From Screen to Stage

Taking to our seats in the Heald Green Theatre, we were quickly whisked away into a world where musical numbers from the screen became hits on the stage. The moment the lights dimmed, the audience was greeted with a simple black‑box setting, a rostrum placed centre stage, and an atmosphere that promised creativity without distraction. It was a clever choice: stripped back, unfussy, and perfectly suited to a concert that relied on the performers’ talent, storytelling, and musicality rather than elaborate staging. That simplicity allowed every number to breathe, and from the very first moment, it was clear we were about to witness something special.

Opening the show was Something About This Tonight from Finding Neverland, and it was truly magnificent. The crisp vocals, the control, the projection, every single cast member delivered with absolute precision. There was a unity in their sound that immediately set the bar high. I knew at this stage we were definitely in for a treat because the ensemble demonstrated not only vocal excellence but also emotional connection, blending harmonies with a sense of shared purpose. It was one of those rare opening numbers that doesn’t just start a show; it announces it.

Before moving deeper into the concert, I have to say how exceptionally well this entire evening was structured. I’ve seen many concerts over the years, but this one stood out for its seamless transitions between musical numbers and the thoughtful placement of each song. The audience was taken on a musical theatre rollercoaster of tempo, mood, and meaning, a journey that felt curated rather than compiled. This is a testament to the direction of Megan Ashbrook and Alicia Whittaker, whose vision shaped the evening with clarity and finesse. Their understanding of pacing, emotional flow, and audience engagement was evident throughout, and both directors should be immensely proud of the artistry they brought to the stage. Their work demonstrated a deep respect for musical theatre as a craft and a keen awareness of how to guide an audience through it.

And woven through all of this was the truly outstanding choreography by Rebecca Davies. Her work elevated the concert to another level entirely. Rebecca clearly understands the abilities, strengths, and personalities of every performer she works with, and this understanding shone through in every movement, every formation, and every stylistic choice. Nothing felt generic or “one size fits all”; instead, the choreography was tailored, thoughtful, and deeply musical. Whether it was high‑energy ensemble numbers bursting with precision or softer, more intimate sequences that required subtlety and control, Rebecca crafted choreography that showcased the cast at their absolute best. Her ability to blend storytelling with movement, ensuring every performer looked confident, comfortable, and connected, was remarkable. It added a professional polish to the entire evening and demonstrated just how vital strong choreography is in a concert of this scale.

Next in line was I Know It’s Today from Shrek, performed by Leila Vigerstaff, Rebecca Davies, and Lauren Ricketts. Their vocals were refined, beautifully blended, and projected with confidence. Each performer brought her own flavour to the role, yet the trio worked together with such cohesion that the number felt both polished and heartfelt. The storytelling was clear, the humour landed, and the vocal layering was delightful. Singing in the Rain followed, and I absolutely loved the props used. At this point, I began to appreciate the distinct colour of red that ran through the entire production, simple yet creatively effective. Whether intentional or symbolic, the red accents unified the concert visually, adding a subtle thread of continuity that tied the numbers together. It was a clever design choice that never overshadowed the performers but enhanced the aesthetic of the evening.

Beautiful, sung and performed by Anna Winstanley, Hannah Young, Sophie Vlissidis, and Lauren Martin, was a real showstopper. Their harmonies were rich and warm, and the emotional sincerity of the performance resonated deeply. Each performer brought strength and vulnerability in equal measure, creating a moment that felt both intimate and expansive. It was one of those numbers where the audience collectively leaned forward, drawn in by the sheer quality of the vocal delivery. From adult musicals, we then shifted swiftly to Revolting Children, and the energy skyrocketed. The high pace, the choreography, the sheer enthusiasm, it was simply electric. The cast threw themselves into the number with full commitment, and the audience responded with palpable excitement. It was a brilliant contrast to the previous number, demonstrating once again how well the concert was structured.

Nicole Whittle‑Green’s rendition of Somewhere That’s Green was spot on. Not over sung, not overplayed, just simply honest, charming, and beautifully delivered. Nicole captured the gentle longing of the song with clarity and warmth, allowing the humour to shine without ever losing the heart of the piece. Her vocal tone suited the number perfectly, and her performance was one of the evening’s highlights.

Act 2 opened with When You’re an Addams, and it was full of character from start to finish. Katy Thomason‑Stewart, Lisa Jones, Lauren Martin, Scott Walker, Derek Swain, and Elaine Thorburn commanded the space with confidence, humour, and impeccable timing. Their ensemble work was tight, their characterisation bold, and the staging playful. It was a vibrant start to the second half and set the tone beautifully. Josh Hyman and Lauren Martin’s version of Crazier Than You was delivered with charm, chemistry, and excellent vocal interplay. Their rapport was clear, and the comedic elements of the song were handled with great skill. The audience loved it, and rightly so, it was a standout duet. The Waitress Medley, performed by Derek Swain, Leila Vigerstaff, Sophie Vlissidis, and Scott Walker, was truly great. The blend of voices, the emotional shifts, and the storytelling were all handled with care. Each performer brought something unique to the medley, yet the transitions were smooth and the overall effect cohesive. It was a thoughtful inclusion in the programme and beautifully executed.

Closing the show was What a Feeling, and what a feeling this cast left the audience with. They were absolutely superb, from the clear lines of projection and harmonies to the wonderful sound produced both by the performers and the technical team. The tech, provided by MSL, was excellent, enhancing the energy of the finale without overwhelming it. The cast truly deserved the standing ovation they received at the end. Their hard work, passion, and talent radiated throughout the evening, and the audience responded with genuine appreciation.

This concert was a celebration of musical theatre in its purest form, storytelling through song, delivered with heart, skill, and joy. Every performer contributed to a night that was uplifting, polished, and deeply enjoyable. A triumph from start to finish, thank you for your kind invitation and hospitality throughout the evening.

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