"I'd just like to say, Dazzle is the best musical we have ever done. The kids adored it, the parents were blown away, and the staff absolutely loved it.
All of us got into the fairground theme and it was truly amazing. We probably had the best Year 6s we'd had in years, which helped. Their singing was phenomenal, and parents and staff commented on the script, saying how funny and clever it was, with lovely emotion.
We did the Lion King last year, outside, which was really special. Before that, Joseph was the best we had ever done. That had always been the benchmark, but Dazzle topped both!
The songs are outstanding. The children absolutely took on board the whole theme and threw themselves into it.
I’ve been teaching music for 27 years and put on a Year 6 production pretty much every year, so I’m quite an expert in what a good musical looks like. Dazzle beats everything".
Sue Walker, Music Education Lead, Herefordshire Music Education Hub, and Music Teacher, Bosbury CofE Primary School
"I have taught in middle, primary, secondary and prep schools for forty-nine years and am well aware of children’s enthusiasm for their annual production. In the past ten years, I have made videos of over 100 school performances, involving several thousand hours of productions. I have never before experienced the level of enthusiasm for the songs by the children as in our recent production of “Dazzle!”. On your website, you say they are to the standard of West End shows; having heard and seen them in production, I believe they are of the standard of West End show-stoppers. Thank you for your work."
Alan Chant, Sevenoaks Prep School
“Dazzle is an exciting, fun, heartwarming musical which suited our 80-strong cast perfectly. It has all the ingredients to enable children to engage and perform to their best on stage. Every child had a wonderful, inspiring time, and they can't stop singing the catchy songs! There are ample opportunities for singing, dancing and acting, allowing each child to feel special on stage. Thank you to Andrew Bailey for writing this outstanding and beautiful musical.”
Izzy Pyper, director, Sevenoaks Prep School
"Dazzle! was a fantastic project for us, and a huge success. The students thoroughly enjoyed bringing the show to life, connecting with the content and delivering an amazing show.
"Each performance just got better and better and audiences simply loved it. Each night, every person left the theatre feeling good about themselves and each other. What more could we ask!
"Undoubtedly, the highlight was the singing and the music. Audiences were deeply moved by some sections and buzzing and animated in others. The technical challenges gave us plenty to work on, particularly Fred’s untimely fall and the sections that called for a windstorm, slowly turning into snow falling during Skimpy’s song, complete with angelic choir for accompaniment. Along with creative lighting, a simply stunning theatre moment!
"We thoroughly recommend “Dazzle!” to schools and theatre groups wanting to stage an inspirational and heart-warming show that includes stunning harmonies, uplifting music and unforgettable characters. All this combined with challenging (but achievable) staging requirements and costuming.
"Thank you for your ongoing support, and a particularly big thank you for providing the opportunity for us to stage “Dazzle!” and to make so many people so very, very happy."
Wayne Pickering, Daylesford College, Australia
“The children absolutely loved Dazzle! We have had such a fun time putting it together, and it was fantastic watching the children so engaged throughout. The feedback from parents has been amazing. The music was definitely some of the best we (the MD and myself) have come across in children's musicals. It really helped us when choreographing, directing and producing.”
Victoria Hall, Head of Performing Arts, The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells
"On the last day of the Spring term, the script for Dazzle! was handed to every Year 6 pupil and some Year 5 pupils as well. Little did we know that what we held in our hands was going to be one of the greatest musicals ever performed by the school."
Tom (6B), who played Fred Pringle, in the Surbiton High School production of Dazzle!
“Our performance of Dazzle was yesterday, to a packed house. It was brilliant. The parents were utterly amazed. The children did two curtain calls and received a standing ovation. Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this fabulous musical.”
Liz Dodd, producer, Chipping Ongar Primary School
"Just back home after the first night of our show, Dazzle! It was tremendous! The children were fantastic! Thank you so much for this wonderful show.
"We have all been humming the songs since March. They're beautiful! It has been the best production we have ever done, with the whole of school having some input.
"From acting to singing to set design and prop production. Just one question: What on earth can we do next year?! Many, many thanks!"
Angela Pemberton, Camms School, Sheffield
"Castleview Primary School Edinburgh had a fantastic audience response to our spectacular performance of Dazzle! The songs are phenomenal and everyone is still singing them.
"The script is funny and poignant, and our children really engaged with their learning throughout rehearsals.
"Everyone agrees that this was the best show we have ever staged."
Lindsey Watt, Headteacher, Castleview Primary School, Edinburgh
“Our production of Dazzle! at Tobermory High School this summer was an unforgettable experience.
