A local youth production of an iconic movie and stage show wowed us in the Grand Opera House this week.
Our leads, Caroline McMichael as Norma Desmond and Conor Cox as Joe Gillis were outstanding. Caroline in particular was mesmerising as the diva, the greatest star of all; a faded silent movie star who lives in a fantasy world in her old mansion on Sunset Boulevard. A movie star who yearns for the greatness in movies which she once had. So when young Joe appears as a young screenwriter she sees an opportunity for a comeback, and at the same time he sees an opportunity for a life of luxury he probably will never see.
The Grand Opera House’s Summer Youth Production gives young stars the perfect platform on which to shine and captivate audiences. And they certainly shine.
The cast of 71 young people between 16-21 have been well directed by Tony Finnegan. He has brought out the best in them and provided Belfast audiences with an amateur production of a very high standard. There were some future stars up there on stage.
Young talent needs nurtured to become the best, so it’s great to see a number youth productions in local theatres giving opportunities for these young people to shine on stage.
Well done to all involved, Sunset Boulevard is a wonderful example of the young talent out there who will become the future of local theatre and the arts. Support them now and if you can get a ticket you won’t be disappointed.