Broadway to Piccadilly Songs from the Stage

With over 30 numbers from a wide range of musicals, the Norbury Players staged a fitting tribute for its 60th anniversary which throughout any year also presents a mix of drama, youth and  pantomime productions.

After an overture from an excellent band, Paul Steele and Sam Jeffrey sang ‘A Musical’ from “Something Rotten!” to explain why we should all see a musical and this was backed by the ensemble and some handy tap from the dancers. Andy Brown  was our compare for the evening and created some smooth links providing some amusing and interesting facts about the numbers selected.

With too many numbers to mention everyone, there were some stand out performances. In Act 1, Becky Fearnley gave a powerful rendition of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from “The Sound of Music” and it was pleasing to see a contribution from ‘Beginners on Stage’ singing well and clear with ‘When I Grow Up’ from “Matilda”. I also liked ‘Tomorrow’ from “Annie” sung by Emily Tennant, Graeme Sinclair, Keith Snailham, Janet Sinclair and the ensemble. ‘Shine Like the Sun’ from “9 to 5” was sung by Grace Duggan, Beth Smith and Kate Green with great expression.

Hayley Gass provided some great story telling with ‘Ireland’ and ‘Gay or European’ also from “Legally Blonde” was very amusing. Erin Maiden standing in at very short notice with Emma Waters with ‘For Good’ from “Wicked” was really good, and the end of Act 1  was rounded off with three great numbers from “Les Miserables”.

Act 2 kept up the tempo and Becky Fearnley again raised the roof with style and control with ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’ from “The Phantom of the Opera” and Jo Hughes gave us bags of personality with the dancers and ensemble with ‘I Got Rhythm’ from “Crazy for You” . However, for me the outstanding number of the night was Erin Maiden singing ‘I’d Give My Life for You’ from “Miss Saigon” . I thought ‘The Song That Goes Like This’ from “Spamalot” was funny and well done by Keith Snailham and Miriam Griffiths and ‘I Know It’s Today’ from “Shrek the Musical”  (Lexy Steele, Emily Tennant and Emily Jeffrey) was tuneful and full of expression.

The staging and lighting were simple and effective and the band located at the rear of the stage gave the right level of support and the closing medley from “The Prince of Egypt” was very well arranged by MD Laurence Nicholas, especially for the concert. Congratulations also to Andy Brown (Director) and Lois Press (Choreographer) for a great evening’s entertainment.

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