"Transgender Charity Concert"

Studio Live, Portland Building, University of Nottingham.

It's not often that I get to see new musicals written locally. It's even more rare that I get to hear new music written for a musical, before the musical has been staged. Tonight, I counted myself doubly lucky to hear music, performed live from a musical that is yet to be staged.

Tonight also raised money for a charity called Gendered Intelligence. Established in 2008, it works to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people. Something everybody by now should understand and accept; sadly, this isn't the case.

The evening showcased songs for a new musical written by Ethea Lee, called "Chrysalis", based on themes of identity, which is very personal to Ethea, almost biographical when you listen to many of the lyrics.

There were also a few other songs that were also personal favourites of Ethea's like Taylor Swift's "August" and "Reflection" from the musical "Mulan". Ethea was also the Musical Director as well as the organiser, and she also performed several numbers herself, including the fully completed version of a gorgeous song that had previously heard called "Iridescent".

Joining Ethea on stage were a small, but perfectly selected group of vocalists, Katie Dart , Jenna Hancock, Meghan Borg and Alice Humphrys.

As well as recorded backing music, we were also treated to the beautiful sound of the cello, played by Amber India Frost.

There's something really special about Ethea's music, probably because it's been written from the heart, including her personal experiences. It's like reading someone's diary.

Most people will not know what Ethea life experiences have been, but just listening to the words in these songs she has written is really emotional. I've been a fan of Jason Robert Brown for many years now since I first saw "The Last Five Years", which is a beautifully written piece of musical theatre, and Ethea's writing reminds me a lot of that musical.

It's tender and personal but needs to be heard by wider audiences, and that's how I felt when listening to her songs. I can't wait to be present when we eventually get to hear and see the completed "Chrysalis".

The Lighting for tonight's concert was designed by Sarina Rivlin-Sanders, and provided by Nottingham New Theatre. The sound was by Mark Fannon.

Afterwards, when I was chatting to Ethea, I just had to compliment her on a marvellous pink, Marilyn Monroe style dress. Style was something that ran through this hour and a bit concert with all the other vocalists also looking fantastic, all adding to that special feeling about the concert.

I think I can safely say that the concert was a massive success with a standing ovation given in appreciation of the talent we all saw on stage earlier this evening.

Ethea is a talented songwriter who is not afraid to pour her heart and soul into the words and then deliver them with wonderful emotion. She's also a very generous songwriter, allowing the other talented musicians to also deliver that same emotion, something a more precious writer may be uneasy about doing.