A Night at The Musicals
A Night at The Musicals was a delight for musical theatre devotees. It featured a mix of numbers from a wide range of Broadway and West End sensations – both old and new. While songs were selected from dozens of different musicals, this production focussed on having a through line by linking themes and moments from one song to the next. Performed by 14 talented singers and a live band of four versatile musicians, the sound they produced together really packed a punch.
Right from the opening number, which was a mashup from The Greatest Showman performed by the full ensemble, we could tell we were in the safe hands of a cast of great entertainers. Throughout the evening, Director Alex Watson had ensured each performer had their moment to shine. The choreography and blocking were well executed, and everyone showed enthusiasm, commitment, and sound teamwork. Together they created an electric and focussed energy with smooth transitions between tracks.
The live band on stage consisting of musical director and keyboard player Michael Keen, Matthew Teakle on guitar and cello, Peter Lavrencic on drums, and Declan Fletcher on bass, added to the excitement and quality of sound. They worked exceptionally well together and in support of the vocalists, handling the tricky numbers with finesse. Ben Murray, Peter Lavrencic, and Caitlin Scott should be commended too, especially since they were dealing with mixing sound for the band plus 14 more microphones for the singers, and without a single glaring sound error!
The cast delivered a night of stellar performances, each bringing their own strengths and unique vocal qualities to the stage. Alex Watson was a stand-out star of the show, with flawless comic timing and a gorgeous voice. His work in "Way Ahead of My Time" and "Getting Married Today" was particularly noteworthy, but he was a joy to watch and listen to every time he was on stage.
Asabi Goodman’s honeyed, magnificent voice was a highlight of the evening, with "Raise Your Voice" and "Home" allowing her to display exceptional control and warmth. Vivien Emsworth’s angelic and melodic voice was showcased beautifully in "I’d Give My Life for You", where her commitment and focus were particularly striking. Sophora Cliff proved to be a delight with her resonant and tuneful delivery, demonstrating a natural flair for comedy. She was especially entertaining in "God, That’s Brilliant" and "Kathy & Stella’s Murder Podcast", where her comedic timing shone.
Paige McKay brought a sincerity to her performances that was deeply moving, reducing the audience to tears with an emotional rendition of "She Used to Be Mine", and a pitch-perfect "Over the Rainbow". Jordan Twigg commanded attention with her powerful, expressive voice and a flair for both comedy and drama—her performances in "Class" and "Simply the Best" were among the most memorable of the night.
Laura Greenhalgh delivered bright, beautiful vocal work with great stage presence, excelling in "Watch What Happens" and "Breaking Up". Hannah Bennett’s passionate and captivating performance of "You Oughta Know" was another standout moment, filled with raw intensity and brave risk taking. Carly Wilson displayed a strong, well-modulated voice, with her finest work shining through in "The Bouquet".
Casey Martin impressed with a fantastic, rich voice and a gift for physical comedy, delivering a superb performance in "Right This Way" and "Breaking Up". Nathan Kneen’s regal and haunting vocal quality was perfectly suited to "If I Can’t Love Her" and "All I Ask of You", yet he also proved to be hilarious in the comedic ensemble numbers. Finlay Underwood’s strongest moment came in "Sincerely Me", where he was well-matched alongside Watson and Martin.
Meanwhile, Cody Arthur’s harmonious vocal quality and impeccable timing made "Just One Step" particularly funny and enjoyable. Liam J. O’Byrne’s lovely dulcet tones and lyrical quality made him a charismatic performer, standing out in the full ensemble numbers, as well as "That’s Life", where he shared excellent rapport with Arthur.
The evening was a true celebration of vocal talent, stage presence, and theatrical versatility, with each performer bringing something special to the production. Great singing, acting, and dancing from a well-rehearsed team and a tight live band – you can’t go wrong with that combination! The cast and crew deserve the standing ovation they received from the opening night audience.
Kitty Goodall
Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.