Lyric Theatre, London – February 14th 2022
Reviewed by Melissa O’Neill
5*****
The stage is set with floating bubbles of love for the most romantic evening of the year, Valentines Day. Resplendent in a silk floral gown, the show’s host, Shanay Holmes steps into a packed theatre amidst the excitable chit chat of fans of West End Musical. Shanay Holmes makes a touching speech dedicated to the creative works of the late Stephen Sondheim before singing the opening song accompanied by Tom Leaper on Saxophone. Shanay Holmes powerful voice was embraced by the red sequin outfits of her backing dancers, their bodies moving like fire cracking birds of paradise.
Tom Leaper played throughout the evening adding a soulful and seductive sound.
Nikki Bentley sang Somewhere (there’s a place for us) from West Side Story, a sweet song sang with heartfelt joy, and complimented by Sam Barrett’s rendition of Maria. They later teamed up for a fabulously flirty and fizzy You’re the One that I Want. Nikki Bentley performed an energetic mash up of Madonna, Britney and Eurythmics with scantily clad dancers seducing the audience.
Sam Barrett, along with enthusiastic audience participation sang Unchained Melody, with a maturity beyond his years.
Emma Hatton, dressed in a delicately silken green gown performed a duet with Nikki Bentley, taken from Wicked, I KnewYou. Their performance reflected a close and comfortable feeling, each enabling the other to shine. Just lovely!
Emma Bentley made a beautiful pairing with Jon Robyns as they sang Beauty and the Beast, I felt goosebumps all over as I was taken into a world of make believe. Jon Robyns commands attention in his orange velvet jacket, and his voice delights the audience as he sings from the Wedding Singer with Shan Ako on accompanying guitar.
Shan Ako brought funk and delight to the stage with her wonderful voice as she sang Bob Marley’s I Wanna Love You, the audience lapped it up. Shan Ako and Tom Leaper brought the audience to its feet with Whitney Houston’s, I Want to Dance with Somebody, we certainly did.
Jodie Steel, as light as a bird with a voice as hot as the blazing sun. Jodie Steel was the perfect person to sing Abba’s, Save all your love for me.
Natalie Paris, sang out a vivacious, Lets hear it for the boys, from Footloose and with Sam Barrett, Come what May, from Moulin Rouge. This song had to have had the most romantic line of all, I want to vanish inside your kiss………..swoon.
At the end of the first act Shanay Holmes sang I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard, with a dedication to her husband and co producer of the show. It was a testament to their passion and dedication in producing this joyous evening. Shanay Holmes then brought some disco and desire in the form of Michael Jackson’s The Way you Make me Feel.
West End Musical Love Songs was a special way to celebrate Valentines with the one you love. It had excitement, energy, some flirting, a little tenderness and a whole lot of warmth. What else could you ask for?!