Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating: * * * *

Cast: Ashleigh Jones, Nicola Ravenscroft, Rhiannon Davies McCabe, Amy McAlan, Kate Emmett, Emily Rigby, Courtney Carragher, Emily Washington, Olivia Coleman, Reece Armstrong, John Risley, Ceri Wyn, Ian Curran, Nigel Peever.

There have been many memorable Victorian characters created over the years. Perhaps Charles Dickens springs to mind as one who really captured what life was like with his descriptions of the workhouse and his over the top characters. For writer Lyn Wakefield Ghosts Of  Kirkdale is such a snapshot of grim Victorian life but told from the perspective of children.

Ghosts Of Kirkdale is set in the 1880s and follows the lives of a group of children who are sent to Kirkdale Industrial School. Abandoned by their parents they are left in the care of the cruel Mr Goodridge who believes that children are the result of ‘laziness, drunkeness and vice’. It is only the kind hearted Miss Elizabeth who keep the children together and through her, unlikely friendships are born and dreams of a brighter future are talked about.

Things take a dramatic turn however, when an escape for freedom turns into tragedy and changes the lives of the children forever. However, not all is lost and happily this tale of Liverpool’s forgotten children has a happy-ish ending.

This is the latest show from Action For Achievement’s, which give local children the opportunity to work along side theatre professionals. It is clear how much hard work has gone into this production and there are sterling performances from all of the youngsters. Lines have been learnt, songs taught and dances perfected to a very high standard, with musical director Tom Moss at the piano adding atmosphere and support to the many musical numbers throughout. Ian Curran plays an excellent Mr Goodridge who suitably evoked boos from the audience, alongside Ceri Wyn’s Miss Elizabeth, who stole the show with her amazing vocals.

Director Maureen Bryan has used the Unity space well, and has created a very atmospheric play using music and dance to showcase these talented youngsters and it is obvious how much fun has been had on this theatrical adventure.

There were many proud parents and friends in the audience, but more importantly, an experience that these youngsters will never forget. If you would like to get involved or to find out more information about the work that Action For Achievement do, please visit http://www.actionforachievement.co.uk/for information.

Janie Phillips