Download the new logos for the programme and poster competition

A Walk through the West End

Author: Peter Oliver

Information

Date
16th July 2022
Society
Fatfield Musical Stage Society
Venue
Harraton Community Centre
Type of Production
Concert
Director
Claire Taylor
Musical Director
Thomas Hindmarch
Choreographer
Nicola Bunker

The theme for Fatfield Musical Stage Societies concert production “A Walk Through the West End” was to showcase 20 musical numbers that are currently being performed in current musicals around the theatres in the West End of London. As always when you attend Fatfield Musical Stage Society you receive a warm welcome by the Chairman which always shows how professional this group is. The venue was well suited for a concert with the stage simply dressed including projection to the back of the stage indicating the musical that the song was been performed from. Well, done to Claire Taylor as Director, who in my opinion, created a first-class combination of some of the best musical numbers currently on offer in the West End. The choreography was well designed and suited the cast of twenty talented performers who performed using the stage and floor space, well done Nicola Bunker it looked great. Music was in the capable hands of the talented Thomas Hindmarch, this young man certainly has talent not only did he musically direct the concert, play the piano beautifully but sang a wonderful number from Dear Evan Hanson, Waving Through A Window which was beautifully delivered. Special mention must also go to Thomas for the beautiful overture to open the concert with a musical combination of the songs that were going to be performed it certainly set the positive tone from the start and enabled the cast to walk on as if they were walking through the Capital as tourists ready to attend a West End production.

The company started the performance with two songs from my favourite musicals, Hamilton and Moulin Rouge great interpretation of “You’ll Be Back” and I love the harmonies in “Your Song” this was followed by “Masquerade” from the one of the longest running musicals Phantom of the Opera, again fantastic harmonises and lovely tight choreography which brought the number to life.

The audience were treated to Two numbers from Wicked “What is this Feeling” by Claire Taylor and Emma Monagham and it was certainly delivered with feeling, fantastic duet from these talented members. This was followed by Katherine Dolphin who delivered an outstanding interpretation of “I’m Not That Girl” I loved this section of the programme as did the audience.

The male ensemble made have been small in numbers, but they certainly held their own when it came to been heard, Adam Potter delivered a beautiful interpretation of “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables well done Adam is sounded great this was followed up with the company delivering “One More Day”

I loved the interpretation of the song “When I Grow Up” from Matilda by the company supported by Barbara Simpson and Katherine Dolphin. The show Anything Goes ended the first act with Amy Irwin delivering “I Get A Kick Out Of You” lovely delivery, I loved the tap routine this was followed by the company singing and tapping to the title number “Anything Goes” a perfect ending to a great first act.

The second act opened to two numbers from the beautiful musical My Fair Lady, lovely combination of movement and singing by the company to the musical number “Ascot Gavotte” this was followed by Barbara Simpson delivering a totally outstanding performance “I Could Have Danced All Night” wow Barbara’s vocals were pitch perfect and I loved how this was supported by a ballet routine absolutely outstanding. Exceptional harmonies from Pam Monagham, Rachael Stokes, Janet Cooper and Helen Downey from the song “Feed The Birds” from Mary Poppins, it’s so refreshing to see this group not shy away from adding from adding in the harmonies in it certainly makes a difference.

I have seen Six performed a number of times recently, but the 6 ex-wives of Henry VIII, Hannah Stothard, Laura Dollimore, Katherine Dolphin, Lucy Hill, Emma Monagham and Claire Taylor showed how versatile this group is, a wonderful routine and great vocals, I really enjoyed this number. Adam Potter, Reece Sohdi was joined by Thomas Hindmarch and the band to deliver “Under The Broadwalk” from The Drifters Girl excellent vocals and I loved how the band supported this number. The company joined the stage to sing a number from The Jersey Boys “Oh What A Night” and what a night or afternoon this was turning out to be. Laura Dollimore gave us her interpretation of “Slipping Through My Fingers” from the popular Mama Mia delivered with such feeling. To conclude this spectacular concert the director chose two numbers from the Lion King which I thought was a fitting ending Adam Potter, Reece Sohdi, Rachael Stokes and Helen Downey sang the beautiful “Can you Feel The Love Tonight” before being joined by the Company to sing “Circle Of Life” featuring Claire Taylor, Laura Dollimore, Adam Potter and Reece Sohdi.

To think that this is the first time Fatfield Musical Stage Society has been back together since the pandemic they delivered a fantastic concert with a detailed programme which was a huge achievement, this performance was slick, well-choreographed and the final number was a perfect way to demonstrate how professional and talented this group is. It is so good to see Musical Theatre is thriving in the North.

A huge well done and I can’t wait to see you all in your next production

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the North region

Funders & Partners