Southwark Playhouse – until 15 March 2025

Reviewed by Jackie Thornton

5*****

It’s 1981 in the sleepy, sheriff-less town of Skidmore, Missouri and there’s been a murder, but in this shocking true crime thriller, it’s not so much a whodunnit as a whydunnit.

Written by Jack Holden, who breathtakingly also plays practically every character, and director Ed Stambollouian, Kenrex brings to the stage the fascinating story of Ken Rex McElroy and his ten-year reign of terror over the good people of Skidmore. Holden commands the space, contorting his body and voice with relish to bring to life everyone from a peacemaking barmaid, a nosy shopkeeper and a plaintiff farmer to prosecuting and defence attorneys and judges, with an almost schizophrenic charm.

The slow drawl of Kenrex himself contrasted with the zeal and high energy of his heroic defence attorney Richard McFadin is a particular delight. Accompanied live on stage by award-winning composer John Patrick Elliott, original country, blues and rock punctuate this chilling tale while Anisha Field’s set and costume design add a feel of Mindhunter, especially the green floor, drab backdrop and chunky eight track recorder.

It’s evident that Holden and Stambollouian are massive true crime fans and the former’s direction does not miss a trick in ramping up tension and escalating the violence. Not that Kenrex is devoid of humour, Holden’s playful performances and Stambollouian’s thoughtful direction ensure that the peculiarities of small town life and the ridiculousness of the US justice system are satirised and picked over too. There are also nice nods to our obsession with true crime podcasts in the extensive use of microphones, which add texture to the piece.

What results is a magnificent piece of exquisitely-timed, high energy theatre with a blisteringly good soundtrack that reminds us of the flaws in our legal systems and the fractures in our communities. Kenrex, like any good crime story, asks the question humanity has never stopped wrestling with: what is justice?

WORLD PREMIERE OF MISCHIEF’S

THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES

EXTENDS ITS WEST END RUN

UNTIL 5 SEPTEMBER 2025

DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

30,000 EXTRA TICKETS NOW ON SALE

FOR SUMMER 2025

PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT THE NOËL COWARD THEATRE

ON MONDAY 14 APRIL 2025

www.spiescomedy.com

19 February 2025 – It was announced today that an extra 30,000 tickets for Mischief’s brand new West End show,  The Comedy About Spies have been released, with the show extended through Summer 2025 by four weeks due to phenomenal demand.   The show must finish its run at the Noël Coward Theatre in London on Friday 5 September 2025. 

The Comedy About Spies previously announced the cast which includes members of the original Mischief Company – Dave Hearn, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill, Nancy Zamit and Adele James.  The cast is completed by Macadie Amoroso, Adam Byron, Matt Cavendish, Allie Dart, Niall Ransome and Ashley Tucker.

Mischief, the multi award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery bring an uproarious 1960’s spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert to London’s Noël Coward Theatre from Monday 14 April 2025.

When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.

Written by original Mischief Company members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, The Comedy About Spies will have its Opening Gala Night on Tuesday 13 May 2025. 

The Director is Matt DiCarlo, Set Designer is David Farley, the Costume Designer is  Deborah Andrews, the Movement Director is Shelley Maxwell, the Lighting Designer is Johanna Town, the Sound Designer and Composer is Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes, Casting is by Lucy Jenkins CDG & Sooki McShane CDG, Additional Casting by Heather Basten CDG CSA and the Associate Director is Katie-Ann McDonough.

Tickets through Summer 2025 are on sale now with over 150 tickets available for £25 or less at every performance. All tickets are available to purchase at www.SpiesComedy.com.

A sneak-peek of the opening scene from The Comedy About Spies brought the house down at The Royal Variety Performance in the presence of His Majesty The King at the Royal Albert Hall last year.  It was broadcast on ITV1 on Sunday 15 December and is currently available on ITVX.

The Comedy about Spies is presented by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence in association with Jo Danvers, with Executive Producer Jonathan Sayer.

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 1st March 2025

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

5*****

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on the 1968 film of the same name. It tells the story of a widowed eccentric inventor named Caratacus Potts, and his two children Jemima and Jeremy Potts who live with their batty Grandpa Potts. While the children are playing truant from school, they meet Truly Scrumptious. The children want their father to buy an old racing car from the scrap heap which he restores only to discover it is magical and can float and fly. However, everything does not run smoothly when the evil Baran Bomburst wants the magical car for himself. Thinking Grandpa is the inventor he is kidnapped and taken to Vulgaria. Caratacus, the children and Truly head to Vulgaria in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to rescue Grandpa.

Caratacus Potts in this performance was played by Adam Garcia, he was brilliant and played the role well and connected with the children.

Grandpa Potts was played by Liam Fox who most people will know from Emmerdale and gave that battiness to Grandpa’s performance.

In this performance the child catcher was played by Callum Train. Unfortunately, Charlie Brooks will not appear in the Sheffield performances due to her Dancing on Ice commitments. Callum brought the evilness of the child catcher to life.

Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) is elegant and has good vocals. I loved “Toot Sweets” and “Doll on a Box”, which she performed to perfection.

As with all main children’s parts there are 4 boys and 4 girls playing the roles of Jemima and Jeremy. We were lucky enough to see Gracie Cochrane who had extremely good stage presence and good expressions, I’m sure Gracie will go far. Making his first professional debut as Jeremy was Roshan Tomson. Roshan played the part well and I’m sure once he has more credits under his belt he will shine.

Martin Callaghan played the Baron and Jenny Gayner as the Baroness, they were incredibly funny and all I will say is “Bottom burp”. When you watch this show you will know what I mean.

The car was absolutely incredible, transforming it into a floating car on the sea by using an inflatable underneath to the magnificent flying car which was brilliant. At one point a small remote car zoomed along the stage which was funny but when they tried to recreate the flying car with the small car it wasn’t as good.

All the costumes were good, I particularly liked the ones in The Bamba Samba scene and the fairground ones, the helter-skelter one being a favourite of mine.

There are lots of loud bangs and flashes, some of which make you jump.

Of course, the best song had to be “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.

The show ended with a fitting tribute and dedication to The Vivienne who until their death had been playing the Child Catcher.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

NIKITA KUZMIN’S

FIRST EVER SOLO SHOW

MIDNIGHT DANCER

TOURING THE UK & IRELAND

FROM 8 MARCH 2025

International champion and Strictly Come Dancing star NIKITA KUZMIN is thrilled to announce the full cast joining him on his first ever UK & Ireland solo tour MIDNIGHT DANCER. The tour will open on 8 March 2025 and run through to 24 May.  

The cast of MIDNIGHT DANCER will include dancers Sophie Baker, Thomas Charles, Lowri Hamilton, Samuel Lake, Charlotte Lee, Zara Liu, Seamus Mcintosh, Daniel Rae and Andreea Toma. Also joining the cast is Vocalist Rebecca Lisewski (MAMMA MIA! West End, The Spongebob Musical UK tour, Cabaret West End).

NIKITA KUZMIN invites you to a fairytale ball like no other and a night full of music, sequins, and world class dancing.

Follow the highs and lows of a classic romance story, as two star crossed lovers meet only to be torn apart. Will they reunite at the masked ball, or will real life put an end to their fairytale fantasy?  This brand-new dance spectacular is a modern day Cinderella story and features all of your favourite dance floor anthems, dazzling costumes and explosive dancing.  Don’t miss TV dance star Nikita Kuzmin like you’ve never seen him before!

Joining forces with the team behind Oti Mabuse: I Am Here and Johannes Radebe’s trilogy of sell out shows, MIDNIGHT DANCER promises to be an unforgettable night of entertainment. Get ready to see Nikita as you’ve never seen him before.

NIKITA KUZMIN MIDNIGHT DANCER has Creative Direction by Tom Jackson Greaves, Set & Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter, Music Production by Ian Masterson, Costume Design by Rachael Ryan, Sound Design by James Crichton and Production Management by James Anderton.

NIKITA KUZMIN MIDNIGHT DANCER is presented by ROYO, Cuffe & Taylor and Live Nation.

