Showcase 2016

This talented and enthusiastic cast once again delivered a wonderful evening of song and dance. The carefully chosen numbers compiled by Andy Johnston and David McFarlane covered a wide range of styles from rock, pop, film and musicals

One wonders how year after year they come up with such a diverse imaginative programme.

A selection of 2015 hits got the show off to a cracking start with Arlene Cassidy and the company setting the bar high with Adele’s ‘Hello.’ ‘Uptown Funk’ led by Jemma Crawford and Helen Hunter was lively and energetic and most enjoyable.

 The second section of the programme ‘The Thin White Duke’ was a dynamic tribute to David Cassidy with some of his most well known numbers. The company clad in some rather unusual silver outfits exuded great energy in some inspiring choreography and made a great sound.

There were some very strong vocalists in ‘Mr Blue Sky’ a tribute section to Mr.Jeff Lynne and the Traveling Wilburys. ‘.Xanadu’ with Kat Lawrie and the chorus in their bright, eye catching costumes looked and sounded terrific. So too was ‘Handle With Care' and 'Rockaria.'

The final section in Act 1 ‘Hits From the Stage’ created a contrast with the mood changing to more moving songs. Anna Chidgey’s ‘Losing My Mind’ was expressive and sung with great feeling. Aghogho Ogunlesi has a most powerful voice and ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was just amazing. Another show stopper in this section was ‘Days’ beautifully sung a cappella demonstrating the strength of the choral singing. The final ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ was emotive and haunting.

An overture with an arrangement of Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass settled the audience for a second act which in many ways was more serene. ‘The Twelve Year Old Genius’ was a delightful tribute to Stevie Wonder. The company and some fine soloists entertained with a medley of favourites including ‘My Cherie Amour’ ‘You Are The Sunshine of My Smile’ and ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ - a really relaxing section .We were then off to the movies where I particularly enjoyed Jen McIntosh’s ‘See You Again’ and the strong ‘Ascension ‘with Cassie Dougal and the chorus.

Rent isn’t one of my favourite shows but the numbers chosen were all very well sung indeed by all involved. Of course there needs to be a bit of frivolity in a Showcase production and Alan Hunter. Craig Macbeth and the dancers certainly brought some fun to the evening.

Joanne Skilling and Keith Kilgore’s ‘Don’t Worry About Me’ sung unaccompanied created calmness and tranquillity and set the scene for a finale which sums up what Showcase is all about..All of the numbers in this section finishing with the traditional  ‘Love and Mercy’ conveyed real meaning and provoked thoughtfulness.

I make no apology for repeating what I have said before about this company. The commitment, energy and enthusiasm shown by the production team, all on stage and behind the scenes is most admirable and cannot be praised enough. The huge task of learning many musical numbers, constant costume changing to suit the mood, intricate choreography and staging culminating in a production which moves along smoothly and seamlessly is commendable.

Excellent lighting added to the colour and ambience of the evening. While all on stage work extremely hard, I must take my hat off to the orchestra and MD who get no respite in a concert which moves along at a great pace. The orchestrations and musical arrangements were fabulous and although I have picked out a few numbers and individuals this entire company works as a team and must be congratulated on their achievements. An amazing wealth of talent working together for a wonderful cause ‘MacMillan Support ‘ and who have already raised well over £250,000.

Very well done Showcase

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