40 Years of Phoenix Musical Theatre

The show started with Rob as compere telling us a bit about the history of Phoenix and the show, then starting with the first show presented at the Barrington Theatre. What followed was a great variety of songs from shows they had preformed in the past and what's to come in the future.

"The King and I" brightened the start with 3 songs for the ladies & children, which were well performed. We then heard clip clopping down the centre aisle and onto the stage came Hayden Ashburton-Dunning & Jordan Small to sing "All Alone" from Spamalot, great fun. Next David & Sally Cooper, joined by some of the adult company, gave us "Master of the House" from Les Misérables, bright & breezy. Followed by "Popular" & "One Short Day" from Wicked which were great. There was a great selection of panto songs preformed by the children and ladies, finishing with "Be Prepared" from the Lion King by Richie Sadler and the children, this was very effective. "If I Were a Rich Man" brought Phil Redgrave to the stage, excellent, what a voice. The company followed with "Sunrise Sunset" both from Fiddler on the Roof. David Cooper's "Stars" from Les Misérables was very good - I really enjoyed this one. Adult chorus sang "Seasons of Love" from Rent, followed by a rousing "One More Angel" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, this show will be produced by the company in October as their next production - this will be one to look out for. We then finished Act 1 with "Who Will Buy" with the full cast, then leaving Alice as Dodger and Phil as Fagin with the children, a fitting "Be Back Soon."

Act 2 started with Oklahoma and Calamity Jane with good song choices, followed by a funny sketch "Blackberries" preformed by Rob Reynolds & David Cooper - very up to date. Bright costumes and movement in "Copacabana" brought the song to life and was well sung and acted out. "Cautionary Tale" from Mean Girls was a fun number, well preformed. "Cup Song" from Pitch Perfect gave us excellence from Roxie Yates, this young girl kept our eyes on her right through with her arms twisting and banging to time with the cup hitting the table, a girl to watch for the future. Solos and chorus sang a wonderful version of "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hanson, with duo's "Can't Fight this Feeling" from Rock of Ages and "Elephant Love Medley" from Moulin Rouge. Ann Hutchings gave us a reading "Keep My Love Alive" - amusing. Then the children came on with "Naughty" from Matilda and "Hard Knock Life" from Annie - it was great to see the future professionals. Phil again with the chorus sang "Get Me to the Church" from My Fair Lady with gusto followed by "I Could Have Danced All Night" sung beautifully Claire Lawrence. Next came South Pacific "Honey Bun" with Marie Coltman joined by Hayden - what fun they both had. Frank Sinatra "My Way" got the whole company on stage to "Thank you for the music" by ABBA plus "Always Look on the bright side of life" from Spamalot brought the show to an end.

Great direction, brilliant choreography and great costumes, sumed up 40 years of Musical Theatre with songs from the past and the shape of things to come. A great night's entertainment was had by all. Well done to everyone. 

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