As we all know, there are many different kinds of Musicals.
No-one will like them all, of course, though I have to admit that there are very few that I don’t enjoy. I like some for the story, others for the choreography and there are even shows that I’m attracted to because of the special effects. There are shows that I watch once, thoroughly enjoy, but probably wouldn’t go and see again.
The shows I would go and watch, sometimes repeatedly, are the ones that have the music that appeals to me. I drive up and down the country for my job as a sports reporter/Youtuber and so there are times that I listen to music. I love pop music, but these days I find I listen to less and less current music, probably because I’m getting ever older, but I also believe that current pop music has changed. It’s generally blander and sterile.
Show tunes, by definition, have a lyrical narrative, are richly varied and have heart and emotion. That’s my preferred taste. These days I listen to Musical Theatre soundtracks as much as any other genre of music. When I find a show that has great songs, that I’m happy to play in the car as I drive to Brighton or Bournemouth, I’m also keen to see that show again. Watching Book of Mormon, one of my favourites, is like watching highly choreographed video, right in front of me, as I listen to my favourite music.
That phenomena explains why the longest running shows in the West End are Les Miserables, Mamma Mia! and Book of Mormon. After decades running in London’s Theatre District, these shows still have full houses every week. The reason they’re not only popular in the capital but also sell out national tours on a regular basis is because there are many other people who think like I do. The music is what draws you to repeated attendance.
Last week I went to see a new show, one I had no prior knowledge of. I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The show is called Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World. A bit like Six, another music led show that pulls in repeat customers to enjoy the music again and again, Fantastically Great Women is a one act show which lasts about ninety minutes. From the first song I was hooked. It’s the story of some of the great, groundbreaking women in history.
It was a great story, well told. The music is written by Miranda Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo, multi award-winning songwriters. When I read about their achievements in the programme, after the show, I shouldn’t have been surprised by their track record. The songs spoke for themselves. Even with great songs, the cast has to be up to scratch and Georgia Grant-Anderson, Elena Breschi, Dukinfield girl Jennifer Caldwell, Chloe Hart and Leah Vassell were exceptional. This is a show I’d consider seeing again for the reason’s I outlined above. It’s at the Quays Theatre at the Lowry until 7th January and then continues to tour the country. I recommend it highly.
If you join me on Tameside Radio 103.6FM this Sunday from 7pm you’ll hear one of the songs but also an interview with Jennifer Caldwell, who appeared in Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Tameside Hippodrome, just before the much loved theatre closed it’s doors. She was a dancer in a show by Dukinfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. She’s also performed for Ashton Operatic; look at her now! My other guests this week are comedian Robin Ince, aspiring talent Abby Valentine who’s performing and waiting on tables at the Broadway Diner at the Trafford Centre and there’s more from Panto superstar Mark Llewelyn, who tells us about how panto is changing. There’s music from Elf, Muppet Christmas Carol and White Christmas from 7pm Sunday (and again next Wednesday from 9pm). Break-a-Leg!
