Divas & Icons

When you’re invited to a performance entitled “Divas & Icons” you’re somewhat aware you’re likely to be walking into a high bar, coupled with the usual standard of performances that Sunderland Theatre Company usually produce.  Their most recent concert certainly lived up to their reputation with huge ballads, dance numbers and performances jam packed into a busy two act schedule.

What was lovely about the format of “Divas & Icons” was that it provided the opportunity for many of Sunderland’s members who don’t perhaps take lead roles in musicals to shine with their own personal renditions, and for us as audiences to see and hear them on their own for the first time.  They have such a talented ensemble and I really enjoyed being able to see more of their members shine in their own spotlight.  As such there was an entire program of fantastic, well thought out performances as a whole but some particular stand outs.

Director and choreographer Michael Brabbs did a great job of selecting classics which the audience responded well to and which encouraged participation throughout, assisted by Sarah Ketchin.  Musical Director Gemma Smith brought the best out of the cast and the harmonies were clear and well put together.  Assistant choreographer Jessica Summers created some wonderful numbers (I admit to being a sucker for tap!) with sound being provided by Stephen Fry and light by Brian Waldock-Leach.

The ensemble taking part was made up of Sue Abraham, Cara Barella, Abigail Bowman, Olivia Bowern, Vanessa Bowern, Hannah Brettell, Antoinette Brindley, Alison Carrick, Rebecca Crackett, Tilly Davison, Linda Fowler, Jordan Grace, Samantha Kennedy, Erin-Rose Richards, Emily Ross, Olivia Scott, Gemma Smith, Rebecca Smith, Jessic Summers, Demilee Turnbull, Kristan Bailey, Sean Barratt, Mathew Clarke, Kieran Donnelly, Daniel Dryden and Jason Waldock-Leach.

Its sometimes difficult I find to write a report on a concert without simply writing out the running order, so I do intend to avoid that and provide my personal highlights.  I loved the format, the opportunities provided for all to shine, the costuming, the pace and the content was really well chosen, from Queen, to Abba, the Beatles, Little Mix, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Pink, Elton John, Culture Club and many more.  I loved Kieran’s poise and stage presence, utterly fabulous and fierce on stage especially during the opening number “Don’t Stop Me Now” during which I especially enjoyed the choreography.  The audience thoroughly enjoyed Mathew and the male ensemble’s delivery of “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Man I feel like a woman” from Hannah, Antoinette and the female ensemble.  Emily’s delivery of “Diamonds Are Forever” was utterly gorgeous, a little shaky to start but once she got over those nerves she had a beautiful soft delivery.  I loved Abigail & Jessica’s dance performance to “Get Happy”.  Sean surprised me with his beautiful rich delivery of “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”, really enjoyed it.  Cara consistently excels but “Dream a little dream” was so soft and vulnerable, really gorgeous.  Rebecca blew the ceiling off with “One Moment in Time” incredibly difficult to sing but nothing stands in her way, utterly lovely.  Stand out number for me was “Secret Love Song” performed by Cara, Olivia B, Rebecca C and Demilee.  It was just stunning.  I had goosebumps listening to them, absolutely beautiful.

All of you were simply superb and should be so proud of yourselves.  Can’t wait to see what you do next!  Well done to you all

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