Director: Emily Susanne Lloyd
An eclectic menagerie of some of the most famous gut-wrenching, tear-jerking ballads supplemented with… Comedy?
Thursday 16thJanuary saw the arrival of three incredibly talented musical theatre stage names with a special guest arrive at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham with a sparkly bang. However, if you were hoping for an immersive story to lose yourself in, this performance is more evening cabaret than West End spectacular.
The show itself encompasses all the greats: Sondheim, Bart, Rodgers & Hammerstein to name but a few, all sung with a brilliant depth of emotion, forming a deep connection between performer and audience. Unfortunately, this is then broken by comedic jokes and slightly awkward stage rearrangements which take away from the teary atmosphere expertly crafted by each performer.
The audience is never left bored, guided effortlessly from song to song by the wonderfully talented and enigmatic James Edge who appears comfortable and in his element on the stage, not even letting the dropping of glasses break his stride. If only the other performers had the opportunity to display a little more of their personalities rather than singing their hearts out and walking off stage to applause, then it might feel slightly less awkward.
The ridiculously talented Callum Thompson accompanies the entire show, effortlessly weaving each song into each other seamlessly and even lending his vocal tones to a few songs himself along the way. Enough cannot be said about the ever soulful and beautiful voices of the West End stars, Sinead Kenny (My Fair Lady, Rock of Ages)and Federica Basile(Phantom of the Opera), who bring tears to the eyes of the audience with every note that flows from their mouths. However, some of the effect is lost in the second half in the place of sparkly dresses which creates a strange juxtaposition with the tearful renditions ofAs Long As He Needs Me from Oliver!andShe Used to Be Mine fromWaitress.
Overall, for diehard fans of musical theatre this is a great evening to go along to and experience some of your favourite ballads sung live, but if musical theatre is not your thing or the idea of a cabaret showcase makes you cringe then maybe this one is not for you.
Runs until 19 January 2025 and on tour