It is heart-warming to witness a show of young people and an enthusiastic production team. The Balaklava Town Hall venue features a wall-to-wall stage of which the Balaklava Community Arts (BCA) make full use. The colourful sets and clever staging with the fishing nets, reef and entrances are a credit to the designer Neil Fisher, added to this are the outstanding costumes particularly the Jelly Fish scene. Naomi Bousfield led the costume team which included the parents and family of the cast.

The cast of twenty-five young people were directed by Kelly Bickle who has been part of the BCA team both on and off stage for many productions as has the musical director Heidi Zerk. The experience of the choreographer Molly Warnes showed with individual and entire cast dance moves being another highlight.

The lead clownfish role of Nemo was played by the diminutive Thea Ricacho whose size did not reflect the great volume and diction in her voice and song. This was her first theatrical venture, and future shows will be calling for her. Macauley Scobie as Nemo’s clownfish dad led throughout and his stage experience was evident making full use of the wide stage. The twinkle toed Dory ably played by Bethany Jenkins whose dance movements and confidence on stage were testament to her commitment to the role.

Of the other twenty-two performers there was not a weak link, and all played their parts in a well rehearsed play.

With the effort that has gone into this production with outstanding sets, costumes and one would assume many rehearsals it is a pity that the play was a little short of one hour. This of course is attributable to the script but I feel this talented cast could handle a larger longer production in the future. Notwithstanding this comment congratulations to BCA for another excellent presentation.