Songs from Stage and Screen

CTMTC delivered  a great range of over 20 musical numbers for their May 2025 concert. Once again, there were so many excellent numbers it is not possible to mention them all here. The programme made a special reference to the sad passing of Bob Powell, the President and long-time member of CTMTC over 50 years and described him as a cherished pillar of the Wyre Forrest theatrical community. In fact, the number ‘Sabbath Prayer’ from Fiddler on the Roof was dedicated to Bob, in Act 2.

The two opening numbers were taken from the musical Pippin, including ‘Corner of the Sky, sang with strength by Julian Richards and this was followed by ‘Now that I have seen her’ from Miss Saigon by Sarah Richards with great expression. Harriet Edwards and Molly Parker sang ‘In His Eyes’ from Jekyll & Hyde well together and ‘Freeze Your Brain’ from  Heathers the musical, sung by Gareth Coffin was also a great number.

The chorus returned with ‘One Brick at a Time’ from Barnum and then a selection by Andrew Lloyd Webber ; ‘With One Look’ (Sunset Boulevard) nicely sung by Emma Parker, ‘Herods Song’ (Jesus Christ Superstar) with Julian Richards leading the chorus and ‘All I  Ask of You’ when Emma Paine and Wayne Atkinson sang well together from Phantom of the Opera. Jessica Richards sang a tuneful and measured ‘Beautiful Ghosts’ by Taylor Swift  and Jade Foster sang ‘I’d rather be me’ from Mean Girls well, before an impressive medley from Les Misérables to close Act 1.

Act 2 opened with the chorus and a rousing ‘Rhythm of Life’ from Sweet Charity and I enjoyed Alex Thompson and Lisa Derrington’s version of ‘Suddenly Seymour’ from Little Shop of Horrors and this was followed by Molly Parmenter singing ‘With You’ (Ghost) with great control and feeling. ‘Welcome to the Rock’( Come from Away) by the chorus was excellent and Emily Hamer brought light and shade to ‘I’m not afraid of Anything’ (Songs for a New World). I felt ‘Another Night at Darryl’s’ (Witches from Eastwick) was well sung and acted by Hayley Jordan and ‘Six Wives’ (Six the musical) by the female chorus was very good too.

‘He’s My Boy’ from Everybody’s Talking about Jamie was well sung by Wendy Richards. As mentioned earlier the chorus sang ‘Sabbath Prayer’ as  a tribute to Bob Powell and David Bradley led the chorus with ‘We are the Champions’ (Song by Queen) before the finale ‘Sing’.

The stage was understandable clear for all the action to take place with a star cloth at the rear and the company were largely dressed in black throughout. Although I could hear everything, and the accompaniment by piano or backing track was good, I  felt the general amplification was a tad strong. However, CTMTC with director Darren Richards and MD Russell Painter provided a high standard of performance throughout, which was enjoyed by all and I am looking forward to ‘Rock of Ages ‘ to be staged in October.

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