The Music In Me

Taking words that introduced one of the most poignant pieces “Music is in the Heart and Poetry in the Soul”. This was a production therefore that each member of the audience would rightly see from their own perspective influenced by individual taste and experiences

 Musically there were some challenging pieces. Not always pitch perfect but carefully and brilliantly executed choreography helped achieve a fine result.

 It is not possible to either refer to every song or make mention of all those in the show, though I will highlight some. Let me however pay tribute to the whole company for their own individual significant contribution towards making this a successful piece of high quality entertainment.

 Remembering sitting on their Granny’s knee was the cue for the 60’s song ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’ sung in delightful harmony by Rebecca Barclay, Gail Andrews, and Sue Emond. Memories of a choir at university prompted the Gentlemen’s chorus to sing ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade and a collective feeling was the backcloth for the full ensemble with ‘God Only Knows’ featured in ‘Love Actually’. A somewhat melancholy first half included making the audience aware of the tragic events surrounding the next piece. The sudden loss of a sibling and how back home continuing to appear on stage in ‘West Side Story’ helped Dan Callaghan deal with such a traumatic event. The unaccompanied ‘Somewhere’ sung with so much emotion. You could have heard a pin drop.

 Singing in Italian, Ruth Organ gave a beautiful  performance of Handel’s  ‘Lascia Ch’io Pianga’.remembering the very first operatic aria she learned that started her passion for singing and theatre. John Dix gave a stylish performance of Michael Buble’s ‘Feeling Good’ as he reflected on a feeling of great confidence after a long day.  ‘Holding Out For a Hero’ followed as Rhianna Jacobs impressed leading the ensemble with the memorable Bonnie Tyler piece. The first half finished in up-beat mood with the whole company in Meatloaf’s ‘Paradise By The Dashboard Light’.

 ‘The Time Warp’ opening Act two was a rousing piece from ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ followed by ‘We Beseech Thee’ from ‘Godspell’  led by Dan along with Alistair Hutton. Rhys Milberry in classic style sang ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’ from the old songbook, with the ensemble providing slick finger  clicking  accompaniment, followed by the more modern ‘For Good’ from ‘Wicked’ a duet with Ashleigh Houghton & Jenna Rogers. Worthy of mention were ‘Some Words’ an original song performed by Gail Andrews and the haunting Adele classic ‘Make You Feel The Love’, sung by James Beaumont and with Hayley Roberts dancing. I must also highlight one striking unaccompanied performance by Simon Edwards of the Welsh Hymn ‘Calon Lan’, rich in tone, full of power and passion.

 For the most part backing tracks were easy on the ear but varied in quality and the show at times lacked a little pace. Musical content was full of variety and mood change, enhanced by elements of inspired stagecraft. This made the very best of a simple set, normal day wear highlighted with a touch of green together with effective lighting where it mattered. Choreography for the ensemble was dramatic and gave a real buzz factor in the upbeat numbers, including ‘Big Spender’ from the Ladies and the full company led by Dan & Ruth portraying strongly Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe  in ‘ Barcelona’

 The impact music has on all our lives was the well-chosen theme for this highly enjoyable production. Music that had help society members with their wealth of talent through tough times, times of achievement and celebration. All combining to create great entertainment that clearly all on stage relished performing.                                         

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

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