ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE MUSE - ICALS

MUSES THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE MUSE - ICALS

As seen by Ros Hollands NODA SW assistant rep on  Saturday 31st Jan 2026     for Mike Purnell, NODA SW REGION 9

 

Directed by: Carl and Peter Holdway-Bradley, Cameron Isherwood, Madison Walker

Musically Directed by: Jessamy Bowditch, Luke Osbourne, Rob Tilke Choreographed by: Samantha Aylott, Nina Blackwell, Peter Holdway - Bradley

Produced By  Samantha Aylott and Cameron Isherwood

                                                                                                                                                        

McMILLAN THEATRE             BRIDGEWATER

 

This was my first visit to Bridgewater and this lovely theatre. Thank you for the very warm welcome myself and my daughter received. We both had no idea about the group, apart from reading snippets online. We also had no idea of what we were about to see. 

Twenty seven cast, twenty five musical numbers, eight rehearsals and one performance. This was just some of the information gained beforehand.  

This one night performance was being staged to raise funds for future productions.

The theatre was full of all ages of family and friends of the group. And indeed some who weren’t, but who just love musical theatre. As were the very friendly, elderly couple sat next to me.

The opening number of ‘One Night Only,’ from the musical Dreamgirls, showcased the whole cast. And what a cast. The sound reverberating around the theatre was quite a ‘tour de force.’

Well done to sound technician, Koby Taylor. I have to say that the sound and Lighting, [Ewan Mcclumpha] were excellent throughout. [Maybe though just a little more light on some of the faces when singing the softer numbers and while seated at the piano.]  Backing tracks were extremely good. 

When the choreography kicked in during that first song I just knew I could sit back and relax in the knowledge that we had some extremely talented young people on the stage. The male dancers really showcased how it should be done. Well done you. The tap dancing ladies and choreography were spectacular. As were costumes throughout. 

Compere, Luke did a grand job of introducing us to what was coming up next. I’m  sure he’s done that job before. He was really rather good at it. His personality shone through  from start, to finish.

We had so many wonderful solos and group numbers spanning a wide variety of musicals from ‘Paddington’ to  some more obscure ones that I admit, I didn’t know much about. 

There was never a moment during each number that didn’t have me waxing lyrical about the talent reverberating across the stage and flowing throughout the auditorium. Raising the rafters in some numbers. [Just be careful you don’t push the belt and chest registers too far] That’s just me being caring about those lovely voices. 

How can you pick a favourite singer or musical number out of all these wonderful numbers. I’m sure each member of the audience had their favourite. Me? Definitely the very beautiful voice of Cameron in Bui Doi from Miss Saigon. I know this was a group number but Cameron melted my heart with his superb diction and clear tone. That is not to say that each and every solo, group, or full cast number didn’t have something for everyone. Including me. It is not often you can say that about an amateur group of young people. Well done to each and every one of you. And the older members too.

If I were to list all the numbers in this very splendid evenings performance we would be here for ever. Suffice to say that each and everyone of you who sang during this evenings performance, and that’s all of you, deserves a huge round of applause for the sheer joy you gave to each member of the audience. 

I was also very aware of the acting ability on show during the performances. 

As to Luke's parting words ‘Never Forget The Power Of Theatre.’  I couldn’t agree more Luke.

After seeing you all in this show, I may just have to come to your production of ‘Come From Away,’ in September. That show is very popular with groups all over the country at the moment. I have no doubt that you will all do it justice, if tonight is anything to go by. Well done everyone involved with this group; no matter what you do.

Once again thank you for looking after me. And thank you to Mike Purnell for inviting me to report on your excellent show.

 

Ros Hollands 

Assistant Rep SW.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he or she sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that hi/hers assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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