A Night At The Musicals by Star Live Entertainment Ltd.

Westgate Suite, Long Eaton.

This was Star Light Entertainment's first show and, as I had expected, it was a complete success. Let's face it, anything that is to do with musical theatre is going to be a good night out for me. Anything that is to do with musical theatre and is presented by such incredibly talented singers makes a great night out for me; and Friday night was a great night out for me.

Stephen Mura, Tom Bond, Lindsey Greasley, Joe Millward, Kate Jones and Lauren Rose gave some pretty powerful performances of some well known, and some not so well known musical theatre songs from some great musicals.

Normally I am able to pick out at least a few of my favourite bits from a concert or theatre show, but with this one I was stuck for opting for any over any other. It was like a greatest hits of musical theatre compilation set.

Songs like "I Know Him So Well" from "Chess", "Waving Through A Window" from "Dear Evan Hansen","Maybe This Time" from "Cabaret", "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" from "Beautiful" and the ultimate crowd pleaser for any celebration, "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" from "Jersey Boys", which saw all six performers on stage, sated the passing musical theatre fan.

Hardcore fans loved the dramatic and drama in "Suddenly Seymour" from "Little Shop Of Horrors", "This Is The Momentation" a mix of "This Is The Moment" and "Confrontation" from "Jekyll And Hyde". "Till I Hear You Sing" from "Love Never Dies", "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from "Phantom Of The Opera" and "Give My Life For You" from "Miss Saigon".

There were humorous songs like "Gaston" from "Beauty And The Beast" which then went into "You And Me (But Mostly Me)" from "Book Of Mormon", "The Negative" from "Waitress"and "Mama Says" from "Footloose".

Interwoven in these were the not so well known songs and musicals like "Stars And The Moon" from "Songs For A New World", "She's Too Far Above Me" from "Half A Sixpence", "I Love Betsy" from "Honeymoon In Vegas"and "Where Are All The People" from "Chaplin".

And then there were the classic musicals featured "Show Me" from "My Fair Lady", "East To Dance With" from "Top Hat" and "Can't Take That Away From Me" from "Crazy For You".

For younger fans there was also "Dancing Through Life" and "What Is This Feeling" from the current musical theatre hit "Wicked" and "Make A Man Out Of You" from "Mulan".

This is not the full playlist either but shows the variety of music that these six performers - I won't say singers because they did more than sing, they performed the songs, and if this first outing for Star Live Entertainment's Night at the Musicals, then I for one can not wait to see what their next show is like.

What also made this night so good was the quality of the sound. I've been to shows similar to this before and the sound was not as good as this. The sound mix did not shy away from being bold and powerful, but didn't drown out these fantastic voices, and was as clear as if there was a live orchestra in the room. It's plain to see and hear that the backing tracks used were of the best quality, completely complimenting the vocalists.

The evening concluded with a DJ set until last orders at 11.30.

If you see Star Live Entertainment's Night At the Musicals advertised in the future, make sure you grab yourself a ticket or two and wallow in an evening of top class performers, performing top class tunes.

 "Macbeth" by Lace Market Theatre Youth Group.

Lace Market Theatre.

The darkest, spookiest and bloodiest of Shakespeare’s tragedy plays, and also the most exciting. It’s the story of the lust for power and greed and how this all comes at a deadly price for those who seek it.

A coven of witches envisage that Macbeth will be the King of Scotland, and once this prophecy has been received by Macbeth, he decides to make sure that this vision becomes a reality, and that means getting rid of a few people that stand in his way. Ambition and drive though can come with terrifying consequences, as Macbeth and his family soon discover.

We have three young actors playing the lead role of Macbeth, Binobi Bear, Emily Wilson and Noah Ash. We see various stages of Macbeth with these three actors, and there were clever transitions from each actor to the next, which reminded me slightly of how new Dr Whos are introduced to the programme.

Each of the three actors gave very good performances showing the growth in Macbeth and his power. Noah, who finalised the trilogy exuded power and anger, especially during his final battle with MacDuff; Emily gave a slightly alternative, but no less powerful performance, and Binobi's banquet scene was done exceedingly chillingly. 

Another scene that was done afresh was the "Is this a dagger that I see before me" scene where Macbeth sees the dagger that is used to murder Duncan, held aloft by one of the witches, giving us the idea of the invisibility of the witches, which also explains that wherever the witches appeared in other scenes, we knew that they could  not be seen.

Lady Macbeth is played by Viola Herbert. There are some wonderfully coercive scenes involving Lady Macbeth, and several versions of the play indicate that she is the puppet master, and Viola brings that possibility to the stage. Lady Macbeth's "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" speech, where she expresses her guilt and inability of any remedy to wash away the stain of her actions is presented really well, and Viola brings a real passion for Shakespeare, as well as a real understanding of the character. 

There are normally only three witches in this play but seven youngsters play the Witches; Alicia Carolea, Anya Burrows, Keeley Nason, Lauren Tanner, Liv Fenyn, Raya Harris and Tilly Plant. There are witches in practically every scene which gives that impression that they follow the characters around wherever they go; quite an eerie feeling, and the physicality of the witches, cricking their necks, jerky movements etc. create that feel of unease. I do not know which witch was which but the young lady with the long black hair was extremely unnerving with her staring eyes and ever grinning smile.

What I also liked was the decision to have the witches collect the dead, almost in a way that the dark evil shadows in the film "Ghost" appeared after a death to transport them down to hell. The decision to have so many witches was novel and I can see why this was now because the closed in on the death scenes and spirited away the corpses.

Banquo is played by Sonny Hale. Sonny's reappearance at the banquet scene looks great, well not so great for Banquo as - for anyone who doesn't know - is dead! Great make up for this appearance and a great reveal as the cowled figure takes his place at the table.

Macduff is played by Rory Squire. Every actor on stage have done their homework on the characters and their back story and have great understanding of the script and how to deliver the script. Rory is just one of many standout actors for me and delivers extreme passion in every scene. The scene with Macbeth at the end is acted so well with the fight choreography being frighteningly real. 

I don't think this is really a spoiler as most people know the outcome, but when Macduff drives his sword into Macbeth's chest, you get the feeling that Rory really is enjoying this particular scene, and looks incredibly real. In fact all of the death scenes throughout this Scottish play are done incredibly well.

King Duncan, the victim of a well-plotted murder in a power grab by his trusted captain Macbeth and his wife,  is played by Alfie Saxton.

Malcolm, one of two sons of Malcolm is played by Jess Erwin-Jones. Malcolm flees to England after his father's death, later rallying an army to overthrow Macbeth and restore order to Scotland. 

Donalbain, Malcolm's other son, and Mentieth, one of the Scottish noblemen who opposes Macbeth, is played by Tom Harbord.

Fleance (son of Banquo), Macduff's Son and Young Siward are played by Logan Cordall. I mentioned earlier about the realism of the death scenes, and I must say that I actually winced with the scene that Logan played when he was stabbed to death in the second act. As Macduff's son he also gets to die dramatically.

Ross is played by Chantee Parsons-Vaughn. Ross acts as a messenger repeatedly in the play, delivering the news of the Thane of Cawdor’s treachery to Duncan, announcing to Macbeth that he has been promoted to Thane, reporting to Macduff that his family has been slaughtered, and finally telling Siward of his son’s death in battle.

Lennox is played Mikey Cleaver. Lennox is  one of the Thanes who deserts Macbeth once Malcolm invades, bringing reinforcements to Malcolm’s army, and is well-informed of who is with Malcolm.

Lady Macduff is played by Abigail Williams-Smith. Not a very big part as Macbeth has her killed off with Macduff's children while he away plotting his overthrow of Macbeth.

Caithness is played by Esme Kirkby. As a Scottish nobleman and loyal supporter of King Duncan, Caithness finds himself caught in the midst of the power struggle and treachery that consumes the kingdom.

