Review: Spring Showcase by Moot House Theatre Company

THERE’S a little bit of magic going on in a corner of Harlow called The Moot House Theatre Company (MHTC).

In some ways they have lofty theatrical ambitions (they describe this showcase as Brechtian) and in other ways they just want every person who would like to get up on a stage to get involved.

But you know, they might just have something here.

This is also a very humble and yet consummately professional theatre company. They are clearly taking each and every aspect of theatre, very seriously and treating each person (including the audience) with respect.

So, having said that, on a humid evening at Moot House how was the Spring Showcase?

Eras and Pieces was divided into nine parts and a finale.

Each piece was a decade. It started strongly with their witty and personable MC, Mikey Clark who was a strong pivotal presence throughout.

The opening scene was a Cotton Club speakeasy. The highlight was the singing and acting by Paris Harvey-Venables. It began to touch on some serious subjects. Yes, each piece was a short segment but it made you want to see more.

There is definitely the potential, once they find their feet for a much longer piece in this vein.

This also set the tone with excellent dancing and singing. If we don’t get to mention everyone please don’t take it personally. This would have not been the success without each and every one of you.

The next piece. To be honest, it was well acted but we are just not sure it worked. It certainly didn’t need the extensive use of the F word. We got the point but goddamnits would have done.

Having said that, it was the second scene involving Alfi Howard and he is always watchable. Nicole Tilby was very affecting here and again, we do hope this company stay together and grow.

But we swiftly moved onto Evacuee London in WW2. This piece packed in a remarkable amount. This is also where the much younger actors grabbed their moments.

There was a lovely rendition of Edelweiss.

The fifties piece showed that MHTC have great comic timing I have no idea why glove puppets were precursors to Jailhouse Rock bu tit was funny and it joked. Here we discovered Damon Boddy who has really good comic timing.

The first part ended with the 1960s. My did they sweep through history. From Yuri Gagarin (Damon again) to JFK and MLK.

There was then a lovely version of Here Comes The Sun. Harrison Torpey has a very distinct and special voice.

Before we end part one, special mention to the dancers. Nicole Smith, Erin Langer, Shannon Elaine, Shannon Brearey, Tonilee Warner. They were very professional throughout.

Into Part Two and we step into seventies. We tended to have 1969 hippies dancing to 1979 hits but hey…we got to hear Boogie Wonderland. And then a just out there I Will Survive. There is clearly a surreal sense of humour operating at MHTC and it is important that thrives and is encouraged.

We move into the eighties where there was fantastic use of a number of horror characters. But like many numbers there also a great musical number. This time, Tonilee Warner was able to show what a great dancer she is.

The nineties had far too many nineties hip hop, trip hop, funk workouts but we didn’t care as this was the highlight of dance routines. This just have taken a huge amount of time and dedication. It was like Hip Hop Pop took over the room. We have the feeling, Paris was at the creative behind this along with Shannon Breary.

The final scene was a great platform for the talents of Shannon Brearey who definitely gave a Britney vibe. She was ably assisted by Nicole, Shannon E, and Erin.

This theatre group gave everything for the audience and the audience loved it.

No wonder they sold out all three nights.

It wasn’t without its faults but as a group, they are just finding their feet and establishing their character.

Well done to the creative team behind the scenes. Jack Wood, Chloe Wood, Amy Smith, Olivia Kelly and Sparow Cully. This is clearly the foundation of a promising theatre organisation.

This reporter is not here to patronise theatre groups. He is a veteran reviewer at the Edinburgh Festival and will be back up there in August. But this had character, warmth, charm, ability and huge potential.

Well done to you all.

Michael Casey: May 30th 2026