A Night at the Musicals

I was delighted to accept an invitation to review Teesdale Operatic Societies’ fund-raising concert, ‘A Night at the Musicals’. This production was to tour around four quaint locations surrounding the Barnard Castle area to raise funds and deliver concert style musical theatre to more rural locations.

Firstly, I must commend everyone for adapting to the new venue with only a few weeks notice. This meant the performances took place in a village hall as opposed to a community theatre, and I must give kudos to the entire cast for delivering an entertaining evening without the support of staging and lighting. Incidentally, this enhanced the community feel, and it resulted in a very warm and charming evening.

For me, there was a wonderful balance of variety throughout the evening’s performances. I was told the cast were encouraged to bring suggestions they’d like to perform, and the creative team then created an evening of varied styles of musical theatre which had something for everyone.

The singers were supported by musical director Annette Butters who provided light accompaniment for the vocalist throughout the night. It was clear through the finalised product that Annette had worked this group hard to deliver their best vocal.

Aiding the evening was Ethan Fletcher who compered the event. Ethan navigated the evening with charisma and light-heartedness as well as providing the audience with information about the musical numbers performed. He also joined the ensemble throughout, so had multiple roles to play.

I must commend Holly Wake who skilfully performed, ‘Pulled’ from Addams Family the Musical. Her diction, phrasing, projection, and pitching ensured that the audience understood the characters narrative. I was left in awe of such an incredible developing talent, with a truly powerhouse vocal – well done!

Isobel Harvey skilfully performed two numbers, firstly a duet, ‘What is this Feeling?’ from Wicked, and a solo number, ‘Journey to the Past’, from Anastasia the Musical. Her notes soared, and her acting through song was notable. Her voice was appreciated through the chorus numbers as well as adding strength and timbre – well done.

I adored both Gail Barlow’s, ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’, and Anita Wilkinson’s, ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man’. These actresses not only showcased quality and richness in their singing tone, but allowed the audience to relax in their assuredness and undeniable ability to phrase through song. They both brought a transformative power that brought the audience in, bravo!

Florence Backes also navigated the challenging, ‘Somebody to Love’ from We Will Rock You. It’s astonishing how this young performer keeps getting better every time I see her perform. Thank you for bringing yet more variety to this show.

Sarah Gent with the assistance of her three ladies wowed the audience with her rendition of ‘Sweet Transvestite’ from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  I would like to commend her for her engaging performance and finding the joy in letting yourself go with such a fun character part – Well done.

Other notable numbers were from Jill McLachlan with ‘You Learn to Live’, Dorothy Brenkley and Clare McAuley’s hilarious take of ‘Bosom Buddies’ from Mame, Karen Davidson’s ‘Could We Start Again Please’ from Jesus Christ Superstar, and finally, Freya Shepherd-Pegman’s, ‘I Wonder’ from Mamma Mia 2.

Chorus numbers opened and closed both acts it was in these numbers that you heard the harmonising ability of the company, and their strength in a collective voice. For me this was quintessential community theatre and made for a truly enjoyable evening.

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