Director Ian Bennett has created a splendid Christmas Cabaret, specifically aimed at the theme of ‘family’. Christmas is a joyous time but can also be a struggle for many, so Bennett didn’t want the traditional Christmas tunes as he wanted the Cabaret to reflect different walks of life but specifically aimed around ‘family’ and the many guises that it takes. Each of the musicals featured tonight show family at the centre – with the dysfunctional family in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, the adopted family in ‘Les Misérables’, the chosen family in ‘Rent’ and the magical one in ‘Frozen’!
I have been privileged to witness many cohorts perform over the years at Pendleton Sixth Form College, with many of their pupils going onto exceptionally successful careers in theatre. The standard of this college’s productions is that of any West End and professional staging, with fantastic leadership from their tutors and production team.
Tonight’s Christmas Cabaret was to the standards that I have come to expect from this phenomenal theatre school, with Musical Direction by the fabulous Neil Bennett accompanied by the equally talented course tutor Nathan Jarvis on the grand pianos positioned at the back of the staging.
It was heart-warming to be placed amongst many of the 1st year students watching their seniors on stage who encouraged their fellow students throughout the evening, giving a great sense of fellowship and camaraderie.
The show consisted of two Acts with an interval in between, Act 1 opened with a compilation of songs from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ with several members of the cast playing the role of Connor at separate times. Both James Prentice and Oliver Lugo gave sterling performances in their renditions of ‘Sincerely Me’ and ‘You Will Be Found’ setting the bar high for the rest of the evening. Special highlight of this section for me personally was Niamh Kelly’s recital of ‘Requiem’ as her voice was pitch perfect and she sang with such sincerity and honesty.
Christmas songs were sandwiched between the big musical ballads of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘Les Misérables’ by Daisy Garbutt and Tilly Holah who both sang magnificently, Holah’s voice during ‘Santa Baby’ was exceptionally well controlled and wonderful to listen to – colossal applause to this young lady.
At the end of Act 1 we were graced with the incredible songs from the musical ‘Les Misérables’, this sensational cast delivered a first-class performance during each song in this section. I would love to see this cohort perform the full show as Daisy Garbutt was the perfect Fantine with her stunning vocals during ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, Millie Callaghan was remarkable as Eponine and her recital of ‘On My Own’ was sublime. Four strong male vocals from James Prentice, Taylor Smith, Adam Byrne and Kaden Boote, Byrne’s vocals during ‘Stars’ were exceptionally controlled and extremely mature in the quality and tone, making it a personal favourite of mine. Boote matched any leading man in his outstanding delivery of ‘Bring Him Home’ which was phenomenal to witness from a teenager.
Act 2 opened with a selection of songs from ‘Rent’ – an outstanding performance from the whole cast during this section, we witnessed a terrific rendition of ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ by Tilly Holah and Namumba Kawala as this is no easy repertoire to sing and both ladies delivered at every level.
A set of Christmas songs were sung by the talented duo Niamh Kelly and Millie Callaghan both delivering quality grade A performances in their solos.
The evening finished with an array of songs from the musical ‘Frozen’ with exemplary presentations from Ellie Green, Emma Taaffe and Alfie Hall. This strong cast of 25 pupils have created a perfect evening of entertainment that could grace any mainstream theatre, it is clear that every cast member has put their hearts and souls into the performance which is a huge credit to them all.
Fabulous Choreography from Nicola Glover and enormous credit to the Technical Crew for creating the perfect staging for the cast to shine like the bright stars they are.
It is hard to believe that the individuals on the stage are in their teens as the standard is so masterful and mature for their age range, this is indisputably the credit of this tremendous School of Theatre and the direction and tuition given during this Musical Theatre Course! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this phenomenal cohort under the direction of Neil Bennett and Nathan Jarvis. This award-winning department is nationally acclaimed for producing some of the finest performers, directors and production staff in the business. This department boasts an exceptional track record for progression, with students going on to study at prestigious schools and star in noteworthy productions across the UK and Worldwide.
Well done to all involved for another top-class performance, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year.
Reviewer: Katie Leicester
Reviewed: 6th December 2023
North West End UK Rating: