Sisco Entertainment Present

THE 10^TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF

MADE IN DAGENHAM

STARRING PIXIE LOTT AND KILLIAN DONNELLY

AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM ON SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

Pixie Lott and Killian Donnelly will lead the cast of the 10^th Anniversary Concert of MADE IN DAGENHAM at the London Palladium on Saturday 16 March 2024. Directed by Shaun Kerrison, further casting will be announced at a later date.

Tickets will go on Public Sale on Thursday 14 December 10am. Pre-sale sign up opens on Tuesday 12 December at 10am, with pre-sale tickets available to purchase from 10am on Wednesday 13 December.

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit film, MADE IN DAGENHAM is a powerhouse musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what’s right. With a critically acclaimed score, this raucously funny show really is the ultimate feel-good night out.

“If you want something done, ask a busy woman…”

Essex, 1968. When Ford’s Dagenham car plant drops female workers’ pay, mum Rita leads her friends in a battle against the mighty company and the corrupted union supposed to protect them. As the women’s journey grows, so does the pressure. Can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s built?

Enduringly funny, touching and timeless, MADE IN DAGENHAM shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together.

The Concert is produced by Scott Garnham and Simon Schofield for Sisco Entertainment and directed by Shaun Kerrison (The Osmonds A New Musical UK Tour, Kiss Me Kate and My Fair Lady for BBC Proms, Resident Director The Lion King West End and Resident Director of Mary Poppins on Broadway). With a book by Richard Bean and music and lyrics by David Arnold and Richard Thomas, MADE IN DAGENHAM is based on the Woolley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture and performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Pixie Lott is best-known as a music artist as well as appearing on The Voice and The X Factor as a judge. Since she made her stage debut in Nikolai Foster’s West End production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, she has won ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in the Indiex Film Festival for her performance in That’s Just Me and recently finished filming for the ITV drama McDonald & Dodds. MADE IN DAGENHAM IN CONCERT will mark Pixie’s musical theatre debut.

Killian Donnelly is currently starring in the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in the West End, having also played Valjean in the UK and Ireland Tour. He has played The Phantom in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty’s Theatre) and he made his Broadway debut recreating the role of Charlie Price in Kinky Boots (Al Hirschfeld Theatre, New York), having originated the role in London (Adelphi Theatre) and for which he was nominated for a 2016 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical and shortlisted for a 2015 Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical Performance. Other credits include Bruce Bechdel in Fun Home (Gate Theatre Dublin), Jackie in Frank McGuinness’ Donegal (Abbey Theatre, Dublin); Huey Calhoun in Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre) for which he received a 2015 Olivier Award Nomination for

Best Actor in a Musical; Deco in The Commitments (Palace Theatre) directed by Jamie Lloyd; Tony in Billy Elliot the Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre).

Film includes: Howard in Christmas in Notting Hill (Hallmark); Charlie Price in

Kinky Boots (Steel Heel Pictures) and Combeferre in Les Misérables (Working Title

Films) directed by Tom Hooper.

★★★★★ ‘The show the West End has been waiting for. Buy a ticket and go!’ Gay Times

★★★★ Mail on Sunday   ★★★★ Observer    ★★★★ Evening Standard

★★★★ ‘A conveyor belt of raucous fun’ Daily Mail

★★★★ ‘The best British musical since Billy Elliot’ The Stage

★★★★ The Independent  ★★★★ Express ★★★★ Time Out

Ticket Link: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/made-in-dagenham-10/

Tickets priced from £25

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 7th January 2024 

By Emma Barnes & Gill Gardiner, plus Alec aged 13 and Harrison aged 10

5*****

Craig Revel Horwood Shines as Wicked Stepmother

Craig Revel Horwood, the renowned Strictly Come Dancing judge, has brought his signature flair to the stage once again in the role of the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella, at New Wimbledon Theatre.  The show, which runs until 7th January is a delightful blend of classic storytelling, slapstick humour, and dazzling musical numbers, all brought to life by an energetic and talented cast.

Horwood’s portrayal of Baroness Demonica Hardup is Fab -u- lous, a masterclass in camp villainy, with his over-the-top costumes and flamboyant mannerisms ensuring that he is the most booed and hissed character on stage.

Despite his villainous persona, Horwood also manages to inject a touch of humour into the role, with his witty one-liners and exaggerated facial expressions keeping the audience entertained throughout. An unexpected highlight of the show was Craig losing his wig mid performance. It was of course handled with the utmost professionalism and only served to give the audience an extra laugh. His chemistry with the rest of the cast is palpable and ensures that the show never falls flat. Pete Firman as Buttons bedazzled the whole audience, particularly the ten year old in our family, with his skilful magical tricks and slight of hand.  We still don’t know how he did it.  His comedic timing was also particularly on point. 

The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and Olivier-nominated actress Alison Jiear bringing stand out vocal talent as the Fairy Godmother. Daniel Norford as Dandini. We also loved to hate Tess and Claudia the Wicked Step Sisters who provided plenty of comedic moments. 

The production is visually stunning, with a set that transforms seamlessly from Cinderella’s humble abode to the lavish ballroom of the prince’s castle. The flying carriage and horses is a spectacle for all ages. The costumes are equally impressive, with Horwood’s costume and wigs becoming gradually bigger and increasingly ridiculous as the story progresses.

The choreography is also top notch, with plenty of high-energy dance numbers.  Horwood’s dancing is particularly impressive, as he brings his Strictly Come Dancing experience to the stage.

This pantomime is a timeless classic combining all of the traditional elements of panto. We were impressed with the balance of jokes and innuendos that spoke to every member of the family, a great introduction to theatre for little ones. 

Overall , this is must-see for any fan of Cinderella, Strictly Come Dancing, or simply good old-fashioned family Pantomime. With its infectious energy, catchy songs, slapstick routines, and hilarious jokes, it has the audience hissing, booing, laughing,and singing along from start to finish. A surefire hit for the festive season guaranteed to leave you with a huge smile on your face.

Leeds City Varieties Theatre – until 7 January 2024

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5*****

Another year and another outstanding Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is now on at the wonderful Leeds City Varieties, all through the Christmas season and into the New Year.   As always, I loved it as the highly multi-talented cast are brilliant actors, dancers and musicians and just like every year, every line and move was delivered with high-energy and all of the songs were phenomenal!

Robin Hood (Samuel Pope) (and the Babes in the Wood, Hannah Baker and Louisa Beadel) is this year’s tale and where we find ourselves in Sherwood Forest with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Kenny Davies) terrorising all the locals.  Luckily, Robin has Marian (Lucy Keirl) on his side, who with her quick wit and brains, helps saves the day.  Caught up in the mix and employed to look after ‘The Babes’ is Nellie Night Nurse (Simon Nock) and I say it every year, but I’d love to go and see Nock do his own stand-up show as he makes me laugh-out-loud with every quip, expression and innuendo.  I think the gold bodysuit stole the show this year!  

The Sheriff was a great baddie and an amazing guitar player, I loved Kenny’s solo rock riff, wow!  Norbert Numbskull Nobrains (Guy Freeman) stole all our hearts as the lovable fool with lots of slapstick comedy alongside his sidekick Portcullis. This year, the singing was even better (which is hard to beat!) and I was quite blown away by the quality of the voices – ‘I would do anything for love’ was perfect!  

I can’t recommend this pantomime enough, your whole family or group of pals on a night out will just love it!  There was everything everyone of any age wants: big belly laughs, songs we all know and can sing-along-to and even a water fight!  A guaranteed great night out!

Tobias Turley wins ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have a
Dream public vote to play the role of Sky in the
West End

Following the televised competition, rising West End star Tobias Turley, represented by BBA Management, has won the public vote for ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream alongside Stevie Doc. The live final took place at the Novello Theatre yesterday with Tobias singing his heart out to land one of the most sought-after leading man roles in the West End. He has danced, sung and acted his way through challenges, songs and sand to find his Sophie to whisk down the aisle.

This marks the start of a hugely promising career for the young talent who will be thanking audiences for taking a chance on him. Following his graduation in musical theatre from Guildford School of Acting, he performed the role of Kurt in Heathers The Musical (The Other Palace) and he is raring to take on his next challenge performing in the global smash-hit Mamma Mia! as Sky.