Website: www.nikitalive.co.uk

Instagram:  @nikita_kuzmin
Twitter: @kuzmin_nikita

2025 TOUR SCHEDULE

8 March                    Bromley Churchill Theatre

                                 churchilltheatre.co.uk

9 March                    Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre                                                                                           

www.wmc.org.uk                                                                      

12 March                  Bridlington Spa                                                                        01262 678258

                                 www.bridspa.com

15 March                  Basingstoke The Anvil                                                             01256 844244

                                 www.anvilarts.org.uk/

16 March                  Nottingham Royal Concert Hall                                               0115 989 5555

                                 www.trch.co.uk

21/ 22 March           London Peacock Theatre

                                 sadlerswells.com

23 March                  Leicester Curve                                                                        0116 242 3595

                                 www.curveonline.co.uk                                                            

26 March                  Edinburgh Playhouse

                                 www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh                                     

27 March                  Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre

                                 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

28 March                  Northampton Royal & Derngate

                                 royalandderngate.co.uk                                                            

29 March                  Belgrade Theatre Coventry                                                      024 7655 3055

                                 www.belgrade.co.uk

30 March                  Bristol Hippodrome                                                      

                                 www.atgtickets.com/bristol

2 April                       Aberdeen Music Hall

                                 aberdeenperformingarts.com

3 April                       Glasgow SEC Armadillo

                                 www.sec.co.uk

4 April                       Blackpool Opera House                                                           0844 770 0593*

                                 www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

6 April                       Sheffield City Hall                                                         

                                 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

9 April                       Swindon Wyvern Theatre                                                         0343 310 0040

                                 swindontheatres.co.uk

10 April                     Southend Cliffs Pavilion                                                           0343 310 0030

                                 www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

11 April                     Portsmouth Guildhall

                                 www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

12 April                     Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

                                 www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/

13 April                     Leeds Grand Theatre0113 243 0808

                                 leedsheritagetheatres.com

17 April                     High Wycombe Swan Theatre                                                 03433100060

                                 wycombeswan.co.uk

18 April                     Peterborough New Theatre                                                     01733 852992

                                 newtheatre-peterborough.com

19 April                     Ipswich Regent Theatre

                                 ipswichtheatres.co.uk

20 April                     Norwich Theatre Royal                                                             01603 630 000

                                 norwichtheatre.org

25 April                     Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple                                                    01271316523

                                 www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com

26 April                     Malvern Theatres                                                                      01684 892277

                                 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

27 April                     Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                         0191 232 7010 

                                 www.theatreroyal.co.uk                                                            

29 April                     Brighton Theatre Royal Brighton                                                            

                                    www.atgtickets.com/brighton

30 April                     Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                                                                                                             

                                    www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

1 May                       Plymouth Theatre Royal                                                          01752 267222

                                 www.theatreroyal.com

2 May                       Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre

                                 www.atgtickets.com/stoke

4 May                       Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre                                            0818719377 (ROI)

                                 bordgaisenergytheatre.ie                                                          08442485101 (UK)

7 May                       Hull New Theatre                                                                      01482 300 306

                                 www.hulltheatres.co.uk

8 May                       Manchester Aviva Studios

                                 factoryinternational.org

9 May                       Bath Forum                                                                               0161 832 1111

                                 www.bathforum.co.uk

10 May                     Llandudno Venue Cymru                                                         01492 872000

                                 www.venuecymru.co.uk

11 May                     Wolverhampton Grand                                                            01902 42 92 12

                                 www.grandtheatre.co.uk                                               

13 May                     Milton Keynes Theatre

                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre

14 May                     Guildford G-Live                                                                       0343 310 0055

                                 glive.co.uk

15 May                     Folkstone Leas Cliff Hall

                                 www.atgtickets.com/venues/leas-cliff-hall/

17 May                     Birmingham Hippodrome

                                 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

18 May                     Truro Hall For Cornwall                                                            01872262466                                

                                     www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

20 May                     York Grand Opera House

                                 www.atgtickets.com/York

21 May                     Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                                                   01227 787787

                                 www.marlowetheatre.com

22 – 23 May             Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                                               01242 572 573                                 

                                     www.everymantheatre.org.uk                                         

Theatre Royal Nottingham – until Saturday 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Jill Heslop

5*****

Nottingham’s Theatre Royal this evening welcomed one of the most successful dance theatre productions of all time: Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures rendition of Swan Lake. And what a privilege it was to be there.