“We staged the show with a cast of 30 children aged between 10 – 16. Dazzle! appealed to them all. There are cracking opportunities for characterisation, notably through Flossie, Sarkky Cutter and Murgatroyd Megarich.
“From a directing point of view, Dazzle provided the creative challenge I craved after several years of producing smaller scale school musicals. The story is believable and, as an ensemble piece, allows every member of the cast to feel included and important.
“The score is very catchy and the music wonderfully varied. It ranges from soaring group numbers, such as "Keep us Tonight", to heartfelt ballads, such as "Who needs Sunshine?"
“We performed Dazzle with a five-piece band (piano, saxophone, trumpet, tuba and drums) and while band parts were not available for all instruments, the score provided by Limelight was easily transposable.
“Flexibility is a key aspect of staging Dazzle!. It can easily be adapted to individual circumstances. We worked with three main backdrops and simple props to bring the fairground scene to life e.g. coconuts on stands and so on.
“We kept costumes simple on the whole, but went to town with some of the more colourful characters – such as Mary Go Round and Parker & Guillemot, which lend themselves to something more creative.
“We performed the show over two nights and could have easily sold out another two nights. The songs are moving and memorable, the drama totally engaging and the show highly recommended.
“The service provided by Limelight was excellent. This included personal emails from the playwright and access to guidance on staging the show.
“Thank you again for all your support and going the extra mile to assist, in what was a very memorable and enjoyable production. I would do it all again tomorrow!”
Ryan Lowe, Tobermory High School
“We have just finished our production of “Poptastic”. I want you to know how very much our kids loved this show. It was also very well received by our audience. On the strength of it, we are looking at your musical “Dazzle!” for our production next Spring. Thank you again for a great show.”
Ruth Anderson, Brighton, Colorado, USA
“Our production of 'Dazzle!' was a fantastic success, and enjoyed by all who watched and performed.
"The songs are great, catchy and fun, and the children learnt them very quickly.
"Before long, everyone was singing them everywhere, around school and on the coach when we went on trips!
"The setting in a seaside funfair is colourful and really appealed to our Year 6 children. It enabled us to go to town on costumes and props.
“Here are some quotes from children after watching the show - they sum up the amazing time we had performing 'Dazzle! Thank you..."
'It was fantastic, it kept you watching from start to finish!' - Sean, 11
'So great! A funny story and fab, catchy music.' - Eden, 11
'I loved this play! The songs are amazing, especially 'Who Needs Sunshine?'. The plot was gripping due to what happened to Fred, and completely out of the blue!' - Evan, 11
'As good as chocolate!' - Jamie, 11
Nicola Dawson, deputy head and Year 6 teacher, Wincheap Foundation Primary School, Canterbury
"Our Year 5 and 6 production of Dazzle! was a great success. The music, the dialogue, the costumes, the set and - most importantly - our wonderful students brought this magical tale to life.
"Staff and parents reactions were wonderful, many saying it was the best production they had seen!"
Polly Osborn, Head of Junior School Music, Dulwich College Shanghai
"Poptastic is a truly magical show. The children loved every minute of it, from rehearsing to performing the show.
"Fabulous songs and a story that all the children could relate to. Thank you."
Sarah Tanner, Straits Primary School, Dudley
"Broxburn Footlights' production of Dazzle! was an unqualified success. Everything went without a hitch and the audiences loved it!
"We even made a small profit on the ticket sales, with around 430 tickets sold over the two nights.
"Thanks for all your support, and for writing a great show!"
Keith Bates, producer, Broxburn Footlights, Edinburgh
"Our final performance of Dazzle! last night, and the children gave it everything. It was absolutely fantastic!
"A lot of dads close to tears, mums and grandmas not being so stoical.
"Dazzle makes a fabulous leavers’ show.
"The final couple of songs, with their lilting melodies and hope for a better future, are almost unbearably moving.
"Particularly when sung by young people you have watched grow up, and who are now on the point of leaving to make their futures.
"I have listened to the magnificent songs from Dazzle! on a daily basis for months now… I never skip my daily dose.
"We had the tracks playing today when we wistfully took down the stage, fairground stalls and Big Wheel.
"Thank you to Andrew Bailey for writing Dazzle!, and for his help and support throughout our production.
"For the children, staff and everyone involved, it has been an amazing roller-coaster ride!"
Chris Rafferty, headteacher, Bowness on Solway Primary School
"What a huge success of a show! Poptastic was the best musical we have ever had the pleasure of putting on.
"Our children sang and performed to the highest of standards - the cast were catapulted to fame!
"Our audiences loved it and lapped it up, both young and old.
