Thoroughly Modern Musicals
Louth Playgoers
Riverhead Theatre Louth
16 July 2022
Once again, the Louth Playgoers remind us just how talented their members are and how many versatile performers they have in their ranks. Thoroughly Modern Musicals is the Playgoers' annual Summer concert and features songs from musicals that all received their debut after the year 2000, and it includes an eclectic mix of solos and ensemble numbers. The whole show is a colourful and exciting gift to its audience. The show is produced by Frances Brindle and Derek Smith, under the direction of Jamie Harris and Musical Director Jacqueline Wilson and will be a welcome addition to the theatre's Summer programme.
The age range of the cast reminds us just how broad the appeal of performing in musicals is. There are some standout performances by junior members of the group which easily stand up against those of the more seasoned performers and will delight audiences when the show opens on Saturday 16 July. It is only being performed on one day this year but there will be a matinee performance in addition to the evening show.
The evening opens with producer Smith and director Harris strolling on stage to casually deliver the song Something About This Night from the musical Finding Neverland and they are soon joined by the large ensemble. It sets the tone for the evening by introducing a song from a musical that many of the theatre's traditional audience may not know, which we are reminded by the dapper compere, Stuart Spendlow, is the point of this evening's show. This is followed by songs from the Vietnam War era musical Dogfight. The first an upbeat ensemble number and the second a plaintive lament delivered beautifully by Kennedy Gardiner.
There follows a number from the musical Anastasia in Journey To The Past by Katy Divilly who always delivers flawless vocals with grace, poise and real self-assurance. She is a consumate performer who I could happily listen to all day.
This is followed by a combination of numbers from recent hit Come From Away. Welcome to the Rock gives many ensemble members a chance to shine and the staging inspired by the current West End show, is simple but very effective. The plaid shirts and jeans provide a great contrast to the more sober clothing worn in earlier numbers.
Musical Director Wilson then joins the cast on stage to showcase her own powerhouse vocal with the song Me and the Sky. Once again she reminds us that any show in which she simply sits behind her keyboard conducting, is an opportunity wasted with such an astonishing voice and soaring vocals.
Natasha Connor delivers a stunning rendition of Lloyd Webber's Bad Cinderella with a really feisty attitude. She commands the stage and the contrast between this performance and her last performance as Princess Fiona in Shrek could not be more marked.
The next number from the musical Be More Chill is an excellent showcase for one of the younger performers, Isabelle Smith singing I Love Play Rehearsal. She brings energy and understanding to the stage really highlighting the comic aspects of the song where required in an impressive performance.
This is followed with numbers from Legally Blonde and Love Never Dies. The female ensemble led by Evangeline Dodds turn the sass level up to eleven in the number Positive and the sea of pink reminds us precisely what that show presents when fully staged. The number was bubbly and fun, a whirlwind of energy and joyfully presented. Ben Gilbert and Jamie Harris then took the number Til I Hear You Sing and delivered it as a duet, slowing the pace down after the exuberance of the previous number but you will hang on every syllable of their rich, velvety vocal delivery of the Lloyd Webber which had been reworked from a completely different, earlier show of his, The Beautiful Game.
Once more the ensemble took centre stage with the number Mama I'm A Big Girl Now from Hairspray. Three of the younger members shone during this song. Martha Evans, Eloise Hopkinson and Isabelle Smith playing the wilful daughters of Jenny Harrison, Sarah Hughes and Hayley Wrightam. I love how the show intersperses the big ballads with vibrant and colourful uptempo numbers to keep audience interest heightened.
This number was followed by a pair of songs from Hamilton. Evangeline Dodds returned in a stunning red gown and delivered a fantastic version of Burn, it is impossible not to be enraptured by her performance here as the lights go down and the spotlights ensure every eye remains fixed on her performance.
Ben Gilbert delivers the wonderful You'll Be Back as a contrast and nails it completely. The next number comes from The Wizard of Oz and is followed by a fascinating performance from, the always excellent, Hayley Wrightam from Avenue Q. Accompanied by a puppet, which Wrightam operates, she performs the song There's a Fine, Fine Line which is magnificent.
The first act concludes with a terrific performance from Ian Cahill singing the anthem You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen. Cahill often plays character roles within the shows at the Riverhead but is richly deserving of this opportunity to lead the ensemble as a soloist in a moving performance, with excellent vocal accompaniment from Eloise Hopkinson and Martha Evans along with the rest of the cast.
Act Two opens with a number that everyone will recognise and enjoy so I won't spoil the surprise but look out for some of you best-loved characters played by Mark Thompson and Derek Smith among others. It is another upbeat, happy number guaranteed to put a smile on your faces as it bounces along.
We hear songs from Little Women and the stage version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which features two more young performers in Freddie Warwick and Halle O'Hare along with Laura Harris. Hayley Wrightam returns with The History of Wrong Guys From Kinky Boots and then the pace really jumps with a fabulous rendition of 9 to 5 from the musical of the same name once more offering the chance for individual cast members to take their place in the spotlight.
The second act tends to include more single songs from from new musicals as opposed to the first act. We have a wonderfully comic duet from The Book of Mormon by Jamie Harris and Kennedy Gardiner, a terrific number from Bright Star sung by Sarah Hughes.
We are reminded of the show Sister Act which was performed at Louth a few years ago and was led by Natasha Connor. Then the kids came to the fore once more with Stick It To The Man from School of Rock, led enthusiastically by Jamie Harris. Laura Harris returned to perform a beautiful rendition of She Used to Be Mine from Waitress. The contrast between each song is noted and extremely effective in presenting light and shade to the audience and the curation of the night is to be commended.
Then we have numbers from In The Heights and Wicked before my personal favourite, two songs from Six.
I love that show and to see the Playgoers perform the title song and House of Holbein was delightful. It was fresh, fun and funky and it was clear that everyone performing these songs was having a blast doing so.
It really reminded me that amateur does not mean unprofessional it means non-professional, with an emphasis being placed on doing something because you love it not for reward or gain. To see the performers enjoying themselves so much is reward in itself. The show concluded with a performance from Eugenius! with a full-blooded performance of the number Don't Shoot For the Stars (Shoot Higher) and it was a suitable conclusion to an immensely enjoyable evening's entertainment.
Tickets are still available for both performances from the theatre box office or the theatre's website.
Andy Evans 15 July 2022
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