Seyton is played by Amelie McKiernan-Haynes. Seyton serves an important role in the play as a loyal servant to Macbeth

The Priest, the Attendant and the Doctor are played by Jack Carter.

Macbeth's Servant is played by Ruby Hingley.

Captain Siward, The Earl of Northumberland and leader of the English army, is played by Edgar Shelton.

Angus is played by Freya Snowball-Hill. Like all the Thanes Angus is loyal to Duncan and hates any traitors.

Lady Macbeth's Gentlewoman is played Sylvie Monaghan.

I have always said that young people should actually experience Shakespeare in the theatre, not just given the book to read and write precis's of characters at school in Literature lessons. My only experience of Shakespeare at school was reading "The Merchant Of Venice" and having to write about Shylock. I didn't take to the script or the story, but my love for the Bard may have had deeper roots if I'd have been taken to a theatre to see something like this on stage.

This cast have obviously done their homework and also obviously love the stories because the passion comes across, as well the understanding of the script and character from the stage. I've seen so many versions of "Macbeth" over the years, but for me, the play is like a favourite record. If the tune and the words are good, you can hear several different versions and genres of said song, and still enjoy the record. A good Director can deliver a fresh tune that people can enjoy, whether it's the first listen or the person loves the song and likes to hear a new and fresh version. I know, weird analogy, but I always like to hear how a fresh remix can refresh an old tune. You get what I'm saying here?

Directed by Malcolm Todd, assisted by Ian Smith and Ben Dixon. This trio have given me a fresh remix that I have enjoyed playing. There are things in this production that is new i.e. the use of more than three witches, but there were scenes that just seemed new to the story that, maybe I had forgotten, but now appeared fresh in the hands of this cast and Directors. In other words, this production is right up there with some of the best versions of this play that I've seen on stage.

Set Design is by Alex Hopkirk-Spratt, and the set is constructed by Alex Hopkin-Spratt, Anthony Inkley, Guy Evans, Aaron Connelly, Stuart Severn, Steve Musson, Chris Coleman and Laurence Bembridge. When you walk into the theatre, the initial impact is huge, especially with the big central construction. The simplicity of turning a tree trunk into the table for the banquet and the paintings on either side of the stage of the bloodied hands on a black background makes you think that the blood of the murdered characters are really in the creation of the castle walls. Very evocative.

Lighting Design is by Allan Green. There were many scenes that were in half light which created just the right mysterious and eerie feel to this dark play.

Sound Design is by Aaron Connelly. As always with the Lace Market Theatre, the sound is always extremely clear. All actors have really good projection so mics are not needed, and I heard every word from every actor. Sometimes with young actors projection can be an issue, possibly due to nerves, but that was not an issue with this play, in fact much of the anger and passion which is needed for a play like this creates the need for natural voice projection, which they all had.

Stage Manager for this large cast is Gareth Morris and having someone as experienced as Gareth in charge of this role meant that the pace was really kept up, often with one group of actors exiting while the next lot were already on their way to the stage. Assistant Stage Manager is Alex Hayball.

Props, and there are quite a few are managed by Ali Lit and Lesley Brown.

Max Bromley's costumes are yet another fantastic and apt highlight of this production.

There's even a Witches Coordinator, who is Lucie Conroy, making sure that everything relating to the Witches, from the movements and set placing for them are taken care of and co-ordinated.

Fight Co-ordinator is thanks to Jon Buckeridge from Action Combat. As I have already commented on above, the inclusion of this external team has profited the young cast and gives excellent realism to all of the battle scenes.

"Macbeth" has long been my favourite Shakespeare tragedy, and this is the youngest cast I have seen perform this play. They may be the youngest but that was soon forgotten due to the energy and passion (I know I use that word a lot but I really do mean it) and this production is right up there for quality, excitement and energy with all but one production (I was not a fan of the touring Royal Shakespeare Company's version from a few years ago), so this is even better than the RSC version in my humble opinion. I am also sure that this cast will remember this production for as long as the enthusiastic audience will, and that for me is going to be a very long time.

"Macbeth" is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 29 March.

