Friday 20 May 2016

"Lights, Camera, Action" by Beeston Musical Theatre Group
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

The latest production from the BMTG is a revue of songs from the movies, and my first show as the President of the BMTG. I promise nor to be too biased!

Opening the show with a medley of songs from The James Bond films, our Movie Stars resplendent in tuxedos and evening gowns, you may be mistaken for thinking you were in the audience for a West End review. The class of these entertainers showed visually as well as aurally.

The evening meandered through the decades and styles of the greatest hits of celluloid taking in classic films like "Casablanca" ("As Time Goes By") and "Shall We Dance" ("Let's call the Whole Thing Off"), through the 60's "Butch Cassidy" ("Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head") and "Breakfast At Tiffany's" ("Moon River"), the 70's "Tommy" ("Pinball Wizard") and "Rocky Horror Picture Show" ("The Timewarp"), 80's "Flashdance" ("What A Feeling") and "An Officer And A Gentleman"("Up Where We Belong"), the 90's "The Bodyguard" ("I Will Always Love You") through to modern films like "Pitch Perfect" ("Titanium") and "Despicable Me" ("Happy"). Throw in a medley of Disney favourites along with many other favourites, including a taster from the next BMTG show "The Wedding Singer" in October 2016 with an excellent accapella version of "Video killed The Radio Star".

One after another classic movie song rolled on and off to make way for another, well over 35 songs in just under two hours. Two hours that flew by so fast I had to check my watch hadn't stopped!

And these just weren't karaoke style versions. NO! there were some very clever new arrangements of these songs, bringing a new freshness, courtesy of musical director Nathan Truesdale and the wonderfully tuneful orchestra of six who sounded amazing.

I'm not going to pinpoint any one performer in this show because the BMTG played to their strengths and produced, not only some brilliant solo performances , but some beautiful ensemble choral pieces, creating a wall of sound. the start to Act Two brought the hairs on the neck up with an evocative medley from "The Lion King", as did "Nearer My God To Thee" from the film "Titanic". Turning the genders on their head there was a brilliant twist to the Dolly Parton song "9 To 5" sung by the leading men, making the women the bosses in question.

With wonderful use of video as a backdrop, it created a colourful setting, oh and talking of colourful, the lighting was so very good, thanks to Dave Martin. Some nifty choreography by Craig Butterworth and a really crisp, clear sound by Sean at Sounds Technical, This show is one brilliant trip through the annuls of movie music magic. There is something for everyone and this was proven by the rapturous applause from the audience, who obviously know a great group of talented performers when they see and hear them.

You have until Saturday 21 May 2016 to catch this excellent, happy show that will have you leaving the theatre with your head awash with some shoop shooper tunes.

And I wasn't biased at all, was I?

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