La Vie Boheme

Setting the bar high with their opening number La Vie Boheme from ‘Rent’, the company carried on with a spectacular presentation of songs from old and new musicals, appropriately celebrating their 75th Anniversary. Duettists were well matched with the likes of Michael Coyle and Aimee McAteer creating beautiful harmony in Corner of the Sky from ‘Pippin’ and with Aidan Harland and Paul Allison-Thomson rendering lovely arrangements from ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Dear Evan Hanson’. Cheery changes of mood came from Janice Gray and Joyce Gallacher in a delightfully sung and choreographed Friendship from ‘Anything Goes’ and from Colin Fawkes and Iain Davidson in an entertaining patter song All For The Best from ‘Godspell’. Solo numbers were likewise well delivered with an excellent This is The Moment by Andrew McAteer, an emotional Breathe by Amy Campbell and a heartfelt I Am What I Am by David Young. The ensemble numbers of the first half were rousing and riveting with a Come So Far from ‘Hairspray’ leaving the audience desperate for more. And so it continued after the interval in sparkling vein with Louise Harland and Laura Stewarts’ duet The Sparkling Diamond, using the stage well. Louise went on to deliver I’m Still Here from ‘Follies’ in fine style. Other fine performances came from soloists Victoria Fulton with Electricity from ‘Billy Elliot’and from Kirsty Meikle with Don’t Rain on My Parade from ‘Funny Girl’. Almost stealing the show were the quintet of men - Paul, Aidan, David, Graeme Scott and Iain - in an atmospheric Hurry Home Medley from ‘Five Guys Named Moe’. Later Paul showed his talent in a wonderfully sung For The Dreamers. Ensemble numbers were fronted by Lisa Goldie in Gotta Get a Gimmick and by Katie Gardiner in Steal Your Rock and Roll. The evening moved to a climax with songs from ‘Dreamgirls’ and the company delivering a rousing and affirmative Bring on Tomorrow from ‘Fame’. Characterised by great singing, the whole show resonated with energy and confidence enhanced by sensitive and creative choreography. The staging of raised three tiers promoted great sound and lent itself to some imaginative tableaux. This was certainly a showcase event for the company. Congratulations all round on a polished, memorable and thoroughly entertaining evening.

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