The Phantom of the Musicals

The evening’s entertainment was to celebrate 40 years of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Most of the audience were seated at tables, cabaret style. What a brilliant concert this was, with superlative singing and characterisation by everyone on stage.

Part One started with a good opening number, ‘The Naming of Cats / Jellicle’ songs followed by ‘Rolling Stock’. I very much enjoyed the performance given by five ladies singing ‘Could We Start Again Please’, followed by an excellent rendition by Sarah Carrick of the powerful song from Sunset Boulevard ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’. Sarah made full use of her excellent singing voice, she really became Norma Desmond. Joe Kay also sang well the title song from the same musical, there were so many memorable performances sung during the first half, including Helen Troughton and Tiffany Charnley singing of the movingly beautiful duet ‘ Pie Jesu’. ‘Another Suitcase In Another Hall’ was sung quite lovely by Rachel Craig, and Ailsa McIntosh gave a stunning rendition of ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’. I thought ‘Shakalaka Baby’ and the ‘Starlight Sequence’ were very well executed, and the finale to part one ‘Vaults Of Heaven’ from Whistle Down the Wind sung by the company was fantastic, so many lovely harmonies throughout.

After the interval we had even more performances to remember. Part Two opened with ‘The Beautiful Game’ followed by ‘High Flying Adored’ and what can I say about the truly professional singing by Lorna McIntosh of the powerful ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ – fab! I wish I could mention every single person who contributed so much to making this evening’s concert so special. I have to say though how much I enjoyed Phil McIntosh’s singing; his true tenor voice was used to full advantage. The ‘JCS’ and ‘Joseph’ selections were a joy to listen to, and the finale with the full company singing ‘Love Changes Everything’ was quite something. The M.C. Neil Metcalf was brilliant, he was ideal, a true pro in everyway. He had a great rapport with the audience and linked all the numbers together with a lot of humour.

I really must congratulate the production team and not forgetting the choreographer who deserves special praise. The hard work that must have gone into this concert by everyone involved was evident throughout. Thank you.

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