JOHN Godber’s musical, about a temporary relief teacher, Mary Clifford (Lisa Gilmour), replacing a dead colleague as drama teacher in a failing school and trying to overturn the indifference of the Headmaster (Nick Longland, also amusing as a seedy hotel owner) and of the three students we get to meet(Jennifer Hampton, Nancy Longland and Lizzie Harden) has a rough charm, but isn't very penetrating.
The music, by John Pattison, is recorded but musical director Rachel Cooper elicits some good vocal performances.
Gilmour puts energy and passion into a role that includes her putting the case for arts in education, sharing her students’ love of Robbie Williams and a warm relationship with the father of one of them (Steve Cosier).
The girls sing and dance brightly and make a good team, with moments that show considerable promise.
Director Wayne Ings also contributes a striking set design, with ‘street art’ by Ewan McLaughlin.
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