In this online concert launched by theatre streaming platform Thespie, the stars of hit West End musical &Juliet reunited for a truly memorable performance.
From hit pop songs from the likes of Britney to legendary show tunes from musical favourites such as Wicked, the show was the perfect mix of pop, ballads and musical theatre. Five brilliant &Juliet cast members took centre stage – Oliver Tompsett, Grace Mouat, Jordan Luke Gage, Tim Mahendran and 2020 Olivier Award Winner Cassidy Janson.
The concert began with a soulful short version of Britney classic “Oops!… I Did It Again” performed by Janson and Tompsett, rather fitting with the name of the show. With their beautiful harmonies that just blend so perfectly it was a solid opening and I was reminded of their great chemistry as Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway in &Juliet. The show also featured an emotional rendition of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” by Tim Mahendran. With his powerful vocals, Mahendran really did the song justice.
The show flows seamlessly through a great selection of songs that really showcase the individual talent of each singer as well as their energy and excitement at being able to perform again. Highlights include “All I’ve Ever Known” from the musical Hadestown performed by Mouat and Gage, as well as Janson and Tompsett reprising their roles as Elphaba and Fiyero in their performance of “As Long as You’re Mine” from Wicked. Although very different in terms of tone and delivery, both duets were extremely captivating.
There were some small interludes between each song where the cast chatted about the favourite roles of their careers; the close bond between them and their passion for musical theatre was great to see. I really enjoyed experiencing a more casual and personal side of the performers that you wouldn’t normally have at a live show. It is definitely a huge perk of streamed performances that I hope will become more common in future shows.
For those like me, who are desperately missing theatre especially seeing some of their favourite West End stars, it may not fill the hole of live theatre but whilst we wait for some normalcy Oops!… I Streamed It Again is a brilliant alternative. I would highly recommend the show to any musical theatre fans that are in need of some quality entertainment from home.
https://thespie.com/digital/oops-i-streamed-it-again-thespie/2667
Reviewer: Gemma Prince
Reviewed: 18th January 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★