Tobias Turley comments, I genuinely have no words, I’m speechless. I feel so grateful to everyone at home who voted for me, and to everyone who has worked on this show for always being so kind to me. This has been the best experience of my life and I am so thankful, it really means the world.

Bronia Buchanan, agency director, comments, Tobias Turley is a rising star, talented, dedicated, hard-working, kind, compassionate and intelligent; it is an incredible achievement to win this role in Mamma Mia by public vote.

The much-loved new show was hosted by presenter and Radio DJ Zoe Ball over the last few months on ITV. The judging panel consisted of comedian and TV personality Alan Carr, singer songwriter Jessie Ware, WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award winner Amber Riley and Samantha Barks, star of Frozen.

Bronia Buchanan’s BBA Management, who represent Tobias Turley, provides complete personal management covering all aspects of a client’s career with support and guidance from the team of experienced agents. The agency operates a boutique list of exceptional actors and creative talent with their emphasis on understanding and promoting their specific talents and strengths. This personal and dedicated relationship sees the agency’s clients working in the most critically acclaimed and successful productions, commercials and television, as well as film.

Produced by Fremantle Thames, the search for two actors to play the roles of Sophie and Sky was filmed in the Greek islands, where the musical is set and culminated in a live grand finale, broadcast from a West End theatre.

Tobias Turley and Stevie Doc will star in the show from 29th January 2024.

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Sunday 14 January 2024

Reviewed by Louise Ford

4****

What’s that you say, a new Dick in town?

The innuendos come thick and fast in the first act. Sadly Dick, we aren’t better than that!

This year’s panto is Dick Whittington written by Alan McHugh with additional material by Matt Slack, although the ad-libs and side comments are all from the cast. The loveable cockney chappie Alfie Moon takes a break from Eastenders to grace the Nottingham stage, although he is soon to be transported back to London in search of the streets paved with gold. Shane Ritchie takes on the central role as Dick Whittington with huge amounts of energy and fun. The accidents and mishaps are brilliantly scripted and have the audience laughing and worrying in equal measure. Keep away from that trap door!

There’s some good role reversals with Anne Smith playing Queen Rat, with her whip lash tail and horde of nasty rodents. She’s looking to take over the city and the world. The Spirit of Bow Bells is played by Dr Ranj all glitter and sparkle, watching over our hero and ensuring he doesn’t come to any real harm.

The love interest, Alice Fitzwarren (Emily Beth Harrington) is light and lovely ,just like a Disney princess, although she’s a dab hand with a sword if needed. Her father, I mean her mother, Sarah the Cook is played by Iain Stuart Robertson. She has an eye for a young man and an extravagant outfit.

Although his coat is a little tatty, Kitty Cat (Kenan-Lewis Smith) performs some amazing springs and bounces and has a great stage presence. His makeup is top notch.
The ensemble perform a range of excellent dances in some pretty tricky headgear.
The story whips along at quite a pace with all the requisite elements for a good panto. The tongue twister keeps both Dick and Sarah on their toes . A big shout out to Pauline from Papplewick. The twelve days of “what I found at the bottom of the sea”, has the audience ducking for cover! And the children up on stage is always good fun and could go wrong at any moment.

I won’t spoil the surprise but there are a couple of special effects which have a great impact of the audience. The first is a little frightening and had some of the younger audience in tears. The second had the audience in the stalls ducking out of the way.

All in all it’s big, bold and brash, and a great way to celebrate this festive time.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Sunday 31 December 2023

5*****

The “Fairest Panto in all the Land” has arrived at the Hippodrome in Darlington.  And there were no bad apples in this show.

Carrying on with the long tradition and pedigree of panto in Darlington, the latest offering is packed full of brilliant costumes, wonderful dancing and lots of silliness for both kids and adults alike. 

The Prince, Gareth Gates, was most charming, impressing with his muscles and his outstanding vocals. Snow White, Marina Lawrence-Mahrra, has a beautiful singing voice, beautiful and controlled, and it is a shame she doesn’t get more singing to do in this production.

