SOUTH WEST AREA |
WEST END WOW! Civic Centre Trowbridge Directors Simon Cotton & Matt Heaton MD Julian Clementson Choreographers: Leonie Harrison, Sarah Hanks, Francesca Denneny, The amount of work entailed by a ‘Songs From the Show’ style of production often outweighs the performances and I am certain WEST END WOW! was no exception? Take 45 performers; teach them 35 songs from current West End productions, many of which are not well known and difficult, move the 45 performers on a large stage with interesting lighting and effects, wearing elegant and attractive costume and you have a production that entertains, is amusing and even occasionally makes you think. TAOS have some many talented performers, some, who in this style of show, will have stepped into the limelight for the first time. They presented a polished and sophisticated show with excellent song choices many of which were well known and loved, but also songs new to me and to many of the audience. There was a clever narration and introduction of numbers by two talented and funny performers. I have difficulty picking a few highlights but speaking personally I loved the pathos of the songs from ‘Billy Elliot’, a stunning full company rendition of ‘Shadowland’ from ‘The Lion King’, a beautiful and sensitive interpretation of ‘Over the rainbow’ by Tina Duffin, a wonderful solo performance from Leonie Harrison singing ‘With You’ from ‘Ghost’ and a rousing finale from the full company with a medley of songs from the hit musical ‘Wicked’. Well-done TAOS. Best wishes Sue Pomeroy
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