I always love concerts by local theatre companies for two reasons. One, they highlight songs already known to me and two, I have, in the past, been introduced to some wonderful shows based on what I have seen at such productions.
I have experienced Bournville Musical Theatre Company many times, including their last three showcase concerts, so I looked forward to this one. The Magic of the Musicals was a simple but effective idea. Take eight top musicals, many which you cannot perform on the amateur circuit and give them 15-minute slots each. To achieve this for The Magic of the Musicals the company were split into two, taking four shows each. Easier for production and suitable for a small venue, but I’m not sure it worked on all the songs as the chorus was diluted on occasions. Really, you can’t have Step in Time with just three men.
The musicals on display were Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, Hamilton, Hairspray, Dear, Evan Hansen, West Side Story and The Greatest Showman. There were only two I hadn’t seen in full and wasn’t enamoured by the songs from Hamilton, but was by Evan Hansen, therefore a trip to see it when it finally appears near me, beckons.
With so may excellent shows, you may think it was hard to choose a favourite, but I did, and it’s one which surprised even myself. You see, 18 months after appearing in it and never wanting to hear the name West Side Story again, this was the section I enjoyed the most. Somewhere, sung by Sarah Frances McCarthy was exquisite while America led by Karen Lane and Jill Hughes brought back memories of watching from the sound booth each night. And finally, I was so impressed with Tonight which included strong performances from Yvonne Snowe, Liam McEvoy and Ellie Morrow.
It’s too much to mention everybody as this was certainly a team effort, and we all have our favourites. For me, standout numbers included Claire Brough and Sarah Debono with One Short Day while All I Ask of You, sung by Lucy Herd and Greg Boughton was probably the top tune of the night. Then, I cannot possibly choose between the two Mary Poppins’ in Sibs Ganley and Lily Moore for Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Spoonful of Sugar, respectively. As ever, Chloe Turner pulled off a magnificent solo with Burn while hats off to Phil Snowe and Lewis Doley for Timeless to Me. I can always admire those unfazed by having to send themselves up
I also enjoyed Waving Through a Window, a number which suited Peter Holmes well and You Will be Found (featuring David Page, Hannah Young and Lily Moore) was also excellent.
To wrap things up with Greatest Showman, I was impressed with Never Enough performed by Claire Brough (despite the curse of Am-Dram in mic problems), and This is Me with Rachel Fox and chorus.
Magic of the Musicals was produced by Lisa Colvin-Grieve and David Page with musical direction from Chris Corcoran. The choreography was then well-shared with Karen Lane, Abbie Jones, Sophie Wood, Kris Evans, Claire Brough, David Page, Stuart McDiarmid, Helen Gauntlett and Verity Wadesmith all chipping in.
Bournville’s next show is in April 2020 with The Wedding Singer and I am sure, as always, it will be exceptional.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt - Author 