G&S and Lin-Manuel Miranda

The Encore section presented their end of term concert based around a great range of musical numbers written by Gilbert & Sullivan or Lin-Manuel Miranda. The opening number “What I was born for” by Miranda was taken at a cracking pace with some slick choreography, headed by Robyn McCollum and Alice Barker and quickly followed by  G&S’ “Merry Madrigal” sung superbly by  Matt Street, Henry James, Ella Sutton and Issy khogali.

In fact, throughout the whole concert one superb number followed another, it is impossible not to make reference to all other singers including Jess Young, Kaitlyn Norwood, Emma Sinden, Charlotte Pye, Tabitha Warburton, Molly Hill, Hannah Jones, Sylvie Symons, Daisy Beedie and Neave Lawson-Dallow.

There were a number of excellent highlights including the harmony singing by the company in the ‘HMS Pinafore Finale’, ‘None shall Part us’ sung by Beth Bullas and Matt Street, ‘Three little Maids’ in groups of 3, sung by Sophie Morris, Megan Cooper, Megan Jones, Maya Treadwell-Middle, Jenny Ingles, Ellie Morris, Amelie Prewer-Jenkinson,  Clara Davies and Issy Khogali.

Ella Sutton sang ‘The Sun and I’ from the Hot Mikado with great expression and Sophie Rowberry sang ‘Everything I know’ by Miranda, with great emotion. Eddie Thomas was totally convincing as ‘The Pirate King’ and Issy Khogali led the company superbly with ‘Poor Wandering One’. Will McCrea, was laugh out loud funny with Emily Kitkat singing ‘Were I thy Bride’ by G&S.

The sequence from Miranda’s ‘Hamilton’ was well staged, particularly Sam Nield’s ‘Hurrican’ and Niamh Thomas’ ‘Burn’, both of which were excellent. Henry James and Ella Cane rounded off the programme with the company singing ‘I have a song to Sing’ which they all certainly proved they did!

This was an outstanding concert, directed by Tori Wakeman, choreography by Britt Needham and musical direction by Stephen Watkins.

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