Jenny Ryan’s Queen Dragonella was suitably evil, but it was disappointing that she only had one song, when we know she has a beautiful singing voice. However her character made us boo every time she entered the stage.

Comic relief comes in the form of Muddles, Josh Benson, who entertained us all with his constant energy, his clever juggling and his massive array of jokes. Benson was very much the star of the show. There was plenty of silliness and no small amount of double entendres.

Glamour from Mrs Nellie Nightnurse (Jamie Jones, who was woefully underused and could definitely do with more stage time) with some stunning and surreal costumes.  The “Magnificent Seven” (Jonny Weston, Eva-Theresa Chkarian, Will Keeler, James Lowrie, JB Maya, Logan McQuillan and Charlotte Northover) were normal sized actors shuffling on their knees which can’t be comfortable and may explain why their appearances were few and far between.

With a fine ensemble of dancers (India Chadwick, Robert Donnelly, Jay Jobarteh, Annis Rallis, Fenella Speed and Harley Stephen) this is full of all the traditional panto staples but also with some fabulous effects.  

As one would expect, the production values are very high, so it’s important to mention the fabulous technical crew because without them it would be very quiet and very dark on stage.  The Tech Crew rarely get thanked but technical theatre is as much an art form as the singing and dancing and the live band (Tim Hammond, Tim Farmer, Peter Brent and Bob Broad) were excellent too. Crossroads Pantomimes manage to fit so much into this show it’s a feat of theatrical magic itself – there are all the elements you could hope for in a panto and so much more. Guaranteed to leave you with a huge grin on your face.

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL!

STEVIE DOC AND TOBIAS TURLEY CROWNED THE WINNERS OF ITV1’S MAMMA MIA! I HAVE A DREAM IN SPECTACULAR GRAND FINALE

DUO SECURE THE MONEY CAN’T BUY PRIZE – LEAD ROLES IN THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF MAMMA MIA!

Sunday 10^th December: After eight unmissable weeks of singing, dancing, and acting their way to a place in the final, Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley have tonight been crowned the winners of MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, securing them a money can’t buy prize – the lead roles of Sophie and Sky in the West End production of MAMMA MIA!

Filmed in the idyllic setting of Greece where the MAMMA MIA! story is set, viewers have been treated across the series to incredible performances from the talented cast made up of 14 aspiring musical theatre performers. Each week, the theatre star hopefuls were put through their paces with a series of workshops, where they were mentored by MAMMA MIA!’s choreographer Anthony Van Laast and musical director Martin Lowe before being whittled down to the final four by judges Alan Carr, Jessie Ware, Amber Riley and Samantha Barks, under the watchful eye of the creator and global producer of MAMMA MIA! Judy Craymer.

The two girls vying for the highly sought after role of Sophie were Stevie Doc, 22, a musical theatre teacher from Glasgow and Esme Bowdler, 23, a barista from Chester. Hoping to land the role of Sky was Owen Johnston, 25, a theatre usher from Belfast and Tobias Turley, 23, a singing waiter from Somerset.

But it was down to the great British public to make the difficult choice on deciding who of the four will take the prize tonight with host Zoe Ball revealing the worthy winners to the nation in the show stopping final live from the Novello Theatre, the West End home of MAMMA MIA!

Over the course of the 75-minute live TV event, viewers were treated to stunning performances from Greece, including a show stopping medley of MAMMA MIA! hits. It was then down to the finalists who were given another chance to impress the judges, and most importantly, the voting viewers at home, with the solo performance of their lives, performed live at the West End home of MAMMA MIA!, the Novello Theatre. The show fittingly culminated with a sensational group performance of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ before Zoe Ball revealed who the public had chosen to win the roles of Sophie and Sky.

On her win, Stevie, who performed a breath-taking version of ABBA’s classic ‘Thank You for the Music’ said: “I’m honestly lost for words. This is something I could never have imagined, and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to even be on the show, never mind win it! Thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me to make this happen!”

