Unlimited

X-Rays usually provide a visual spectacle in everything they perform - this concert “Unlimited” was no different. They used no fewer than four Musical Directors Jono Chalker, Ed Nurse, Paul Nicholls and the Rehearsal Musical Director India Flavell, the vocals heard were nice and solid with some great harmonies in places. They tackled some big songs from some newer musicals and delivered them with  fresh eye catching choreography by Choreographer and Director Millie Hall, the movements were precise and worked well with the range of abilities in the cast. The thing I enjoy about Millie`s choreography is that it is never simply lifted from a video it is all unique. Every single number came out with attack and verve. The stage was quite simple with a straight across rostron at the back, three steps in the middle of it and on either side of the steps a lower raised dais/small stage – these all added height and texture when looking at the visual. There was a large projection screen at the rear of the stage above the straight across rostron and two tall thin ones (one at either side of the stage ) facing forwards – these were used throughout the performance to show the name of the show that the next musical selection was from and to enhance the visuals of the performance with contextual pictures or lighting  effects. These were a superb addition but my guest remarked that perhaps a person as compere in between the musical selections might have been useful as he got a little bit lost at one point being unfamiliar with some of the shows and therefore the songs – only a very personal observation though. The costumes throughout were colour blocked - again a very interesting choice and it worked well with the musical selections chosen .

 I did have a few favourites and stand outs throughout the performance, it was lovely to see Aimee Gallagher and the ensemble take on the monster song that is “Me and the Sky” from Come From Away - the range of emotions that must come across in both vocals and facial expression to do the song justice is huge but Aimee performed it with confidence and skill. It was great to see Oliver Peck back on stage after a hiatus, he treated us to a masterclass in how to perform “Not My Father`s Son” from Kinky Boots, there was some incredible light and shade in his vocals, nice tone and a beautiful fragile humility in his delivery - I  saw some audience members dabbing their eyes during his performance. Daniella Kelsall brought us the funny upbeat “ The History of Wrong Guys” again from Kinky Boots, her vocals were good but her comedic timing in her delivery of the song was superb. The Wicked section was tight and slick, I loved the vocal arrangements used to show off the various singers vocals. Fayhe-Louise Mitchell, Hannah Baxendale and the ensemble brought that section to a close with a show stopping rendition of ”Defying Gravity”. “It`s My Life” from & Juliet was brought to life by Deni Griffiths, Ric Ormerod, Natasha-Mae Lees, Jade Schofield and the ensemble - it`s a big, raw, larger than life song and they  all performed it thus so, it had attack , energy, movement and they managed to portray the darker side of love and passion, facial expressions and connections with the audience were smouldering . The “Ex- Wives” (Hannah Baxendale, Jess Dillon, Natasha-Mae Lees, Nicola Lynch, Eileen Melling and Fayhe-Louise Mitchell) came out looking and sounding Beyonce fierce! They delivered the vocals with confidence and sass, diction was clear and the sound was good. Dan Richter was every inch the showman during my favourite piece - the Moulin Rouge section. Everyone on that stage was giving their  everything - face, vocals, choreography, it was definitely  worthy of being in the West End.

Thank you X-Rays for your fabulous hospitality. Myself and my guest enjoyed your concert and I look forward to seeing you all soon.  

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