This innovative production of Tchaikovsky’s classic is being revived in a UK tour celebrating 30 years since its premier at Sadlers Wells, London in 1995. Choreographed and directed by Sir Matthew Bourne with the cast of New Adventures dance company, this is a triumphant and profoundly moving interpretation, full of strength and beauty. Harrison Dowzell mesmerises with his performance as the Swan/the Stranger, full of power and grace. As the leader of the male swans, he is both tender and aggressive. Bourne’s flock of male swans is such a moving sight combining classical and contemporary ballet with imitative swan-like gestures, which create a wild and menacing feeling. And, of course this was the reason that his production become so well-known: replacing the female corps-de-ballet with an all-male ensemble – a daring and radical step thirty years ago.

The Prince is played sensitively by James Lovell with his mixture of vulnerability, boyishness and confusion. Leading us to the female roles of the Queen (Nicole Kabera) showing a haughty power and coldness in her stately position; and the Girlfriend (Bryony Wood), who has excellent comic timing with a cheeky naughtiness. There is a lot of humour in this production, with lively modern dance scenes set in downtown bars, as well as formal dances in the royal household. The costumes of beautiful ballgowns and evening wear are bright and dazzling with not a tutu in sight.

There is a darkness to the dream scenes with the swans hissing as the Prince tries to gain access to this other world. The scenes with the swans are swirlingly moving and emotional with an energetic power which is hypnotic.

A rousing standing ovation at the end of the evening said it all, with tears and appreciative applause resounding around the theatre.

Hampstead Theatre, London – until 15th March 2025

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

3***

You can hardly move for stories about AI and how it is on the verge of destroying everything and/or making everything better, and it is also at the centre of this new play from playwright and screenwriter Beau Willimon. East is South explores how AI, ethics, and faith can co exist and at what cost. Set in a mysterious and secret tech company called Logos where the coders work in pairs and never see anyone else, two employees, Lena (Kaya Scodelario) and Sasha (Luke Treadaway), are developing a powerful new AI model that is on the verge of thinking for itself and understanding the very human quality of contradiction hence the title East is South. Lena is from a tech free Mennonite community and her fellow coder and love interest Sasha is a Russian ex-pianist who may or may not be a double agent. Within the grey walls of the soulless Logos offices, they are questioned by good cop/bad cop government officials (Alec Newman and Nathalie Armin) and a professor/colleague/government agent (Cliff Curtis) to find out if they have committed a serious security breach.

Kaya Scodelario as Lena is a stand out in an impressive stage debut, and Luke Treadaway is believable as the passionate and troubled Sasha. The two tiered set designed by Alex Easles is sparse with stark, pale grey institutional walls on the lower floor for the interrogation, and a rich dark green on the floor above for the surveillance. The same colour palette is used in a similar way in Severance which I immediately thought of and a show that Willimon I later found out is a writer and producer on. As the story shifts between increasingly brutal interrogation and flashbacks, the lighting by Azusa Ono indicates a change in scene and mood making it easy to differentiate time and place. When the AI explodes into spectacular technicolour, Zakk Hein’s video design is a welcome change in pace and tone and for a moment, I forgot that it was symbolising the beginning of an extinction event and enjoyed the lights and colours.

Under Ellen McDougall’s direction, there is an ebb and flow of tension and pace in what is very dense subject matter. In the 100 minutes that we are sitting in the theatre, there are big questions posed around philosophy, human and technological ethics, religion, identity, love, suicide, and abuse, but few answers are proffered. Much of the tech terminology and heavy philosophical statements went straight over my head, however if you are very into coding, AI, and bleak outlooks, then this is the play for you.

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

The Rocky Horror Show is a long running and iconic rock ‘n’ roll musical that brings party to the theatre. From the outset, it was evident that the show has a fan base that spans all ages, and that audience participation and fancy dress is part of the appeal. Directed by Christopher Luscombe and on tour, it was a treat to see it at Cheltenham.

The show is a story of two college kids (Brad and Janet played by Connor Carson and Lauren Chia) who find themselves at a creepy mansion when their car has a blow-out. What meets them inside is not easy to describe but suffice it to say, the squeaky-clean kids are exposed to outrageous experiences and flamboyant characters while they are there.

Nathan Caton as The Narrator skilfully negotiates through the show, mixing scripted lines with comedic response to the inevitable audience participation from stalwart fans. The show is packed with innuendo, sci-fi inspiration and cabaret style performance. As the show plays through, anybody confused by the outfits that are sported by fellow audience members will have their curiosity satisfied.

