These days, many theatres in London’s West End are pulling in the audiences with so-called ‘jukebox musicals’ – think Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You and Jersey Boys and you’ll know what I mean. West End Experience offered something else entirely, a musicals jukebox is probably the best description I can come up with.
Given that the show was on at the Grand on the same night that the aforementioned Mamma Mia was ending its summer-long run at the Opera House, there was a good sized crowd ready to be transported on a musical journey which began with Another Openin’, Another Show from Kiss Me Kate. The energetic rendition was the shape of things to come, as the hard-working cast of just seven covered everything from Miss Saigon, The Lion Kingย and Les Miserables to Blood Brothers, Wicked and Mary Poppins.
It was a slow burning first half with the best definitely saved until after the interval. The We Will Rock You Medley and songs from Wicked were well executed and enthusiastically received. The star of the show was undoubtedly Geraldine Atkins, whose performances of I Have Nothing and I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard were the stand-out moments of the night for me. Asa Elliott (you may know him from the TV show, Benidorm) and Debbie Chapman were the other leading vocalists who had their moments in the spotlight.
There were occasional problems with the set and some annoying mic feedback issues in a show of highs and lows.
Show Comments (5)
Patricia Hall
We thought with The west End Experience being at The Grand Theatre Blackpool it will be a good show. We were not expecting what you get on pier for half the price. The annoying feed back happened about four times. The blonde dancers both nearly fell at different times. There was problems on the set too. The singers mostly started off weak & ruin a few songs as they were not good enough. We never felt so disappointed with a show. ยฃ48 is a lot of money to lose when come out of unenjoyable show at end. We cant find web site to put proper complaint in!
John Bell
I saw this show on Sunday at the Bridlington Spa Theatre. The Live band consisted of a Drummer and a Keyboard Player, who frequently drowned out the singers. The acoustics were terrible and I couldn’t make out what they were singing at times. Seven ‘performers’ struggle badly to give you the West End Experience and the superb costumes looked cheap and dowdy at times. I saw a primary school produce better Lion King costumes last year. Very poor value for money.
chris donald
Review of show at York Barbican to few performers trying to do much.
More suited to a family at Butlins.
Mary Wilson
Both myself and my husband saw the show in Blackpool and I am shocked to read the comments above. It was absolutely fantastic!! The performers were all first class and the costumes were excellent. The Lion King costumes – we commented on how spectacular they were – so I must disagree John. The band were a particular highlight and were absolutely fabulous (especially for only a 3 piece of drums, keyboards and drums). The dancers and the choreography was truly excellent, and the singers voices also. This I must say, is without question, the best ‘tribute to the musicals’ show we have seen. And we’ve seen them all.
Anthony Ball
Saw this high energy show in Buxton on the last night of the current tour and thought it was a superb musical journey through some of the best musicals both past and present in the West End.
With colourful costumes, great choreography and dance routines the cast showed real enthusiasm when performing. With good vocals sung with depth and emotion the enthusiastic audience loved every minute of this musical extravaganza. I would happily go and see it again. A wonderful evenings musical entertainment.