BWW Reviews: THE CONFESSION ROOM Concept Recording

Written by Dan Looney & Sam Champness, The Confession Room began as one song. When studying at Southend College, they realised the song had legs and therefore began to add more numbers and develop a show with a strong concept behind it.

What has been achieved since then is an extraordinary piece of original writing about a room where people go to reveal their secrets and embarrassing stories to strangers rather than facing humiliation in front of their peers.

Last year, Joshua Lovell (who features as Bradley on the recording) sang one of the songs, 'Excalibur93', at prestigious drama school Arts Ed, and what followed shortly after was massive hype about the project. The Head of Musical Theatre, Chris Hocking, booked a professional London workshop shortly afterwards which was directed musically and artistically by Tim Evans. The original book was co-written by Looney and his brother Reece who also provided additional lyrics. Patrick Wilde was then brought on board to re-write the book and it has since been performed at the Landor Theatre.

Almost a year on to the day that the show was given its debut outing, this concept album is due to be released by Sim G Records. Huge musical theatre stars complete the line-up including: Anna-Jane Casey, Alex Gaumond, Ross Hunter, Dean Chisnall and a talented cacophony of recent Arts Ed graduates.

Throughout the show, a ten-piece band is featured who demonstrate fresh sounds that I do not recall hearing before - particularly fantastic are the solo pieces from the electric guitar. Catchy melodies and witty lyrics are rife but the recording really comes alive when Anna-Jane Casey as Caroline appears bringing a touch of class to the proceedings with 'Happy-Go-Lucky'. There is a humorous undercurrent bubbling underneath as Ross Hunter as Shane, a regular in the Confession Room, with his wonderful vocal range explains his most recent fetish about 'Plus 70 Women'. There is also a very emotive level to the numbers as demonstrated in 'Let Me Just Dream' and 'Perfect' by which Oliver, played by Dean Chisnall, explains truthfully why he is in the Confession Room. Matthew Rowland as Frank singing the aforementioned 'Excalibur93' is most definitely a highlight on the recording along with 'Second Chances' by Alex Gaumond as Tony - talk about saving the best till last!

Combining the elements at perfect balance means that Looney and Champness have a hit on their hands. I sincerely hope they find success and that the show will have another outing very soon.

The Confession Room is available from iTunes, Sim G Productions and www.confessionroom.co.uk.

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