Heroes Versus Villains

Staged at the intimate Heald Green Theatre, Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company's latest offering, Heroes Versus Villains, delivered an afternoon packed with passion, vocal prowess, and imaginative staging. A revue-style concert drawing from a wide range of musicals, it cleverly juxtaposed beloved characters from both ends of the moral spectrum — and the result was a hugely enjoyable night at the theatre. 

The open stage design made effective use of a central raised rostra, flanked by extensions and steps, allowing for smooth transitions and dynamic movement throughout the show. The staging remained simple but purposeful, ensuring that the performances remained front and centre. 

The concert opened strongly with a Jesus Christ Superstar. The featured soloists displayed excellent vocals, tight harmonies, and well-executed choreography, immediately setting a high standard for the evening. Scott’s performance of Be the Hero was heartfelt and confident, showcasing strong acting and a solid vocal performance. 

A particularly moving moment came with Bui Doi from Miss Saigon. Although the harmonies occasionally felt slightly unbalanced, the emotional impact of the piece was still evident. Similarly, The Heat Is On was a lively number, though at times the vocals edged into shoutiness, slightly disrupting the overall blend. 

Holding Out for a Hero was a crowd-pleaser, with beautifully delivered vocals, although some sections suffered from low lighting, making it hard to see the performers’ expressions. Freak Flag brought a sense of fun and energy, with choreography that effectively highlighted the ensemble's strengths. 

It was refreshing to see a classic like Maria from The Sound of Music included — a gentle, well-executed change of pace. One of the evening’s standout moments was undoubtedly Megan’s moving performance of He’s My Boy from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Tackling such an emotionally charged and vocally demanding piece, Megan delivered with sincerity and control — a truly touching highlight. 

Sun and Moon was staged simply but effectively, allowing the purity of the vocals to shine through, while Raise You Up from Kinky Boots had the audience clapping along with infectious enthusiasm. Act 1 closed with What Is This Feeling? performed with flair and tight choreography — a fitting end to a vibrant first half. 

Act 2 began with Facade from Jekyll and Hyde, though there were moments where sound issues appeared to cause difficulties for the cast. Nevertheless, they pushed through with professionalism. Cell Block Tango was visual and choreographically striking, handled with confidence by the performers. 

A showstopper moment arrived with Burn from Hamilton — beautifully sung, with harmonies perfectly placed. Master of the House brought welcome comic relief, thanks to sharp timing and strong ensemble work, while I Put a Spell on You was given an unexpected twist, reimagined with just guitar and folk-style vocals — a bold and effective choice. 

The final two numbers — No Bad News and Seize the Day — closed the show on a high, with strong vocals throughout. Although the latter's choreography was ambitious, the cast’s enthusiasm carried it through. 

Overall, Heroes Versus Villains was a triumph. A versatile, entertaining, and emotive revue, it highlighted both the individual talents and sheer enjoyment of this talented company. Bravo to all involved! 

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