Adam Strong leads the show as Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter, bursting onto the stage in sequins and drag costume; unapologetically setting the tone for the performance throughout. His entrance triggers an ‘anything goes’ party atmosphere, inviting everyone to ‘do the time warp’, bringing audience and stage together.

Since this is a musical, it would be remiss to overlook the band and its contribution to the overall experience. As soon as the curtain raises, the music is loud and delivers a carnival party vibe; something that everybody can get involved with.

If The Rocky Horror Show has been on your list for a while, head to your nearest theatre as soon as you can. You will be treated to extreme innuendo, high energy and a party to remember!

Curve Theatre Leicester – until 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

What if we rewrote the ending? “Maybe she doesn’t kill herself just because he killed himself?” It’s the question asked of Shakespeare from his wife Anne Hathaway, who enquires why all her husband’s female characters are such tragic figures. Together they rework the ending of Romeo & Juliet to have a more female empowered ending. Juliet doesn’t die, she goes travelling with her friends in search of adventure. However, unable to let go of his need for drama and darkness, devious Shakespeare takes matters into his own quill and throws some obstacles in the way, leading Anne to take a serious look at their relationship. The course of true love never did run smooth.

&Juliet is fun, funny and fabulous. The musical is essentially a showcase of Swedish songwriting superstar Max Martin’s music. The pop powerhouse is responsible for penning smash hits sung by the Backstreet Boys, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Britney Spears amongst others and the show is chock full of these. Throw in a rollicking romp of a story, elements of pantomime energy, with plenty of 4th wall breaking, oodles of dynamic dance numbers and we have an awesome show. The songs have been put into a different context, they now tell a different story.

What elevates &Juliet is its truly witty book by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read. With puns, word play and cracking humour that really hit the mark, the bard would be proud. Jennifer Weber’s choreography is a slick, stylish sensation. Paloma Young’s costumes, which modernise the renaissance bring some much-needed Medieval rizz.

Lara Denning is a joy to watch as Anne Hathaway. Playful yet powerful, she has such a fabulous rapport with Jay McGuiness, (from ‘The Wanted’) who plays William Shakespeare with such cheeky appeal. Gerardine Sacdalan gives a stunning performance as Juliet, her rendition of ‘Hit me baby one more time’ is incredible. She is relentlessly good and delivers hit after hit, performance after performance with aplomb.

The relationship between Nurse Angelique, played by Sandra Marvin and Lance, played by Lee Latchford-Evans (from ‘Steps) offers some delightful comic relief and marvellous musical moments. The journey for Juliet’s gender fluid best friend May, played by Jordan Broatch and Francois de Bois, played by Kyle Cox is wonderfully explored and beautifully unfurled. It provide some lovely tenderness.

&Juliet is about writing your own story, flipping the script and not following the norms. It’s a tale of empowerment, challenging authority, and listening to your heart. Nostalgic, life affirming, &Juliet is high octave, high energy and highly entertaining.

Theatre Royal Windsor – until 22nd February 2025

Reviewed by Liberty Noke

5*****

This is Pride and Prejudice like you have never seen it before. A story that has been done and overdone, I wasn’t sure we needed another adaptation but this was incredible. You enter the theatre and the 5 characters are playing maids. Wearing yellow rubber gloves they clean the stage and the walls. The lights begin to go down and the audience go quiet but one of the maids, played by Emma Rose Creaner, shouts in a thick Irish accent “Its not started yet, yous can talk amongst yourselves!” This instantly set a comedic tone and I knew we were in for a treat.

The 5 maids tell the story of pride and prejudice, each playing multiple characters and dressing up as them. The costumes really added to the humour and the physical theatre in creating multiple different characters without confusing the audience was really impressive. Emma Rose Creaner’s performance of Mr Bingley was especially funny but Eleanor Cane stole the show with her characters Mary and Mr Collins.

I know that fans of Jane Austen could be concerned that her work would be lost in a comedy such as this but the story was true to the original novel and I would even recommend this to someone who has never read it as it is easy to follow and very accessible. There were even references to the film when one of the maids commented that Mr Darcy – played incredibly by Rihanna McGreevy- “looked very dry”, a reference to the famous scene in which Mr Darcy emerges from the lake.

