I take my hat off to the Radlett Light Opera Society (RLOS). This was a triumph!

In Children of Eden they showcase their exceptionally strong close harmony singing, their solid chorus and the tremendous talent of some of their individual stars. Not only that, there is also a powerful message about love in this show, which they brought out clearly and movingly.

Children of Eden is a two-act musical by Stephen Schwartz of Wicked! and Godspell fame. It is based on the book of Genesis: the first act is the story of Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel, the second act is the story of Noah, who turns out to be something of a hero. In fact, these biblical stories are simply a context for a deeper message about what it means to be a loving parent and, perhaps also, what it means to be alive.

Anita Garai as Eve and also Noah’s wife has a voice of professional quality. She sings lyrically, movingly and with astonishing power and control, especially in the toe-tapping, uplifting gospel number Ain’t It Good in act two.

Also extremely strong are Phillip Jackson as Adam and Japheth, Julian Ardouin as Noah, the talented Rebecca Binstock as Yonah, and Kyri Elia and Julian Wathen as Cain and Abel and Shem and Ham respectively, all ably supported by a determined and powerful chorus whose members at one point delightfully and amusingly recreate the snake from the Garden of Eden.

The character of Father has the greatest journey of all, and Matt Clothier plays the role with great warmth.

There are some nice directorial touches too. The double casting of principals cleverly brings out the redeeming message of the show. The efficient staging, together with the costumes, evokes biblical times vividly. The way in which the animals of the ark were sketched and represented drew spontaneous applause from the first night audience.

As I said, this was a triumph. RLOS are a gifted group who can turn their hand to many things.

In Children of Eden they show us that they can handle a complex musical score with aplomb and passion, while also playing out a story that gives us plenty to feel and think about. How wonderful to see something different, something moving and uplifting. I’m going back on Saturday to see it again. Bravo RLOS!

  • Children of Eden, Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, until May 16, 7.45pm and Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. Details: 01923 857546, radlettcentre.co.uk

Alex Ainley
Review supplied by Radlett Light Opera Society