Showcase 2018

Once again this extremely talented group of singers and dancers entertained us with an eclectic programme of well chosen musical numbers with something to appeal to all musical tastes.

A lively ’Make Your Own Kind of Music’ got the production off to a great start and was followed by a selection ‘The Lord At 70’ paying tribute to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber who this year celebrated his 70th birthday. A dynamic ‘Superstar’ preceded two contrasting numbers from ‘School of Rock’ with the cast suitably clad in gym slips and short trousers! Jimmy Redmond led the raucous ‘Stick It To The Man’ and Clare Henderson’s ‘Where Did The Rock Go?’ was sung with sensitivity and was backed by two very graceful dancers. Thanks to David McFarlane, there were some outstanding vocal and orchestral arrangements throughout the programme. Andrew Edmonstone was in fine voice singing ‘Close Every Door’ and the vocal arrangements in this number were wonderful.

‘God Of Glam’ allowed the company to demonstrate the glamour and glitz of the 70’s and was full of vitality particulalrly in ‘Spirit in the Sky’ and ‘Tiger Feet’

The closing section of the first act took us back to numbers ‘From The Stage’. A well chosen selection of soloists delivered an excellent selection of numbers from one of the current West End hit musicals ‘Hamilton’. Harry Dozier and chorus were in in great form singing and dancing their way through ‘The Room Where It Happens’. The vocal blend of the quintet of girls in ‘First Burn’ was most impressive (loved their outfits too). ‘Found Tonight’ was delivered with sincerity and emotion by Harry and Keith Kilgore and this section was rounded off with the fun number ‘You’ll Be Back’ with Craig Macbeth as the resplendent King George III. I don’t know this show very well but this taster has inspired me to go and see it. Again I must congratulate David for his vocal arrangements in this section. ‘Maria’ was absolutely fabulous to listen to as were the arrangements of ‘Empty Chairs At Empty Tables’ and ‘Stars’ from ‘Les Miserables’ which highlighted the strength of the choral singing. The act concluded with a rousing ‘One Day More’ which raised the roof and left the audience ready for more.

The orchestra were in sparkling form playing the well know circus tune ‘Entry of the Gladiators’ and we were transported to ‘The Greatest Showman’ one of this years best loved films. This was a particularly well drected section with great singing, colourful costumes, plenty of life and animation and slick choreography. The opening ‘The Greatest Showman’ had the audience enthralled and was followed by Emma Clarkson and David Bartholomew’s strong ‘Rewrite The Stars’ and the emotive ‘Tightrope' performed by Jacqui Mills and ‘Never Enough’ most expressively sung by Cassie Dougal. ‘From Now On’ brought this section to a powerful ending with the company giving it their all.

A selection of numbers attributed to ‘Scottish Songwriters’ provided opportunities to hear some more fine solo and chorus work.

The finale of any Showcase programme reminds us what Showcase is all about and the reason they are so dedicated in raising awareness and money for Macmillan. To date they have raise over £270.000.

‘You Are The Reason’ was meaningfully sung by Jennifer McIntosh and Andy McGarry as was ‘Stand By Me’ with Harry and the chorus in full voice. The mood changed with a bouncy ‘Shang-A-lang’ and then the poignant and moving ‘Love And Mercy’ beautifully sung by Toni MacFarlane and the company.

This very well balanced programme was rounded off with the resounding ‘This Is Me’. Whilst I have mentioned only some of the very talented soloists and the many fine moments in this production, the ‘stars’ of the show were the chorus and the wondeful ensemble work. A ‘concert’ like this requires so much learning and commitment. This was an extremely busy production for the entire company who must have felt quite exhausted at the end of each performance. With minimal stage settings, the atmosphere was very successfully created with impressive lighting, interesting groupings and energetic choreography which was polished and well executed.

I have nothing but admiration for the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of this cast and production team whose hard work reaps excellent rewards for MacMillan Cancer Support.

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