Photography by Grace Eden Photography

 "Beauty & The Beast" by Central Musical Theatre Company.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

I shouldn't really need to tell you what the story behind this musical is, but here goes anyway......

Belle is captured by The Beast, who was really Prince Henri, changed after he was not very nice to the Enchantress, played by Bwalya Case, and it is through the love that develops between Belle and The Beast which breaks the Enchantress's spell. In the mean time though chaste Belle is being chased by the hunky and muscled Gaston. OK, got the story? Good, because you're going to love this show.

This is a big cast, so I'll aim to, at least, mention everyone.

Belle is played by Georgie Pegg. This is a big role for any actor, and Georgie just takes it all in her stride. Georgie's voice is the sort of voice that makers of Disney movies would love to have in their films. There's a certain innocence in this role which Georgie brings out beautifully. Her diction is crystal clear, in both the script as well as the vocal department; this is especially highlighted in "A Change In Me".

The Beast is played by Dominic Primrose. He obviously did such a convincing job of playing nasty characters last year when he played Bill Sikes in CMTC's "Oliver", that he is back playing another beastly character. A Beast of a character that just needs the love of a good woman to bring out the best in him, and Belle is that woman. Dominic's voice is the kind of voice made for musicals like this, and would also sound good in most of Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber's musical catalogue. You almost forget that there's an actor underneath his costume because he brings to life the beast in every way possible.

Gaston is played by Jonty Banks. Now, I mentioned costume above, but I actually had to check the playbill to check that this actually was Jonty; he looks so different as this arrogant egomaniac. Another thing that I didn't recognise was Jonty's singing voice, maybe because I don't think that I have heard him sing in such a low register; a register that really suits him. Great costume, wig and make up transformed Jonty's looks and character brilliantly.

Tim Hand plays Le Fou, Gaston's right hand man. Here is yet another brilliant transformation via make up and wigs. I last saw Tim playing the role of Noah Claypole in "Oliver" and recall him as being teenage in appearance, and this was only a little over a year ago. As Le Fou, he looks to have aged upwards splendidly and his character resembled Rik Mayall with the hair, manic eyes and attitude. A brilliant comic role that I imagine Tim is enjoying playing to the max.

Lynn Towle plays Mrs Potts. This is the role that Angela Lansbury made hers, and I loved Lynne's take on Mrs Potts. One of my favourite songs from this musical is obviously "Beauty & The Beast" and Lynn's warmth within this track was in keeping with the warmed teapot she played. 

Cogsworth, the fusty old clock, is played by Adrian Redfern. I've seen Adrian in several shows and several wonderful characters, and this is another award-winning portrayal of a fun character. Add to this a very powerful voice and Cogsworth keeps Adrian's character roles ticking over nicely.

Lumiere is played by Jonathan Penton. Yet another role that I had to double check the actor, and yet again due to the incredible make up. Jonathan is virtually unrecognisable. The French accent is fantastique and his facial acting makes this character one that few can hold a candle to. There are some excellent comedy one liners from Lumiere, and some that I am sure that I've not noticed before with other productions of "Beast".

Alan Lowe plays Maurice, Belle's Father and an inventor. It's because of Maurice that Belle ends up at the Beast's castle and is imprisoned. Maurice is set upon by a pack of pretty ferocious looking wolves, again I must mention the costumes because they were fantastically frightening, and flees to the castle for cover. 

Lorna Kirkland plays Babette, Luminiere's French girlfriend, showing that Disney did include saucy characters in his films. Another perfect piece of casting!

Chip, the delicate China cup, is played by two young actors, Noah Simper and Maximillian Lee. Noah takes the role on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening, and Maximillian is on stage Thursday evening and Saturday matinee. Loved the way that Chip is delivered to the stage with a bit of theatrical magic. Noah has a lovely air of confidence about his acting and singing, and seemed much taller than I had somehow expected when he cam on at the end for the final bows. Again, the magic of the theatre; and just my cup of tea.