"I would thoroughly recommend this show to any school. Thankyou."
Rachel Fisher, Deputy Head, St Aidan's CE Primary School
“Our production of Poptastic surpassed all our expectations.
“When my teachers asked for the funds to stage Poptastic, I was a bit hesitant as it was more than we originally budgeted.
“However, the quality of the songs, music and script was so good - it inspired the children, and they pulled off a quite brilliant performance.
“The girl who played the punk rocker, Crotchet, blew everyone away, revealing a talent for performance that we hadn't seen before.
"Overall, Poptastic is a great show and we loved it. We will be looking to use more Limelight shows in future."
John Belshire, headteacher, Preesall Fleetwood's Charity School, Lancs
“We loved Dazzle! The audience gave our Year 6 a standing ovation.
"Performing the show was a challenge musically but the cast were outstanding and rose to it.
"I would strongly recommend Dazzle! to schools with adventurous music and drama departments. Thank you for all your support during our rehearsals for our production."
Tiggy Charlesworth, Head of Drama , Blundells Preparatory School, Tiverton
“Poptastic is a lively, modern musical that is fun for children and audiences alike.
"We had a great time rehearsing and performing the songs. The music is great and everyone went out humming at least one tune – even my five year old daughter!”
Gail Lowe, principal, Phoenix Creative Arts, Dorking, Surrey
"Our production of Poptastic was fantastic!
"The children and adults loved the upbeat songs and the humour - and the parallels of the story with with X-Factor and The Voice!"
Michelle Banks, South Walney Junior School, Barrow
"The children thoroughly enjoyed Dazzle! Everyone kept bursting into song for days afterwards! The audience loved it too".
Rosie Lynch, St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Waterlooville
“Our performance of Poptastic was fantastic!
"It was quite an ambitious production for us, but the children enjoyed the drama and songs so much that they didn't have any problem in learning and delivering their lines.
"The story, about a bunch of young wannabe pop stars, appealed to everyone.
"The response from the audience was the best we have ever had.
"All in all, Poptastic is a fabulous show for schools and youth drama groups.
"We are now looking for our next Christmas and summer performances. We will definitely use your shows again."
Gill Collier, head teacher, Bryn St Peter’s CE Primary School, Wigan
"Poptastic was a huge success. It went down well with parents and children, because of the fresh storyline and its host of catchy tunes.
"After a lot of work, the final result was exceptional.
"We added a twist, as we had identical twin girls playing the lead role of Charlie.
"This made it more manageable and no one in the audience (except their Mum and Dad) noticed the switch.
"The audience certainly got value for money. Poptastic is not only full of great songs but also humour, and sections which really make you think about your attitudes and how we react to people’s success and failure.
"A happy, memorable and thought-provoking show. Thank you for all your help."
Pat Mullins, head teacher, Woodstone Community Primary School, Leicester
"Our production of Poptastic was a huge success - and we were able to find parts for all 34 children in the class - something we had struggled to do.
"The children really enjoyed the story and the performance.
"The audience clapped, cheered and stamped their feet at the end of the show. You could clearly see the children on stage were so proud of themselves and of each other."
Rob Golding, headteacher, Neston Primary School, Cheshire
"Can I just say thank you! As a year 6 teacher I used Dazzle! last year for our end of year production and am using Poptastic this year.
"My children have loved both musicals - they are a pleasure to rehearse and perform."
Andrew Spindlow, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Birmingham
“Our production of Poptastic was a huge success. Parents and staff said it was the best show they'd ever seen at the school.
"Poptastic is a ‘complete show’ with well-drawn characters, storyline and great songs. The kids loved it, but there was plenty in it to keep the grown-ups amused also.
"It has spurred the school on to making the next show even bigger. We are looking at Limelight Musical’s Dazzle!, which seems to have great potential".
Sue Scott Davison, Preston Primary School, Hitchin, Herts
“Dazzle is outstanding. Our audiences loved it! People said it was ‘brilliant’, ‘charming’, ‘a real achievement’.
“From a producer’s point of view, it gave good opportunities for children of different levels of ability and experience – and it was easy to incorporate interesting choreography.
“Highlights? The children loved the number “Keep us tonight” and the Ghost Train. The Tango sequence and Murgatroyd’s entrance at the end of the show brought the house down!"
John Wallace-Jones, Riddlesworth Hall School, Diss, Norfolk
“Poptastic is excellent. The children and audience loved the music. It is very catchy! They also loved the talent show part. The humour is great and went down a storm".
"There are very few shows for schools with scored band parts. We have staged two Limelight shows and the band parts are really good."