After winning the public vote, an ecstatic Tobias, who performed ‘I’ve Been Waiting For You’ added: “I genuinely have no words, I’m speechless. I feel so grateful to everyone at home who voted for me, and to everyone who has worked on this show for always being so kind to me. This has been the best experience of my life and I am so thankful, it really means the world.”

After celebrating their momentous victory, the two will head straight into rehearsals with the MAMMA MIA! cast, before their debut West End performance in just seven weeks’ time, on Monday 29^th January 2024 in London’s Novello Theatre.

Creator and Global Producer of MAMMA MIA! Judy Craymer has closely followed the winners’ journeys from the very beginning. Commenting on her new cast members, Judy said: “It’s a joyous result and I’m delighted to welcome Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley to join the West End cast in this very specialyear celebrating MAMMA MIA!’s 25^th anniversary. All our contestants are so talented and worked so hard, they went through the most intensive musical theatre boot camp with such energy, flair and commitment. They were all such a joy to work with and are all winners in my eyes.”

Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the globe. 

The success of MAMMA MIA! has spawned two record-breaking blockbuster films, MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again, produced by Judy Craymer and starring a host of stars including Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper, Lily James and Cher. 

2024 will see the musical land its 25^th year on the West End, with Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley being part of the cast celebrating this incredible milestone.

Tickets for MAMMA MIA! starring Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley are on sale now at http://www.mamma-mia.com/. MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream is available to stream on ITVX.

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 9th December 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4****

Armonico Consort brought two versions of a Baroque continental Christmas to Malvern.

The first half was an Italianate Christmas celebration of diverse works by Claudio Monteverdi and Giovanni Gabrieli. Director (also conductor) Christopher Monks regaled us with a witty introduction regarding what to expect, including some interesting background about the choices of pieces that would make up tonight’s programme.

It was very interesting to hear the instrumental ensemble (the “Baroque Players”) with their wonderful sounding organ – an instrument that I always love to hear in any musical setting – and string quartet. I’m presuming they were using period instruments and bows with gut strings (or modern recreations of the same) since the sound was more mellow than their modern, brasher equivalents. The same mellow sound was produced by the 2 cornetts, 3 sackbuts and dulcian of The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble. A very exotic sound from the assembled orchestra.

The musical entertainment began with a solo voice, ushering in more singers and instruments before the full force of the assembled (largish) choir and orchestra took over. This type of Baroque music is rich in harmonic invention and multiple interweaving vocal lines of dazzling complexity. Baroque choral music is not my natural home and at times I did find the density a tad impenetrable. Many in the audience seemed much more au fait with this genre than I was and thoroughly appreciated the music produced; so it is obvious that the musicians had represented the music faithfully and with distinction. The second half was the Germanic Christmas setting, gathering together works by Michael Praetorius. I preferred this half of the concert to the first as it seemed simpler (less dense) – despite the fact that the last piece “In Dulci Jubilo” was in 21 parts! Beautiful and challenging in equal measure I felt.

Although I wasn’t convinced that we gained much by all the musicians moving around the stage and auditorium (often delivering their parts from among the crowd, behind our sitting position) it was interesting to hear what must be the first “surround sound” in history. I also found the text very difficult to follow, despite having a programme, due to the complexity of the music and the fact that I don’t speak Latin. I therefore found it impossible to know which bit of music was being performed at any given moment. This wouldn’t have been in issue in the music’s original context (church Christmas celebrations) but I did find that my attention was often diverted whilst I attempted to work out where we were or which composer I was currently listening to.

Despite these minor points, the musicianship was beyond question and it was most certainly a popular set of compositions (and composers) judging by the very appreciative reaction from the well packed auditorium. I’m looking forward to the Consort’s return in February for the world premiere of Scarlatti’s “Daniele” and a work I do know – Handel’s “Dixit Dominus”.

The Mill, Sonning – until 20th January 2024

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

Directed by Joe Pitcher

One cannot help being totally absorbed in the music of Cole Porter. The songs are just so brilliant and ingrained in my brain – I can never tire of them. High Society is indeed a very uplifting show, just the job for a dreary old December afternoon.

