Showcase Something About This Night

Although I have attended many first class Showcase productions over the years, I continue to be blown away by the freshness and exceptionally high standard of singing, choreography, orchestration and all things technical which make Showcase special.

‘Something About This Night’ was a programme of such diversity with musical numbers from a wide range of genres, some more well known than others, but undoubtedly a programme which had something to suit everyone’s taste in music. Hats off to David and Andy for putting together such an eclectic compilation of numbers with fantastic vocal and orchestration arrangements.

There was certainly no sign of first night nerves or tentativeness as this energetic cast of around 50 members threw absolutely everything into this remarkable production. The transition from one musical section to the next flowed smoothly with little respite for the cast with their numerous costume changes and the orchestra who had no down time at all.

This most varied and interesting programme provided opportunities for many soloists and small ensemble groups some of whom were experienced performers but it was encouraging to see and hear from new young voices, some singing solo for the first time..

The ‘Iconic’ section began with a most heartfelt ‘I’m Here’ and finished with a powerful ‘Valerie’ and many other iconic numbers delivered with real panache by an exuberant chorus and dancers. I have to say that ‘I’m Just Ken’ will be memorable!!.

‘Showtunes’ always goes down well with the audience (and me). ‘Being Alive’ was quite stunning and was followed by a fabulously arranged ‘Miss Saigon Medley’. The company is so fortunate in having a very strong male chorus who raised the roof in this section as did the chorus with ‘Bui Doi’ where the strength of the choral singing was spine chilling. All of the soloists and smaller ensemble groups in this section were well cast and the choreography was exciting.

The male chorus were again in fine form in ‘Nothing Like a Dame’. The ladies of the company got their chance to shine in ‘I’m Not That Girl’. Every item in the ‘Showtunes’ part of the programme was sung and moved with real style and confidence by all of the performers.

‘Boyband vs Girlband’ was quite hilarious with the boys and girls changing places with the original groups. The male Spice Girls were particularly amusing with their flamboyant costumes and actions. A soothing ‘Rule the World’ changed the mood becoming more subdued.

‘90’s Movies‘ with ‘Misirlou/You Never Can Tell’ presented us with an absolutely delightful ballet and once again the soloists  and chorus in this section were in excellent voice.

‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ is a ‘Showcase 60’s Classic and here again the wonderful strength of harmony singing was demonstrated. ‘Hey Jude‘ was another show stopper with the audience quite happy to join in.

The ‘Finale’ always has poignant numbers which remind us what Showcase is all about. It is not only there to provide entertainment but their  most important purpose is to raise much needed funds for MacMillan Cancer Support. ‘Turn The Lights Back On’ was stunning and followed by an emotive ‘Fought & Lost’, ‘The Whole of the Moon’ and an effortless, sincere ‘Love and Mercy’

I may not have mentioned every item in the programme but suffice to say that every number was slick and polished. Not only was the singing and orchestration wonderful but the choreography throughout was creative and outstanding. The specialist dancers were all excellent and so too was the chorus who were spot on not only moving their feet in the various routines but the arm movements were synchronised  and delivered with absolute precision.

Costumes were very colourful and appropriate for each section of the programme. I have also to commend the spectacular lighting which was well suited to the mood of the musical numbers.

Since their inception in 1990 Showcase has raised an amazing £349,000 for MacMillan through concerts and various other fund raiding events. It is very obvious that all of the Showcase family works very hard indeed to present a concert of this extremely high standard. The commitment by all involved on and off stage is plausible. The fun and enjoyment the cast have spills over from the stage to the audience.

This was yet another remarkable production which was worthy of 5 stars. Superb.

Congratulations to all involved in any way. Keep up the good work!

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