EMOTIONAL, compelling and fun – Hove Park’s drama department has outdone itself this year with their awesome rendition of Our House, a West End musical inspired by the greatest hits of Madness.

Eighties tunes like It Must Be Love and Driving in my Car provided the perfect soundtrack to rough diamond Joe Casey’s intricate life, enhancing the fun and at some points sensitive moments he was faced with.

The play shows how a split-second decision can lead to different outcomes.

Max Bower and Noah Bramley were brilliant in their portrayal of the two sides – good and evil – of Casey.

Both demonstrated the cockiness and cheekiness required to pull off this lovable character.

Holly Castle played a fabulous Sarah and stunned the audience with her powerful singing, especially during her duet of It Must be Love.

Headteacher Derek Trimmer said: “Congratulations to all the cast who gave such an inspirational and highly professional performance. “It really was of an exceptional quality in every way – the technical aspects of lighting, sound and staging were incredible as was the quality of the band’s performance.”

Bringing many laughs to the show were Tom Ricketts and Louis Cohen who played the likeable and funny, yet dazed best mates – Emmo and Lewis. One member of the audience said: “The cast was so polished and professional. It’s easy to forget those skilled actors were so young. “It was so good I thought I was watching a West End show.”

Director Susan Woodbridge said: “I really enjoyed working on the show. The cast have been incredibly talented and I feel privileged to have taught many of them over the past few years.

“The cast was able to cope with a range of emotion – pathos, humour and love.”

She also said she enjoyed working on a musical that allows for an “element of fun while making a social comment”.

Casey Street was brought to life thanks to the backstage technicians, the art department and community arts enrichment group who created such a stunning and attractive set. The live band, led by musical director James Miles, skilfully captured the zany humour of Madness, which intensified the emotions of the actors and helped create an electric atmosphere especially during big numbers like Baggy Trousers and Our House.

Austen Hindman, deputy head, said: “Our House was the most dynamic school production I’ve ever seen.

“At the end I wanted to see the show again, so I look forward to We Will Rock You in the summer.”

With hard work from the cast Mrs Woodbridge and the drama department, Mr Miles and the brilliant band, and everyone else involved in the production, Hove Park was yet again able to create a stunning performance, taking the audience One Step Beyond.

by Danny O’Donoghue