BWW Reviews: MOMENTOUS MUSICALS Live Recording

Following its premiere at the New Wimbledon Theatre last year, Speckulation Entertainment have released a live recording of the well-received concert. The album features fondly regarded musical numbers sung by professional musical theatre stars.

We are treated to twelve songs that have been recorded MANY a time before. However, the performances seem very fresh and the talented cast deliver them with gusto and aplomb. They provide variation to the popular numbers and are a joy to listen to. This is largely down to George Dyer and his skilled musical direction.

Headlining the concert is Gareth Gates who has proven in recent years what a fantastic musical theatre performer he is. Although not carrying the weight of the album, he gives one of the best renditions of 'Why, God, Why' from Miss Saigon that I have had the pleasure to hear (and witness when I worked alongside him in a similarly staged concert back in 2010 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane).

Likewise, 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables' (Les Miserables) is equally as emotive and moving. His superb delivery and crystal clear diction adds to the quality of his vocals. His bass register can occasionally seem a struggle but when he moves higher - perfect.

As well as Gates, we have seasoned West End stars Rachael Wooding, Daniel Boys, Emma Williams and Jonathan Ansell. Wooding has a great deal to do during the concert and could quite frankly sing the phonebook and would sound amazing. She performs a brilliant version of 'One Night Only' from Dreamgirls as the opening number and certainly gets the show off to a sterling start. She is a very complementary performer when working with others too which she demonstrates in 'I Know Him So Well' (Chess) and 'For Good' (Wicked); the latter being a particular highlight. Her raspy tones carry throughout and she is a very unique talent.

Daniel Boys gives a stunning rendition of 'Maria' from West Side Story, giving light and shade where possible. It is passionate and powerful vocally; something which also carries through 'Being Alive' (Company). I would have liked to hear more of him.

Emma Williams shows her versatility as a performer by delivering pure and elegant vocals in 'Hushabye Mountain' (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) to sassy and fiery tones in 'Mein Herr' (Cabaret).

Jonathan Ansell can sometimes be a little hit and miss, particularly in 'Love Changes Anything' from Aspects of Love. There is nothing wrong with his vocals but it seems a little forced in places. On the flip side of the coin, his 'Gethsemane' (Jesus Christ Superstar) is awe-inspiring.

It is understandable to think that this recording is another in a string of musical theatre compilations. However, the first-class company ensure that this is one not to leave on the shelf.

Momentous Musicals is available from Speckulation Entertainment and can be seen on tour again in July this year.

Photo: Speckulation Entertainment

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