There are moments in the play where the characters sing, they carry microphones and sing modern pop songs that may not go with the time period but they are well chosen for instance Elizabeth Bennet (Naomi Preston Low) sings “You’re so vain” to Mr Darcy. The outbursts of song could come across as “cringe” in a piece such as this but every one is a perfect fit. As is the humour, the audience were laughing out loud throughout. Isobel McArthur, the playwright, is a genius. She doesn’t rely on overused clichés or silly jokes, her incredible writing had the audience laughing and cheering from beginning to end.

I cannot recommend this play enough, incredible writing, faultless acting and clever wit – this is the perfect night out at the theatre.

Lyric Theatre, London – 17 February 2025

Reviewed by Emily Smith

4****

Taking over the Lyric Theatre (home to Hadestown) for one night only, West End Musical Love Songs offered an evening of beautiful music from some of the West End’s biggest stars. From the producers of West End Musical Brunch, West End Musical Halloween, West End Musical Christmas and Musical Con (to name a few), this particular show was a romantic dive into some of the most well-loved romantic songs from musicals and films.

The show was opened by a saxophonist who delivered a beautiful solo of Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King. The evening was hosted by Aimie Atkinson (SIX, Pretty Woman: The Musical) who, from the moment she entered the stage, had an infectious energy. Aimie treated us to her version of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow from Beautiful the Carole King Musical before introducing the first special guest. Throughout the evening Aimie kept the audience engaged and encouraged interaction, dancing and signing along, though I’m pleased to say the audience mostly took advantage of this in the second half when the music took a more lively turn.

The special guests (which we’ll come on to!) were well chosen for their individual vocal talents that complemented one another allowing the audience to experience a variety of songs from well-known musicals and films. There was no live band, only the saxophonist, which for me is one thing that could have really elevated the evening. While the first half was full of classic love songs, often ballads, the second half was much more upbeat. Personally, I would have been happy listening to more classic songs throughout the whole show, but this tale of two halves brought a change in pace that made for a fun night out! The stage was simple – covered in red heart helium balloons – which, whilst not particularly ground-breaking, offered a nice backdrop for the performers.

Throughout the evening, four special guests performed a selection of songs, showcasing their adaptability and vocal talent. The absolute standout of the evening was Merryl Ansah (Lion King and Heathers) who perfectly performed a one-woman rendition of Helpless from Hamilton, followed by I Will Always Love You (The Bodyguard, Whitney Houston) with live saxophone accompaniment. In the second half, Merryl continued to demonstrate her phenomenal vocal talents with Love You I Do from Dreamgirls and Believe (Cher). Merryl’s performances were the highlight of my evening and they were delivered with such a confidence… she belonged on that stage!

Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) treated us to Both Sides Now from Love Actually (Joni Mitchell) and When She Loved Me from Toy Story 2 in the first half, both of which demonstrated his impressive vocal range. However, he really came to life in the second half when performing the more upbeat numbers Brown Eyed Girl from Sleeping With The Enemy (Van Morrison) and I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) from soon-to-open-in-London show Hercules.

Laura Pick (Wicked) showcased her powerhouse vocals while performing My Heart Will Go On from Titanic (Céline Dion), Almost Like Being In Love (Brigadoon), Somebody To Love (We Will Rock You, Queen) and River Deep, Mountain High (TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Tina Turner). She also performed a duet with Aimie Atkinson of No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) to open the second half.

Bringing a deeper, baritone voice to the evening was Luke McCall (Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables) who delivered stunning performances of classics such as ‘Til I Hear You Sing (Love Never Dies) and Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific) before he brought us some more upbeat numbers in the second half such as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Jersey Boys) and I’m A Believer (Shrek) which had the audience on their feet and singing along.

To end the evening we were treated to a beautiful duet of (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (Dirty Dancing) by Luke McCall and Aimie Atkinson, featuring live saxophone (though sadly not the full solo!), which was a great choice of closing number.

So much of the enjoyment of a show like this is in the selection of songs. It feels as though the producers tried to find something for everyone, but I can’t help feeling that there was a missed opportunity in including more love songs from newer musicals. Additionally, I would have loved to have heard more duets between the performers, given the talent on stage. That being said it was a fantastic night out celebrating love with performances from some of the West End’s best talent, ranging from beautiful ballads to get-up-and-dance classics, topped off with live saxophone.