"Andy Quinn - Broadway Swings"
Derby Theatre

When you have the confidence to open a show with "The Greatest Show", you know that the star of that show oozes the confidence to deliver The Greatest Show or they will fail miserably. I knew from that start that it would be the former result.

Kicking off with the Chesterfield Studios Academy of Performing Arts with Andy gave a big impact and set the tone for the rest of the show. Straight away I'm sure that I recognised some familiar faces in the Academy.

Part one of the show provided us with some brilliant Big Band classics with that Buble feel as well as introducing us to his guests Hilary Leam and Helen Perry, who stood in at the last minute for a poorly Sara Evans-Bolger, as well as four young dancers, Grace Quinn, Gabriella Bonsor, Mila Quinn and Evie Than. These four looked like mini Strictly professionals and were an absolute delight to watch and their technical dance skills were incredibly polished.

Hilary has a wonderful blues and jazzy feel as showcased in "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess as well as a brilliant fun duet with Andy in "I Wanna Be Like You" from The Jungle Book.

Helen treated us to a sublime version of Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me" and in Act Two, a really emotional rendition of "On My Own" from Les Miserables plus a gorgeous duet with Andy on Cyndi Lauper's "True Colours".

The orchestra was one of the best that i have heard. Musical Director, Jonathan Francis not only arranged, conducted and played piano for Andy but also provided some lovely lighter comedy moments.

Chesterfield Studios Academy of Performing Arts returned throughout the evening and gave wonderfully showcased performances of "Electricity" from Billy Elliott and "Matilda". I absolutely love the passion that they all showed. they all looked excited to be performing and that is what I love to see.

Act One closed with Andy singing Billy Joel's "Piano Man" with Jonathan playing piano and harmonica. This left us wanting more but we had to wait 20 minutes for Act Two.

Act Two was the musicals section and I was in my element as Andy's choices were spot on. A collection of new and old musical numbers including lesser known songs from the soundtracks of "Godspell", "Company", "Dear Evan Hanson", "Ragtime" and storming ballads from "Les Miserables", "Jekyll & Hyde", "Miss Saigon", "Evita", "Chess" and Hilary returned to belt out the sexy "When You're Good To Mama" from Chicago.

The evening concluded with a rousing version of "You Raise Me Up" with everyone on stage.

I've known Andy for only a couple of years but know that his easy going nature and natural comedy worked in his favour with the chat on stage. His love for these songs and musical theatre is evident, and so is his passion that he delivers through these songs. He sells the songs and lives the story and emotions of the characters he takes on when singing, knowing how to perform, and not just sing these songs.

I've always been a fan of Andy's voice and recordings, but hearing and seeing him live has added an extra sheen to him and makes his performances more of an experience than just a show.

His CD is entitled "Unexpected Star". For me "unexpected" is not a phrase I would now use but "star" is one label I would truly plant on this man.