Raise Your Voice

What a pleasant, relaxed evening spent with the lovely cast of Driffield Musical Theatre. It’s
nice to see small societies in today’s economic struggle still holding their own, with an
intimate cast still showing everyone what they have to offer. The Raise Your Voice cabaret
was a lovely mixture of some well-known songs from musicals all with the common theme of
standing up for yourself and being heard. It was so nice to see young producer Chloe Ellis put
together a well-rehearsed and imaginative set list whilst still being on stage herself, beaming
all the way through. Her performance was exemplary, and she certainly led by example. My
congratulation goes out to Chloe, and I look forward to seeing more of her productions soon.
The show started with a very apt song for the title of the production. Raise your Voice from
Sister Act the Musical was a nice way to ease the audience into an uplifting evening. Dyan
Dee who opened this number and sang lead had so much infectious energy that the
audience couldn’t help but draw their eyes to her which continued throughout the show.
Another highlight of the First Act was the ever popular Cell Block Tango performed by the
majority of the female cast. This song had such an impact on stage with all the girls working
wonderfully together with great mannerisms which only added to the menacing air of the
song. This was followed by another Chicago favourite, Both Reached for the Gun, what a
well put together number with Lee Wilson taking the lead bring puppet master to Chloe Ellis
and the rest of the cast being reporters. This was so well set and had a lovely comic vibe with
Chloe and Lee being on stage and the rest of the cast in front using limited space to great
effect. Naughty from Matilda added a cheeky comedic turn to the first Act with Charli Willis,
Amy Wilson and Eloise Bulmer having fun singing together in such a cheeky number.
In my opinion the show really took flight with the start of Act 2 which opened with Master of
the House from Les Misérables. This was led by Lee and Linda Wilson who worked
wonderfully together with the remaining cast acting out the song wonderfully and giving
great atmosphere to the number. The incorporation of some of the old classics and modern
masterpieces really made the show something for everyone. Cover Is Not the Book was such
an enthusiastic chorus number which was very apparent how much the cast enjoyed
performing it. The penultimate songs to Act 2 were You’re the Top from Anything Goes,
performed by Lee Wilson and Amy Wilson and Crash Bang Wallop from Half a Sixpence
performed by the Chorus. Both the songs were such a giggle to watch and nicely carried on
the light hearted air of the second half with great characterisation in both. The show finished
with A Happy Beginning from Once which was such a clever finish, finishing a show with a
song called Happy Beginning.
I have to say I think my favourite song of the evening had to be I Know Him So Well sung by
Jenny Townsend and Linda Wilson. This was simply beautiful. With such a traditional well-
known song its sometimes difficult to be able to sing it and still make it current. These two
ladies certainly showed that it can be done. They both worked well together, listening to
each other and providing excellent harmonies which definitely brought a tear to my eye.
As I understand this show was created and put together with short notice, this however was
not apparent as the show ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all in the cast and audience. This
group did so well with what they had to work with and showed that with good projection
microphones aren’t needed. I sincerely hope that tomorrow nights show runs as well as
tonight’s did for them and look forward to their next production.

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