The Musical Express

What a delight it was to see The Musical Express in Berwick. To set the context this show was arranged as it was expected that,The Maltings where Berwick Operatic Society perform, was expected to close for refurbishment in January 2024. It gave the Society the opportunity to perform this musical extravaganza, bringing together the adult and youth members.

We were not disappointed and from the outset it was clear we were going to be thoroughly entertained. The opening of the show provided the audience with the elaborate staging set for the musical Cabaret. The cast of young members were so well rehearsed and their synchronisation was splendid to watch. The opening number then led into songs from Bugsy Malone and the solo performed by Mhairi Mcleman singing My Name is Tallulah was just as I recalled it in the stage show and deserved a very "well done."

The music from Les Misérables is known to pull at the heartstrings and can be challenging to perform but the sadness of this musical was erased by the performance of Master of the House otherwise known as Lord of the Inn. Anton Bradbury, Andy Knight and Kathryn Curry as Madame Thenardier led the vocals but were supported by a chorus who "gave it their all" and gave the audience joy and laughter. 

A special mention must go to the youth chorus for their performance of Mary Poppins. Their display of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was as the title suggests "extraordinarily good". Such talented young people who were delightful to watch on stage. It was evident that they enjoyed performing as much as we enjoyed listening and watching. The first act ended with the infectious music of Abba from Mamma Mia and most of us never tire of listening to their music so to take us to the interval we heard the Adult Chorus, led by Alice Heald sing Thank You for the Music. I am sure many members of the audience will have reflected on how music gets us through the happy and difficult times in life. It was very touching.

There was no drop in energy levels in the second act that opened with You Can't Stop the Beat from Hairspray. Again, the well-rehearsed youth chorus carried us through the joy of the lyrics. What an opening to the second act.

We heard the voice of Alice Heald when she sang the solo Whistle Down the Wind, the auditorium fell silent and she is to be commended for her  performance. Other outstanding solos came from Bobby Hanlon who performed The Anthem from Chess and Diane Renner who sang I Don't Know how to Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar. The duet from Spamalot, The Song That Goes Like This, was stunningly performed by Lynn Ireland and Bobby Hanlon.

This was my first visit to The Maltings and the production team did a fabulous job. What a team this society have and their award-winning show Sunshine on Leith took us to the end of the show with the full cast singing I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) The "cat is out of the bag" can't wait to see their next show Our House. Well done everyone.

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