14th February 2026 | REVIEW | Annabelle Langley DST First Night contributor, The Hooter Co-President (25/26)
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South College’s showcase, What Dreams Are Made Of, was a show bursting with talent and an unmistakable love for musical theatre. True to Oswald’s Players’ reputation, the night celebrated both powerhouse vocals and high-energy choreography, transforming the stage into a patchwork of dream roles brought vividly to life. It was fantastic to see people in roles they have so much passion for and it certainly translated into their performances.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
From the very first note, the tone was set with Six. Opening with such a bold, dynamic number was a masterclass in capturing an audience. The confidence was undeniable and the staging slick, immediately signalling that the showcase would be a carefully curated celebration of talent.
It established the standard for the evening and illustrated the casts ability to command the stage from the outset.
One of the evening’s undeniable standouts was Seventeen from Heathers. It struck that perfect balance between vulnerability and intensity, capturing the emotional core of the song while maintaining strong vocal control. Equally memorable was No Good Deed, delivered by Abbie Wells in a rendition inspired by Cynthia Erivo’s interpretation. It was thrilling to see such a bold vocal choice embraced and Abbie’s performance was both technically impressive and emotionally charged.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
Lulu’s rendition of Money, Money, Money was another highlight, brimming with character and stage presence. The confidence and clarity of storytelling elevated the number beyond a simple vocal showcase. Meanwhile, Part of Your World offered a softer, more reflective moment, demonstrating the versatility within the cast and providing welcome contrast to the bigger ensemble pieces, it was also nice seeing Emily use my fork on stage.
The choreography throughout the evening deserves significant praise. The dance numbers in Fame and Come Alive were electric, filling the stage with movement and momentum. They were tightly staged, high in energy and clearly the product of countless hours of dedication. It was equally beautiful to see the lyrical storytelling in Hopelessly Devoted to You, performed by Madi Johnson. Her face acting was exceptional, conveying emotion with sincerity, reminding the audience that musical theatre is as much about expression as it is about technique. A special mention must go to Ruby Briggs for her consistently incredible acting face throughout the showcase, her commitment to character never wavered.
It was refreshing, too, to encounter numbers less familiar to some audience members. Requiem from Dear Evan Hansen emerged as one of the strongest moments of the night, layered with emotion and vocal depth. For those who know a handful of theatre staples but not the entire canon, like myself, the programme offered a welcome expansion of horizons.
Behind it all, acting director Josh clearly instilled a focus on storytelling that permeated every performance. What stood out was not just the vocal quality or the choreography, but the intention behind each number. There was passion on every level, from group harmonies to solo spotlights.
The showcase exemplified what Oswald’s Players do best - pairing high-energy, playful numbers with more serious, emotionally resonant pieces and executing both with equal commitment.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
If there were areas for refinement, they lie not in talent but in structure. While individual introductions were occasionally offered, a consistent compère throughout the evening might have helped guide audience members less familiar with musical theatre. Signposting each number and, crucially, the show’s conclusion would have provided a slightly smoother frame, the ending felt somewhat abrupt and a final moment of acknowledgement could have given the evening a stronger sense of closure.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
It would also have been lovely to see even more South College students and a broader representation of male performers on stage. That said, casting is shaped by who auditions and the demographics did nothing to diminish the calibre of performance on display. The talent present was undeniable and thoroughly deserving of the spotlight.
Ultimately, however, these are minor notes in what was an accomplished and heartfelt production.
On both a group and individual level, the performances radiated energy and passion. The showcase highlighted the breadth of ability within South College and reinforced why Oswald’s Players continue to thrive.
This was an evening built on dedication and genuine love for the stage. On the strength of this showcase, South College’s performers look set for many more successes to come. ●
What Dreams Are Made Of played 8th-9th February 2026 at the Mount Oswald Hub, Durham. Produced by: Oswald's Players Theatre Company (@oswaldsplayers), in association with Durham Student Theatre (@studenttheatre) and South College JCR (@southcollegejcr).
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