Anything We Once Did, We Can Do Better?

This magical musical journey exhibits some of the best pieces of contemporary musical theatre, showcasing some very talented young ladies indeed! The all female cast run song after song seamlessly together to bring the audience a dazzling evening’s entertainment. Mesmerised and fully immersed in the performance is the full house at St Andrew’s and St George’s church, which provides a spectacular ‘mise en scéne’ for this cabaret production.
Choreographer, Murray Grant has clearly been working hard to devise such clever and practical choreography for the 8 strong cast, 7 of whom are recent graduates from the MGA Company’s one year ‘Intensive Musical Theatre’ course. The girls use every trick in the ‘musical theatre’ book to entice and seduce their audience, who sit in absolute awe of what is before them. If it wasn’t for the girls’ belting and magnificent vocal projection, one wonders if you might hear a pin drop in the auditorium of transfixed spectators.
Particular mention must go to Marcella Macdonald, who, dressed in a stunning black number, captivates the audience with titles such as ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man’ and ‘Back to Before’. She stands out most notably though, during her rendition of ‘The Girl in 14G’, throughout which she masters operatic standards and performs with absolute and utter ease. Rhiannon Chesterman, aged 19, holds real promise for the future. Her presence on stage is quite exceptional, exhibiting a repertoire of varying characters.
At the piano – a black open lid grand nonetheless – is pianist Simon Hanson. His quick-fingered accompaniment during a bubbly and energetic finale, which fires through multiple modulations to a roaring climax, leaves the eager audience wanting more of this hugely satisfying Fringe favourite!

5/5

Craig Serrels