A CELEBRATION OF YOUNG TALENT
REVIEW: Anastasia performed by the Alfie Boe James Huish Academy at the Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey
Last night I had the pleasure of attending Anastasia at the Courtyard Theatre in Newtownabbey, performed by the talented young students of the Alfie Boe James Huish Academy in Belfast. This end-of-term production brought together pupils from both the Saturday drama school and the Academy’s full-time Trinity Level 4 Diploma course in Musical Theatre – and what a performance it was.
The Huish Boe Academy, founded by well-known singer and director James Huish, is a thriving hub for young performers aged seven to 21. Students attend weekly to develop their singing, dancing and acting skills under the guidance of industry professionals. James has been teaching drama for many years and recently expanded into brand new, state-of-the-art premises. Alongside the Saturday school, he also runs a full-time diploma course preparing students for the next step towards professional drama training.
This production showcased the depth of talent across both programmes. The show was nothing short of exceptional, with professional-standard performances throughout.
Now, full disclosure — my son Dara was part of the cast, playing Dmitry, the romantic lead who falls in love with Anastasia. It’s never easy to review your own child, but I couldn’t have been prouder. Dara’s singing, which has always been strong, has truly finessed this year under the Academy’s guidance. His acting has deepened, and — perhaps most impressively – he can now dance!
The growth he has shown over just a few months is a real testament to the teaching at the Huish Boe Academy. Musical Director Mark Tilley and Choreographer Gemma Greene deserve credit for their hard work.
The leading lady, Olivia Ogle, was an absolute standout. Graceful, poised and beautiful, she embodied Anastasia with a natural presence and delivered a stunning vocal performance, hitting every big note with ease. Her understated acting brought a lovely authenticity to the role, making her a truly captivating centrepiece.
The romance between Dmitry and Anastasia felt sweet and believable, with Dara and Olivia sharing a gentle chemistry and blending beautifully on “In A Crowd of Thousands.”
Other highlights included Jay Lowey’s charming and humorous portrayal of Vlad, Edward Smith’s menacing and vocally strong Gleb, and a standout performance by Tiffany McGowan as the Dowager Empress — the role of an elderly person can easily fall flat in youth productions, but she absolutely nailed it both vocally and physically.
Special mention must go to Alex Winter as Lily — a born comedy actress with impeccable timing, expressive gestures, and strong vocals to match. She lit up every scene she was in with her natural flair for humour.
The ensemble was also superb – every chorus member fully inhabited their character, and the group numbers were delivered with energy, precision, and exceptional singing. The ballet sequence, in particular, was beautifully executed and visually very effective.
James Huish’s ability to bring out the best in his students is clear to see. His technical expertise also shone through in the polished production values, from the stunning digital backdrops to the clever lighting choices that elevated every scene.
Anastasia was a triumph — a true celebration of young talent, hard work, and the transformative power of great teaching.
KIM KELLY
