Pop goes the Musical - Anthems

The content of this pop musical programme may have been a complete contrast to the earlier concert but the same cast members maintained the consistently high standard both vocally and in performance.

‘Somebody to Love’ with Kirsten Anderson, Rachel Haynes, Sarah Henderson and Suzanne McKenna got things off to a flying start and this was swiftly followed by an exuberant ‘Voulez Vous’ from the company. Jerrard Doran and Nicole Graham then treated us to a romantic ‘How Deep is Your Love’. One of the highlights of the evening was Jessica James ‘Sunshine on Leith’ which was sung with such intense emotion as was Jerrard Doran’s ‘Yesterday’.

In contrast ‘River Deep Mountain High’ with Cat McInally and Sarah Connelly was raucous and such fun to watch. The company is fortunate in having strong male vocalists who entertained us with ‘December 1963’ before the company burst into a most spirited and energetic ‘It’s Raining Men’. I loved the smoothness of ‘You’re Just too Good to be True’ led by the charismatic Alex Kantor. Two or the most powerful female singers were Sally Pugh and Rachel Haynes. Both girls sang numbers from the Carol King musical ‘Beautiful’. Sally’s ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ was expressive and sung with conviction while Rachel oozed sex appeal in ’You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)'.

‘Don’t Stop Believing’ led by David Bartholomew and Ashley Grandison again demonstrated the strength and vitality of the company and set things up for ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ to round off the evening in a stirring fashion with the audience elated and wanting more.

What was striking about this (these) concert(s) was the wealth of talent and versatility within the company as well as the depth of emotion and sincerity expressed in both singing and acting.

This was a most impressive production from a talented company who had been well directed musically and in movement. Excellent soloists, strong choral work, slick choreography and smooth transition from one grouping to the next resulted in a polished evening’s entertainment.

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