Kathryn Fitchett plays Madame de la Grande Bouche. This vanity dresser costume that Kathryn has to wear is absolutely wonderful.

Les Filles La Ville, the three would be stand in suitors for Gaston, are played by Rachel Redfern, Laura Hutsby and Hope Lo Monaco. Brilliantly over excitable characters that mirrored the fun that Gaston brought to the scenes with this trio.

Monsieur D'Arque is played by Stefan Osvath . This character is the one that Gaston has employed to get  Maurice, Belle's Father, out of the picture by making the townsfolk think that he had gone a bit loopy by saying that a Beast occupied the castle.

The voice of The Narrator is by John Wedgewood, who we hear at the start of the show, giving us the background to how the Beast became who he was and what was needed to lift the curse. Straight away you know the history and you're ready for the action for the next couple of hours.

A lovely ensemble consisted of Bridgett Wyatt, Stefan Osvath, Helen Tunnicliffe, Liz Willgoose, Ella Crowther, Chrissie Smyth, Laura Bigland and Henrietta Breen.

The Dancers were Matthew Griffiths, Angelina Roberts, Scott Freeman, Chantel McLaren, Rex Portillano, Bwalya Case (who also played the enchanting Enchanteress).

Directed by Nigel Taylor, this was no easy ride due to the size of the cast but he managed to keep that Disney feel about the story. It gave you the feel of being able to float on air as you left the theatre with a lovely warm feeling inside.

Choreographed by Lauren Litherland. One thing that I felt with the choreography, which sometimes I don't get with some musicals, is the emotion that the choreographer and dancer is trying to portray to the audience, but with the wild animals section, you actually felt the danger and fear that they were supposed to be emitting. The big ensemble dance pieces just gave you the warm Disney feel that you should get from watching the big budget films on the big screen, and the more intimate moments were completely believable and full of chemistry.

Musical Director is David Blackwell. This soundtrack is such a rich collection of music that includes fun and cheeky pieces like "Be Our Guest" and "Gaston", through to gorgeous lush songs like the title song, "If I Can't Love Her" and "A Change In Me". David's work with the vocal side of this musical also must be acknowledged because, as I've previously noted, several of the vocalists have expanded their vocal ranges, and boy, do they sound good for it.

The Wardrobe Mistress is Marion Fisher. This musical has so many wonderful costumes, due to the incredible list of characters in the story. they have to be seen to be believed just what amazing costumes this show has. These costumes were hired in from Leos Costume Hire.

Set Designer, and Stage Manager, is Chris Margett, and this is just another area that is impressive in this show, especially the Beast's Castle. There are various sections that are rolled on and off stage with several scene changes that made me wonder if the wings of the stage have been expanded as if in Dr Who's Tardis.

The Stage Crew, who did a fantastic job of making sure everyone and everything was where they should be, when they were supposed to be there were Tim Booth, Ellie Nicholas, Ben Redfern, Sarah Rosental and Michael Sherrington.

The set itself is courtesy of Proscenium Set High and Scenery Solutions.

Props manager is Elaine Lawrenson who manages a whole host of props of various sizes and shapes which are not always confined to the stage!

Sound design is by Harry Greatorex. A well mixed sound, but one thing that seems to be rife at The Duchess is that there are never enough mics, especially when there's a large cast, and some of the individual voices were lost due to this.

Lighting design is by Stephen Greatorex. This is as good as any lighting design you'd see on any touring professional theatre production. The dry ice and lighting in the second act just added to the magic of this show.

I also feel the need to mention the programme that is available for this show, designed by Chris Margett, as it also shows just how much it takes a group to actually stage a musical of this size, proving why it is so important to support local theatre groups.

Even with a couple of prompts needed, and one small episode of forgetting song lyrics, nothing could detract from what is an incredible production that had the audience on their feet at the end of the night. You can see why this delightful and classy show is sold out all week.

"Beauty & The Beast" is at The Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 29 March, but you may just be too late to get tickets, but is always worth trying to see if there have been any returns.

There's also a BSL Interpreter (Natasha Redfern) on Thursday and Friday.