Review: ONE NIGHT WITH... CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER AND JODIE STEELE, Studio 88

Studio 88 launches a new series featuring some of the most well-known stars of London's West End.

Coming straight off stages around London every Tuesday, the musical theatre performers jump under the neon lights to sing some of their favourite songs.

First in the luminous line-up are Carrie Hope Fletcher and Jodie Steele, directly from Heathers The Musical at the Haymarket a couple of blocks away.

The leading ladies belted out popular showtunes unrehearsed and answered questions from social media off the cuff, which is going to be the standard format for the nights.

Hosted by YouTube personality and musician Doug Armstrong - who is, however, leaving the honours to presenter James Barr for all future concerts - it was certainly a chance for fans to get up close with their idols.

Featuring songs from Wicked, Les Mis, Legally Blonde, and The Addams Family, the show succeeds in delivering some wonderful fan service, but doesn't actually bring anything new to the table.

This, of course, may vary greatly from one actor to the other, as one is led to believe that creative direction of the different events is left to them. As the upcoming shows see only one actor per night, the singularly personal atmosphere created on stage is probably going to be heightened even more.

Fletcher and Steele's chemistry - already perfected in Heathers, where they play Veronica Sawyer and Heather Chandler respectively - allowed them to bounce off each remark and bask in each other's prowess.

"You're outrageous," said Fletcher after Steele blew it out of the park - the crowd hanging on her every word.

Their big voices and bubbly personalities worked well with the panel-like set-up that's created between each song. Questions taken from Twitter leave space for games (in a quick blur the audience found out that Fletcher is more likely to go out and get drunk, but Steele is more likely to go to a naked beach) and more personal chats about their respective artistic processes.

The late kick-off might be a risky venture, but fans weren't deterred and came to cheer for the stars and sing along. It's to be kept into consideration that the starting time could be quite flexible, with this specific show beginning nearer 11pm and finishing around 40 minutes after the supposed time.

All in all, it's a lovely chance to get even closer to West End idols, hear a few stories, and toast the night away with good music.

Studio 88 hosts One Night With... every Tuesday until 27 November.

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