chandlers Ford
David A Putley
8 August 2024
Following on the heels of an excellent CPYT production of Sister Act last week, a change of scenery for Mike Mullen and his team with this Junior version of the adult show, later to be seen at The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
Madagascar Jr, based on the DreamWorks movie, takes us on a musical adventure with Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo. Marty celebrates his 10th birthday with his friends but is having a bit of a midlife crisis – and dreams of what might be outside the walls of their enclosure at the New York Central Park Zoo. His friends unwittingly escape with him from the zoo and due to some mishaps find themselves in Madagascar.
These main characters were played brilliantly by a very talented young cast, showing abundance of personality for each animal. They certainly brought the charm from the animation alive on stage. As Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra, Cerys Stephen and Amelie Roberts Fagan were perfectly cast, their duet being a particular highlight. Diction and stage awareness were amazing for such young performers. Equally so as Melman, Lily-Grace Pout gave a delightful deadpan delivery of her dialogue whilst as Gloria, Evie Harding completed this talented foursome with her strong vocals and dancing.
I found the scheming penguins and lemurs very amusing, each having their own defined character, perfectly encapsulating their moments on stage. Jessica Adams as Skipper and Fleur Barker as Maurice were particularly good in their respective roles.
As King Julian, Jude Swanborough rocked the stage, complete with bigger than life personality the character demanded. His dialogue delivery and stage presence, really fortifying the Opening of Second Act with energy.
Madagascar is perfect for a youth theatre production – animals are of course all different sizes so is totally suited to a cast of different aged children of varied heights. The simple set was expertly used with ease of access to all doubling up as zoos etc and the ship. Lighting and sound were as excellent as ever at this venue. Costume and makeup were minimal to allow the performances to shine through but perfectly designed to show the type of animal portrayed.
Louise and Susie have kept the whole ensemble busy, and they really bring the show alive with plenty of dance numbers throughout. It is wonderful to see even the littlest performers showing off their dancing skills in a very disciplined production. Many of the numbers involve all or most of the huge cast all on stage together – not an easy feat to choreograph, but it’s done so well in this production.
Everyone is allowed to let rip for ‘I Like To Move It!’, the only song from this lively score by George Noriega and Joel Someillan I knew: the other songs may not be so familiar, but they are catchy tunes and are performed well by all.
If you love a big finale packed with theatre pizzazz, you won’t be disappointed. We get to hear ‘I Like To Move It’ again, with a huge song and dance performance. It is obviously so much fun for the cast, judging by the huge grins on the faces: a brilliant way to end a very entertaining show.
Madagascar Jr is another huge success for CYPT and demonstrates once again that young musical theatre talent is strong in the hands of the excellent Mike Mullen and his team at CYPT, who do so much to allow young performers such excellent opportunities.
Louise and Susie should be very pleased and justifiably thrilled with how this turned out and their obvious hard work has paid off handsomely. Pure joy from start to finish. Those who have managed to buy tickets for this sell-out show are in for a rip-roaring treat.
