Movies vs Musicals

Songs that have been made famous on both the stage and screen is a pretty good premise for selecting the numbers for this musical extravaganza and has resulted in some interesting choices of both familiar and unfamiliar (to me at least) numbers which delighted the opening night audience. What delighted me most was the sheer joy and involvement demonstrated by every single member of the very large cast.

Directors Hannah Edwins and Marina Voak, together with Choreographer Alessandra Bushnell have pulled together a very slick production where each number morphed seamlessly into the next and maintained a tremendous pace. The big company numbers were energetic with well executed, vibrant choreography making use of every inch of space on the large stage. Solos, duets, and trios were equally effective with just enough movement to create interest without detracting from the beautiful singing.

There was absolutely no need for a set, just a couple of raised platforms at the back and a few props, where needed. The cast, together with sumptuous and moody lighting (Natalie Richeux and James Whitehouse) and simple, but effective costumes (Hannah and Marina again) painted any number of beautiful pictures. Musical Director Val Tucker must have worked the cast hard to achieve such excellent quality of singing. She looked very lonely in the pit as, sadly, there was no live band, but the backing tracks were all of good quality, although a couple of the arrangements sounded a little odd to my ears. Sound quality throughout was good too (Rob Sarahs) and the singers were never overwhelmed by the music.

As the show comprised 31 musical numbers, I cannot mention them all, but I have to mention just some of what, for me, were the highlights of the show. The children (the Blue team on the night I attended) – well, they smashed every number they were in, but my favourite was Revolting Children. Isabelle Parsons managed to wring every last ounce of emotion from She Used to Be Mine and Charlotte Falconer gave a stonking performance of Memory. Elaine Paige? Pah! Everybody Ought to Have a Maid, led by Jonathan Redwood, had inventive actions and two false endings. Great stuff! Marie Ridley, Julie Wharton and Alison Dea entertained us brilliantly with You Gotta Have a Gimmick. The men, led by Cobus Vos gave a slick rendition of Luck Be a Lady, while the ladies gave us a vivacious America. Hannah Edwins’ Morning Person was just perfect (I loved the exploding bird!) The Company number Drink With Me was utterly sublime – simply presented and sung superbly. Also from Les Mis, I Dreamed a Dream was sung beautifully by Lindsey Leask. Tristan Redwood really impressed me with Skimbleshanks – so many words delivered so precisely and clearly. Matthew Cocker demonstrated great confidence and a lovely singing voice leading the act 1 finale – Out of the Darkness. Showing exemplary acting, singing, and dancing skills in many numbers throughout the show was Ewan Wharton – an appropriate choice for leading the finale: Everybody Needs Somebody.

If I didn’t mention you, please don’t be offended – this was very much an ensemble show where everybody contributed equally. Also, I’m only supposed to write 500 words and I’ve already run out of superlatives for describing this excellent show. The title of the last but one number sums it up perfectly: you were all Simply the Best.

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