A Night At The Musicals 2

Many concerts have a title linking the society with either Broadway or the West End. Coleshill did not do this. However, there was a link for me. Having attended West End Live on the morning and afternoon before traveling to Coleshill, quality was in the back of my mind. Was therefore, the concert going to be a disappointment due to a lack of ability and enthusiasm? The answer was a resounding ‘No’ as I and the rest of the audience experienced a great evening.

A warm welcome always extends with Coleshill on Stage, thank you for this. I was delighted to speak with some other members of the group who were in the audience.

Set in front of the red tabs were rows of seating on different levels for the 24 strong cast.

Taking note of rules regarding concerts, no costumes and no properties related to any of the musicals showcased were present.

Musical Director, Andrew Smith, explained he had selected a range of well-known musicals as well as musicals some people may not know very well, if at all.  Luckily, I knew all but two musical numbers, including one show I was not even aware off (I have since done a bit of homework on this one).

Andrew, who may have been one of the most energetic and enthusiastic Musical Directors I have seen, supplied us with bits of trivia regarding shows, but more fittingly, some information about members of the cast, which made the evening very special. On the piano was Tom Brookes, who played extremely well.  

The performance got off in full throttle with three numbers by the late Stephen Sondheim. Firstly ‘Comedy Tonight’, the wonderful opening to ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’. This was followed by ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Sunday in the Park with George’. All three had excellent harmonies and included great bounce for the opening song from Into the Woods.

Moving on to two songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein. Congratulations to Martin Smith for the first solo of the evening and his sentimental rendition of ‘If I Loved You’ from ‘Carousel’. This was followed by a full steam performance of ‘Oklahoma’.

‘Come What May’ is in a newer musical ‘Moulin Rouge’. This was beautifully sung by Malcolm Ireland and Julia Owen. Malcolm dedicated the song to his wife of 50 years, who, we were told, still hold hands.

‘Sunrise Sunset from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ was another well performed ensemble number and later on ‘Our Time’ from Merrily We Roll Along (another by Sondheim).

Pauline Peach, President and member of the society for 37 years sang ‘So in Love’ from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ (a recent revival in the West End). Another wonderful performance and much appreciated by the audience.

Ashleigh Poppitt sang with confidence ‘Dyin’ Aint So Bad’ from the recently in the West End musical ‘Bonnie and Clyde’.

Next came the two longest running musicals in the West End. Songs from ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ with Daniel Butler as the iconic role and ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables performed by Amy Reynolds. Both delivered with great feeling.

 Next was ‘I’ll be Here’ from ‘Ordinary Days’ (my homework) which I will listen to more as I enjoyed hearing Laura King sing this one.

The end of act one was an ensemble number from ‘Godspell’ and was great fun.

The second act opened with another rousing number, ‘Seasons of Love’ from ‘Rent’ which was sung with relish.

Nicky Ginns, who is new to the group, sang ‘The Life I Never Led’ from ‘Sister Act the Musical’ this was delivered clearly. This was later followed by Lucia Owen-Small singing ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’ from the film ‘Sister Act 2’. Nicky and Sophie Foster sang solo sections from ‘Opening Up’ (Waitress), which was well delivered.

From ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ Jodie Bulter gave a good rendition of ‘If I Met Myself Again’ sung in the musical by Jamie’s mum. I heard a member of the audience behind me describe this one as ‘lovely’ of which I would agree.

Another show from Sondheim this time ‘Follies’ and the song ‘Losing My Mind’ was beautifully sung by Anna Bird, with Andrew Smith on the saxophone, adding to the musical accompaniment.  Equally well sang was ‘With You’ by Molly Bennett from ‘Ghost the Musical’

Having come through Covid 19, Coleshill on Stage had a further set back in September 2023. RAAC was found at the venue where ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was about to open. Laura King, Ashleigh Poppitt and Jodie Butler sang the opening number as Crystal, Chiffon and Ronette with Daniel Butler (Seymour), Molly Bennett (Audrey) and Tom Willson (Mr. Mushnik). If the snippet was anything to go by, we are in for a treat when the show is finally performed.

Although the whole performance was of high quality the highlight from the ensemble numbers, for me, was a medley of songs from ‘Jekyll and Hyde the Musical’ including Tom Willson’s rendition of ‘This is the Moment’.

The final number was from Avenue Q, ‘For Now’ with soloists Jane Smith and Rob Sharratt. Most certainly a fun number to conclude with.

In short, the evening was great.

Thank you to Coleshill on Stage for inviting me and I most certainly look forward to Beauty and the Beast – pantomime at Coleshill Town Hall 13 – 16 February 2025.

Andy Brown

West Midlands Regional Councillor

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