Set in 1958 it is a story about class and how individuals no matter their background put on a persona to the world not wishing to reveal who they truly are. Families covering up secrets and pretending that everything is all perfect in a less than perfect world. The focus being a society ball, a mixed bag of guests. Then add a far few drinks and light the touch paper.

Matt Blaker was an excellent choice for Dexter Haven paired alongside Victoria Serra as Tracy Lord (who had a lovely voice) the beautiful woman who just could not make up her mind what she wanted in life. Her perfect world is turned upside down when she discovers her father has been having an affair and when her mother played by Heather Jackson decides to forgive his transgressions, she is less than pleased. Then she finds out that the story will hit the papers and she must find a way of covering it up.

Laura Tyler (Liz Imbrie) and Matthew Jeans (Mike Connor) worked well together as the bogus reporters, with great chemistry and voices to match. Will Richardson gave an impressive performance as the predictable, safe George Kitteridge the polar opposite to the smooth and adventure seeking Dexter Haven.

There were notable performances from Kurt Kansley as the lovable fun Uncle Willie and from Katlo who played the feisty little sister Dinah Lord who liked to meddle in her sister’s love life and ensure that things work out to her satisfaction.

The singing was fabulous, the big numbers delivered with gusto and the solos poignant. All the dancing was excellent and how they all managed to move around what is quite a small area without crashing into each other or tripping over props I do not know. I loved the flamboyant, glamorous costumes and the wonderful attention to the hair styles of that time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show and would recommend it if you need cheering up between now and the middle of January. Let’s face it this time of year we need all the help we can get!

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 8th December 2023

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

I have had the enormous pleasure of seeing the English Symphony Orchestra before and on each occasion they have given us an evening of sparkling musical pleasure. Tonight would prove to be no exception.

They opened with Brahms much loved Double Concerto. With a tune to knock your socks off right out of the blocks, the ESO impressed immediately with strident strings, muscular tutti and a precision of timing that has yet again blown me away.

Maja Bogdanović opening cello salvo was a virtuosic display designed to dazzle. I particularly enjoyed the double stopping, the strummed chords and harmonics. A master of her instrument, she makes it sing, roar and weep. There’s something about the cellos low notes dug into with gusto that stir the soul and give praise to the musical Gods.

Tonight’s other soloist, violinist Daniel Rowland, was equally compelling, the perfect partner with Maja, I loved his full throttled florid runs – especially as he did it with such apparent effortlessness. I also enjoyed his rock star like stage presence (think Slash with a violin). Both master musicians had great physicality and their timing with each other was precision itself; to an almost superhuman extent. They sounded like one soloist with 4 hands and two brains! The orchestra had perfect balance, bringing out ever nuance in the scores. The strings were particularly brilliant in both execution and sound. The Brahms middle movement was a soulful display of passion and drama. And the last movement had moments which to me sounded like a Poirot TV score (rather modern). An amazing work played flawlessly and the perfect way to start a concert! Daniel and Maja gave us an unexpected additional gift: Pēteris Vasks “Castillo Interior”. Two outer chorale like movements of aching beauty sandwiched a frantic middle movement. A magical piece which I will seek out again – Daniel told me that they have a recording of the work on Spotify.

After the interval it was Sibelius 5th Symphony. This early 20th Century work, gave us a totally different soundworld with the orchestra’s phenomenal brass section expanded to great effect. As in the first half, the entire orchestra sounded fantastic and those impressively crisp endings were awe inspiring, showing the intimate connection between players and Kenneth Woods masterful, sensitive conducting. The entire piece was a masterclass in tension building and, most satisfyingly, releases of epic proportions. Mr Woods had given us an entertaining talk regarding the concept of the final piece: “Fermeture” (an overture to end rather than open a programme) by Composer-in-Association Steve Elcock. This fabulous World Premiere was like a film score you might hear over end credits; with (to my ears) elements of Star Wars’s Stormtroopers, love themes, humour and romance… It was a most welcome addition and a piece that deserves to be heard repeatedly.

As ever, the ESO gave us a programme to thrill and delight with world class playing to rival any orchestra anywhere. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional Worcestershire based orchestra and I urge everyone with even the slightest interest in superb music making to catch their next concert. Once again (and until the next time) – Bravissimo!