A Musical Celebration

Burnley Light Opera Society promised it is audience, ‘A Musical Celebration’ and indeed that is what they provided. This concert was a tribute to musical theatre and to BLOS’s 90 years as a society. Act one featured all walks of musical theatre, whilst Act two took us through a journey of songs from shows put on by BLOS over the years since they were founded. From the opening number until the last, the audience were spell bound. The ovation BLOS received as the curtain fell was testament to their appreciation.

Staged by Anthony Williams and Steven Mercer-Murray, with seventeen leading vocalists, seven named backing singers and a further eleven chorus members, the quality of this production was undeniable. I particularly liked the stage set up, a platform across the rear of the stage with steps placed centrally, fully used by the Company. The orchestra of five including Musical Director, Steven Mercer-Murray sat to each side of the steps. The rest of the set was decorated beautifully and gave a sophisticated air the evening. The stage was dressed in song sheets around the steps and the proscenium either side of the stage. the occasional pop of red stood out as BLOS cleverly promoted their next show within the otherwise black and white sheets. Evening gowns and tuxedos adorned the cast, black and white with a multitude of sparkles beautifully casting the lights. Occasionally, the cast would add a little colour or costuming to their performances, and it worked. This whole production had an elegance and was a joy to watch.

It was clear that Anthony had worked hard with his cast, the spacing was perfect, the whole Company moved in unison when required. I thought the unlit lead vocalists moving into position whilst waiting for their own songs to begin was just lovely. It flowed nicely and did not distract the eye. Occasionally cast would bring on and set up chairs, tables, any props needed but again, this was done unobtrusively. Everything ran smoothly under the watchful eye of Stage Manager Ken Hardwick.

Musical Director Steven Mercer-Murray and his orchestra sounded sublime. There were many different genres of song throughout the evening, each one beautifully accompanied. I enjoyed the introduction to the next song beginning gently under the narrators as they introduced the performances. Steven had also re-arranged some of the songs and I thought ‘The King and I’ medley exquisite. Steven had his work cut out for him, but the audience loved every moment of it. The whole evening had a polished feel to it and the sound, provided by Lea Royce and Elodie Perrier was spot on.

Narration during the evening was informative, and often quite funny, especially when Anthony took to the stage. I particularly liked the way the narration throughout the evening came after every three or so songs; we would be given either society or musical history on what we were about to hear.

The lighting plot was designed by Anthony Williams and Angus Allan and was operated by Rhys Alexander. The audience were treated to spotlit glitterballs, throwing a cascade of sparkles around the theatre, gels of blues, lilac, red and green were used throughout performances. It was a full-on light show and it looked great. Enhancing each performance with subtle changes and spotlights. All adding to the ambience of glitz and glamour.

Something About This Night (from Finding Neverland) performed by Ronan Pilkington and the Company opened Act one. This was a terrific, upbeat number that really started the show off with a bang. The Company harmonies were seamless. Ronan appeared in many songs throughout the night, he was a constant force, a strong presence in everything in which he was involved. I particularly enjoyed his comedy duet with Mal Wood: Together Again (Young Frankenstein) and his duet with Sue Avanson: Suddenly Seymour (Little Shop Of Horrors). Ronan and Sue gave us a gentle love song that built into a crescendo and the audience loved it.

Mal Wood, as well as showing the audience his great comedy timing with Ronan, also performed a heartfelt, powerful rendition of She’s A Woman (Kiss of the Spiderwoman), which then led into Dear One (again, Kiss of the Spiderwoman) with the additional leading vocals of Megan Ingham, Liz Wood, Peter Gardner, and Matt Norris. This just wonderful, the clarity of the voices and the harmonies outstanding.

Megan Ingham, with her clear soprano notes performed Vilja (The Merry Widow) beautifully. Her voice rang out in Come Boy’s, Let’s All Be Gay Boys (The Student Prince) despite the very funny comedy antics of David Norris breaking out within the male chorus. I thought the medley (The King and I) was great. Megan, along with Jenny Cliff, and Leanne Wharf sang with feeling and the blending of their voices was lovely.

I See Stars (Mean Girls) and Once You Lose Your Heart (Me and My Girl) were performed by Jenny Cliff. I enjoyed all her performances; she had an impressive vocal range and a strong stage presence.

Leanne Wharf gave a brilliant performance of He’s My Boy (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). Her passion and vocal gymnastics, for me, were outstanding. Then teaming up with Jenny Cliff and Vicki Clarkson for a fabulous performance of I Wish I May (The Witches of Eastwick).

After The Rain (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) was performed by Vicki Clarkson and the Company. This was an emotionally charged number and Vicki was strong and passionate throughout. Her duet: I Know Him So Well (Chess) with Joanne Gill was splendid.

We heard more from Joanne Gill as she performed a moving rendition of: Children Will Listen (Into The Woods) we saw her comedic side in: I Know You (Bad Cinderella) alongside Ann Mason and Jackie Catlow.

Can That Boy Foxtrot (Follies) performed by Ann Mason was hilarious. Her use of the chair to slide off had the audience laughing aloud, the inference, as Matt Norris performed manual labour in front of her not lost on them. Ann is a wonderful character actor with a great voice and gave many strong performances throughout the evening. Her duet with Catherine Wright: Nowadays (Chicago) was simply lovely with an understated dance routine that worked perfectly.

Catherine Wright also performed Bosom Buddies (Mame) with Jackie Catlow. Both singers giving a slick, well timed delivery. So Long Dearie (Hello Dolly) was Jackie Catlow’s solo number. Jackie was confident, vibrant and a joy to watch as she moved around the stage.

Another strong presence on stage was David Norris. David has perfect comedy timing and never fails to make the audience laugh. Get Me To The Church On Time (My Fair Lady) was a riot, the Company backing David looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. David was animated and lively. His rendition of I Am What I Am (La Cage Aux Folles) was powerful and majestic. In the song Me and My Shadow (Big Boy) David sang a duet with Matt Norris. This father and son team had wonderful harmonies, both gents displaying impressive vocal abilities.

As Long As He Needs Me (Oliver!) was performed by Scarlet Dickinson. I was impressed by the emotion and depth of feeling Scarlet put into this song. I thought her performance was outstanding. Her vocal abilities were on fine form as she joined Tori Vaal and Penny Poulton for Up The Ladder To The Roof (Everyday Rapture). This trio sang in close harmony with ease. Penny Poulton also gave an enthusiastic performance in: Heart of Stone (Six).

Mark Wood and the Male Company sang the wonderful One Alone (A Desert Song). Mark was powerful, emotional, and impassioned. Peter Gardner with the whole Company performed: Sweet Heaven (Copacabana). Peter had an easy manner to his singing, and this was a great song for him.

Company numbers were fabulous, the harmonies outstanding, the final song before the curtain: One Voice was just beautiful. I can honestly say that this concert was indeed an homage to BLOS and the musical genre. It was a night full of spectacle and fantastic entertainment. I would like to thank Burnley Light Opera Society for inviting me to review their concert and look forward to seeing many more shows in the future.

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