Anne-Marie McRoberts, St Anthony's Primary School, Saltcoats, Ayreshire
“The songs in Poptastic - the variety and quality - are stunning. The children found them easy to learn, and we are all still singing them!
"The children's all-time favourite is The Roadies Song. My own favourite is Zero to Hero. Spine tingling! It was an amazing, successful production.
"The beauty of Poptastic is that it has plenty of small parts. Everybody had their moment of glory without having to learn pages of script."
Sheila White, producer, Park School, Bournemouth
“Dazzle is an amazing show. The kids and audience ab-so-lutely loved it! The songs, the story – are fabulous!
"We did it for two nights, and everyone wanted to perform it again and again!”
Melanie Bruford, Total Caos Youth Theatre, Cowbridge Amatuer Operatic Society, South Wales
“Poptastic was so much fun. It was spectacular. We all enjoyed doing it and the audience enjoyed it too. Thank you Andrew, for writing this wonderful play.”
Lily, age 11, who played Spick, Park School, Bournemouth
“Poptastic is unique, quirky and brilliant. It was great fun to be part of. I so enjoyed it.”
Lawrence, age 11, who played Span, Park School, Bournemouth
“I loved Poptastic. It was such fun rehearsing. I will always remember the songs.”
Mairi, age 11, who was a Cherry Pop Tart, Park School, Bournemouth
"What a fantastic night! The children rose to the occasion and performed spectacularly.
"Thank you so much for such an inspirational script. The songs in Poptastic are fantastic. All the parents were blown away! It was a privilege to perform. Please keep us up to date on any new scripts in the future."
Cathy Smith, Stoke Mandeville Combined School, Aylesbury
"Our production of Poptastic was brilliant. It was a great show to display the wonderful musical talent of our young people."
Sue Pyman, Deputy Head, St Augustine Webster Catholic Academy, Scunthorpe
“Poptastic is a fantastic, wonderful show. The story, about a bunch of wannabe pop stars chasing fame and glory, is great and very funny. The kids absolutely loved it.”
Jane Smale, Highworth Warneford School, Swindon, Wilts
“The children and audiences loved Poptastic!! It's an outstanding children's musical. We used a smoke machine and mirror ball when the juke box came to life - it was brilliant. Thank you for a wonderful, memorable show!”
Becky Wilson, Wansdyke Community School, Devizes
“Dazzle is great. Catchy songs, wonderful characters and funny dialogue. It's the first Limelight show we have performed. But on the strength of Dazzle, we will definitely be staging another Limelight show in future.”
Anne Marie McRoberts, Acting Deputy Head Teacher, St. Anthony’s Primary School, Saltcoats, Ayrshire.
“There is magic here.”
Chris Griffin, BBC producer
“Dazzle! is a brilliant show. The audience loved it. My cast and production team are still singing the songs – six months after the production!”
Julia Taylor, music teacher, Denmark Hill, London
“Awesome show!”
Jake P, Wimbledon, London
"Dazzle is wonderful, feel-good musical,with great songs and a fantastic story - it had the audience on the edge of their seats, then clapping and dancing in the aisles!"
Elizabeth Atkinson, producer and director, Bransgore, UK
“I wanted to play Sarkky, as she is such a brilliantly horrible character. To my amazement I got the part - and let rip. Completely wicked!”
Francesca Bunion, Heathtown, West Midlands
"Our production of Dazzle! was amazing. People were just amazed. The story and characters are fantastic. I will remember it for the rest of my life."
Pippa Alderton, London
“Thank you for a massive, beasty show. My mum and dad and all my friends haven’t stopped talking about it ever since!”
Kat Jones, Glasgow
“When I grow up I want to be Murgatroyd Megarich, marry Flossie and buy Dazzle Bay fun palace. That would be heaven. Thanks for a fab show.”
Karen Fenshaw, Cambridge
“Thank you for a marvellous, happy show. Dazzle is the best school musical we have performed for as long as anyone can remember. I want to do it again and again...!!”
Vicky Warrilow, Birmingham
“I’ll never forget our show Dazzle! It was the best time ever.”
Lucy D, Birmingham
“Great show. Can’t wait for next year and to see what we are doing next. I want to try for a main part, if I can get one.”
Sam Fellows, Liverpool
“More please, Mr Bailey. Andrew Lloyd-Webber, watch out!”
Beth Harvey, Oxford, UK
“It was the first show we have put on at the school. I was more than a little nervous at how it would go down. But it went like a dream. The children were completely up for it. I have never seen a reaction like it from the audience at a school musical - they were standing up, clapping and dancing and in the aisles.”
Malcolm Timms, drama teacher, Telford
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