The Roles I'll Never Play

Attending Sunderland Theatre Company is always a treat no matter what they choose to deliver.  They’ve a loyal strong and very talented membership so a concert such as “The Roles I’d Never Play” is always going to be a good one as there’s so many talented people to shine through and the concert format gives them the opportunity to do so.  They’re always so welcoming to their audiences, to members, patrons, friends and new people alike so they’re a real pleasure to visit.

I was intrigued when I heard their intention behind the convert with gender switches and the tag line “Musicals and members get a little mixed up”….what could be in store?  An afternoon of brilliant entertainment, a riot of laughter and a brilliant concert.  Well done Sunderland TC.  They didn’t have the easiest time bringing this concert to the stage with being let down with technical support immediately prior to the last rehearsal and cast illness meaning a reshuffle was needed but if I hadn’t been made aware I’d not have known other than a few sound issues.

It’s so difficult for concerts to mention every individual so I will only mention my stand outs.  I absolutely did enjoy it all however the numbers for me which stood out were “Hello” from the Book of Mormon delivered by the female ensemble where Samantha Kennedy’s character acting was a riot; “Michael in the Bathroom” by Rebecca Cracket whose vocal ability just blows me away each time I see her; “Six” by the male ensemble which quite frankly brought the house down; “Cell Block Tango” by the male ensemble which was UNREAL – Brian Leach who stood in last minute especially; “I Know it’s Today” from Shrek with Stephen Fay as the ultimate Princess Fiona supported by Gemma Fowler and Helen Smurthaite; “I Know Him so Well” from Chess by Brian Leach and Jason Waldock which was gorgeous and sincere and “You Give a little Love” from Bugsy Malone to end lead by Gary Watson which was fabulous.

The male ensemble did steal the show with their numbers I’m afraid however, absolutely outstanding from all of you.

Lois-Lorraine Smith again with “Stars” was beautiful.  I was hesitant when I saw it, thinking oooo an octave up no doubt, how will this come across.  I shouldn’t have worried.  Brilliant as always and her choreography debut which was excellent.

Star of the evening for me, Kristian Bailey singing “Wishing you were somehow here again” from Phantom of the Opera.  Again I was hesitant, Phantom is my favourite musical of all time but Kristian blew me away.  Gorgeous control, delivery and a confident performance.  Thank you Kristian, I loved it.

Well done to Mathew Clarke in his directing debut against all odds, pulling it all together, Musical directors Cara Barella and Gemma Fowler whose hard work was very evident in the confident deliveries and clear arrangements, choreographers Nathan Dippie, Samantha Kennedy and Lois-Lorraine Smith who gave us all a treat to watch.  The costume changes were clever and appropriate, well done Emma Bell.

A lovely afternoon.  If I’d had the spare time I genuinely would have gone again!

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