Masquerade

St Dunstan`s AODS decided to celebrate their 70th year with a concert, it did however have a twist – it would consist of only Andrew Lloyd Webber songs. Myself and my guest went along with high expectations about what we might see and hear but neither of us could have ever imagined what unfolded. The seating was cabaret style, the stage open and set as if in a sitting room in a large manor house, there was a chesterfield sofa with matching wingback chair, a coat stand, wooden panelling with wallpaper above, paintings on said walls, floating shelves with nick knacks, double opening doors to the rear,  a half mezzanine walkway with closed doors as if leading to bedrooms, a grandmother clock  - the attention to detail was exquisite.

The band very ably led by Musical Director John G Barry were in an enclosed orchestra pit in front of the raised  stage. The sound they created was tight and  sharp and had some great pace. The use of only Andrew Lloyd Webber songs reminded me of Sondheim`s “Putting It Together” revue and so this was a very clever and brave step as it can be a bit like marmite as in it definitely works or it most definitely doesn`t – this most definitely did! The layering and connection of the songs from the various shows told a story and led the audience on a journey, from the opening chorus of “Jellicle Cats”  we were hooked and invested in the various characters appearing.  The sound balance between music and vocals was very good , there were no gremlins, drops, crackles or misses – well done, Phil Nicholls.  The lighting by Phil Nicholls and Charlie Ivison was sympathetic to the songs and ever evolving without drawing the eye by being intrusive, it added a lovely atmospheric layer of the evening progressing and  passions rising and falling. Costumes were modern day and consisted of quite dark tonal colours but with lots of sparkle evident, the general feel and look was of a party event. The choreography by Jackie Eade was simple and effective, it all looked very natural as if at a party  - even down to the gentlemen( Phil B, Nick, Stu and Ben) drunkenly draping themselves over the chairs and sofa while performing “One Rock and Roll Too Many” this state certainly seemed to come to these four very easily .

A standout for me was “ As If We Never Said Goodbye” by Sue Milligan, Sue is an absolute powerhouse with an impressive set of singing chops but her delivery of this song had tears dripping down my cheeks – she moved me with her light and shade, her connection to the vocals and lyrics , her connection to the audience, her compete performance of telling the story all while (in my own imagination) her old lover Ben Drane watched and listened, unseen by her, his sheer joy at seeing her again after all this time clearly written across his face along with his undying love. “Think of Me” performed by Rebecca Tonge showed off her beautiful tone, she had some good note strength and breath control and her money note was stunning. “Sunset Boulevard” performed by Ben Drane closed the first half, it’s a tricky one to get right – the vocal phrasing and breathing have to be in all the right places to get all the words out with clear diction but Ben nailed it, he also captured the angst and love woven within the song, there was a connection with the audience without directly singing to us – we were completely invisible and unnecessary. It felt very much to me personally as if I had opened the back of a large dolls house and was watching all this going on. The only way I can describe it is as very special, the whole concert was a timeless moment.

I loved “Gus The Theatre Cat” performed by Phil Brady and Beth watched on by other adults and the children, it was a lovely moment visually of such an age range and the sentiment behind the song at that moment was perfect. I was engrossed and completely caught up in the allusion of the passionate affair in “ Point of No Return” by Phil Callaghan and Ellie Hulston – it was all portrayed in the looks and the vocals .

 I have only mentioned a few of the numbers, I could go into detail about every single number chosen but we would be here all day, everyone on that stage brought a strength and finesse  to the performance which produced something very special and you should all be very proud, the harmonies were interwoven beautifully, notes were finished, projection and enunciation was solid.  Myself and my guest thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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