It’s been three years since Leicester Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS) brought a show to a Leicester stage – their first post-pandemic offering has a local connection.

Sue Townsend’s novel is charmingly adapted into this Leicester-set musical, centred around the musings of self-described-intellectual teenager, Adrian Mole. Taking place in one year of Adrian’s life – as described in his diary entries – it explores first crushes, parents divorcing, dealing with bullies, and the perils of teenage life.

Like Billy Elliot, Matilda, and Oliver! before it, Adrian Mole’s central question boils down to: can you find a young actor capable of carrying the show? In Zach Ball, the answer is yes. The son of Siobhan Ball – who starred in Calendar Girls at The Little Theatre earlier this year – show business clearly runs in the family blood.

Ball delivers a very mature performance (ironically), with an impressive vocal range capable of tackling the show’s toughest numbers. His characterisation is also solid, giving Adrian a nuanced balance between over-confidence and awkward shyness.

To read the rest of the review, click here.

Photo by James Mottram.