Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre [CPYT] 
The Arch, Chandlers Ford
David A Putley
14 August 2025
Those who have tickets for this now sellout show, presented by the ever-innovative CYPT Team, are in for a treat as they take on the Disney Moana.
Not having any children of my own, Disney films such as this passed me by a long time ago, and I was therefore, this evening, watching a completely new-to-me story unfold with the music and lyrics of Hamilton composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to boot.
A bare stage and pre-recorded backing tracks were sufficient to bring this story to life, since the directing and standard of disciplined performance was so very good. The pictures, colours, choreography, cardboard cut-outs, etc… were delightful: the attention to detail in props such as the boat expertly wheeled in and out, and the crab with umbrella jelly fish was exciting to watch.
Several groups of differing ages were given different characters and costumes, and they all came together superbly, filling the stage with the sights and sounds of the South Pacific, an island tribe in peril, a plucky, adventurous girl journeying into the unknown to save her people and return the heart to its rightful owner. The scary bits were very well done, the red eyed monster in the corner was especially so… and of course, a happy ending!
Moana was played by a very secure and unswerving Amelie Roberts Fagan, hitting her top notes with comfortable ease, with Callum Prideaux playing the rather arrogant, slightly inept, self-effacing Demigod Maui with skill energy and confidence. The witty lines between the two of them were well delivered and you could tell they were having a great time together on stage giving the whole production an energetic vibe. Their singing was excellent especially in ‘You’re Welcome’ and ‘Know Who you Are’. Two major star performers in the making.
All the songs were well delivered, Jo Pawlowska clearly having worked hard to ensure all participants were engaged in the music, enhancing the choreography and stage direction.
Lara Missouri brought a lovely spiritual vibe to Gramma, especially in her song ‘Where You Are’.
A whole cast of smaller roles, ancestors, sea creatures, monsters, all helped to create a most visually creative and extremely enjoyable production from this talented set of youngsters.
We saw Moana grow from Baby and Young with great performances from young performers Libby Mullen and Willow Titchener showing great talent at such a young age. Alanna and Fenella Adgar, Ruby Boyle and Keira Timms were excellent in their roles providing able support, with Cerys Stephen, Evie Harding and Brooke Middleton as a great singing backing trio as the Group Elders.
I loved the crab character. It was so well put together and Amelia Small, Rosa Walsh and Fleur Barker made the character both intimidating and funny. The design and how these young performers put it across was incredibly good.
Immie Crabtree and Sam Archer Scott, plus a huge background team, should be so pleased with what they have managed to achieve here in such a small space. Scene changes were slick with good sound and lighting plus the odd special effect (spoilers). All very disciplined and focused to a high standard considering the age and number of performers on stage. The finale encompassed it all with a fantastic choral version of ‘We Know The Way’.
They certainly do; with a lively score, I will have to check out the movie now!
