Flabbergasted by the fantastic Phantom of the Opera by MyUK Manchester Hub 1: Well, I usually start with a word, but I think one of these days I will just run out of things to say. Always a fan of young talent, despite many of the people I go and see perform being my friends. The youth shows I go and see across Manchester always astound me with the high standards of musicality and discipline, often more than professional productions. MyUK is no exception! With the success of Les Miserables, Footloose and High School Musical, it just made sense than they bring things back to earth with the solemn tale of a Phantom who is trapped in a life of darkness and desire but, through a stunning singer, longs for beauty and a voice for his music. That stunning singer comes in the form of noneother than the amazingly talented Miss Emily Jones Christine Daae who certainly has the voice of an angel than you can hear hit the high notes forever and ever! Alongside the brilliant Jordan Pendleton as the Opera Ghost - The Phantom of the Opera - chemistry forms in contrast to the pair’s emotions throughout. MyUK newbie Jake Thompson is a very welcome addition to the talented team of youngsters, bringing with him a strong voice and natural acting flair needed for the sophisticated and strong character of Raoul. His duets and group harmonies of “All I Ask of You” and the likes are wonderful. Before we mention the other ‘leads’, and some of the more comical parts, I have to commend those in the opening scene. When I first saw the show, I was surprised to say the least at seeing the first scene but if you think about it once you have seen the whole show, it makes sense. Chris Wagstaff (who has had the honour of starring in the show before) is the first voice we hear and face we see as auctioneer and does a get job with this ‘lot’ (sorry had to get one joke in). Dan Breen does very well holding the various props and even delivers a few lines during the second act. Aidan Burgess is as entertaining as ever in his cameo of Monsieur Lefvre - the retiring theatre manager who hands over to Monsieurs Andrre and Firmin, played beautifully by Joel Pendleton and Dillon Burgess respectively. Their “Notes”, with the rest of the principal team is a real highlight. Connor Boyle is very well-suited to Show director Monsieur Reyer and shows his skill as an actor, as do Sara Nelson and Caroline Blair, as Dance Mistress and daughter; Madame and Meg Giry. Matthew Rawcliffe should be given a huge pat on the back for his choreography of the dances, not least Masquerade, with co-captaincy of Eliza Nelson and Katie Hoggard. Jason Lea is scary but effective as Josef Buquet. The two remaining main characters are those of real divaship and stature (or so they think); Prima Donna Carlotta Giudicelli and Ubaldo Piangi, played by Emily Clarke and Joseph Morgan who both have great voices and confidence for the parts. Emily’s vocal range is impressive and well-utilised. Without the ensemble, band and production team the show would obviously not be possible so well done to all involved there, especially the make-up, costume, set and prosthetics teams (Megan Perkins). Both Dan Jarvis and Kimberly Holden are the backbone of the hub and work tirelessly behind the scenes for the benefit of everyone else and it pays off and it noticed! With help from Jay Coleman, acting coach Jakki Clarke and Rehearsal pianist Craig Barlow, other than a few technical and set problems that can sometimes be expected on opening night, with only one previous day in the theatre, the show was pretty damn good and I guess will only get better as the cast relax comfortably to the new surroundings. As mentioned on BBC Radio 2’s Elaine Paige on Sunday radio programme, MyUK Manchester Hub 1’s production of The Phantom of the Opera runs until Saturday at the beautiful The Dancehouse Theatre on Oxford Road, with tickets available from thedancehouse.co.uk or musicalyouthuk.org. ****¾ (4¾-stars - just because of the detail of the backstage crew). Well done to all. As always I am extremely proud to watch, and have performed with you! Let’s keep the spirit of this amazing hobby going! ☺ Xx
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 23:09:10 +0000
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