Annual Revue

This most imaginative, cleverly constructed revue entitled ‘A Night of Award-Winning Songs’ was staged in the style of the Brit Awards ceremony. A most confident and competent compere with a dynamic personality hosted the show which resembled the familiar awards ceremony having a short list of possible winners in each category and the winner receiving a trophy. The recipients’ reactions also mirrored some of the often ‘over the top’ responses so often seen by the professionals in awards ceremonies –tears, laughter, the never-ending list of people to thank and drama - all very amusing.

There were several categories each with four numbers which had been carefully chosen. A real variety of styles provided an opportunity for soloists of all ages and experience to perform and gave the ensemble a chance to enjoy a diverse range of musical genres.

Best New Musical section got the show off to a lively start with the ladies bursting on to the stage and smashing ‘Omigod You Guys’ (Legally Blonde) followed by a humorous ‘You And Me (But Mostly Me)’ (Book Of Mormon).

Best Breakthrough Artist featured some exciting numbers finishing with the energetic Tom Jones number ‘It’s Not Unusual’.

‘I Got Rhythm’ (An American In Paris), one of the numbers in the Best Screen Musical category, demonstrated the company’s skills in executing choreography which was slick and manageable for all. The various tempos and dance styles throughout the production were managed with apparent ease. ‘Out Here On My Own’ (Fame) also in this category was well performed.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Louis Armstrong’s ‘Wonderful World’. This was one of the most moving parts of the production as the company stood singing making a great sound and blend of voices and with everyone on stage signing with British Sign Language. A truly poignant moment.

There were some beautiful numbers in Best Musical Revival category particularly ‘Corner Of The Sky’ (Pippin), and the heartfelt ‘Loving You Keeps Me Alive’ (Dracula).

‘Make ‘Em Laugh (Singin’ In The Rain) was brilliant with an energetic soloist leading the company in a colourful, slap stick, fun number which concluded Act 1.

‘All Of You’ (Encanto) was very well put across and started off the Best Soundtrack section.

There were some real stars listed in the Global Award category. A lively ‘I’m Still Standing’ (Elton John) an exuberant ‘Shake It Off’ (Taylor Swift) a pensive ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ (Adele) and a most compelling ‘Super Market Flowers’ (Ed Sheeran) were most enjoyable.

Best Musical Category offered a most powerful presentation of ‘Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo’(Damn Yankees) and a fabulous ‘School Song’ (Matilda) with the company cleverly managing the letter blocks as they sang heartily. A quartet of more mature members of the company sang ‘Send In The Clowns’ (A Little Night Music) with sincerity.

Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ and the final ‘Time Warp’ (Rocky Horror Show) were sung with real gusto. The entire production was vibrant and colourful. The many costume changes must have kept the company on their toes. Choreography was creative and suited the varying styles of musical numbers. I have mentioned only some of the numbers, but this was a most entertaining programme delivered with enthusiasm by everyone on stage.

After the many obstacles M.A.M.A has had to overcome in the last few years it was so encouraging to see this production taking to the stage and being enjoyed by the cast and the audience. Very well done.

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