Produced and presented by G and J Productions in association with Bolton Octagon Theatre, this was a short 40 minute online concert performed in isolation and streamed online through the Octagon's Facebook page.
Voices And Lyrics is an initiative set up and fronted by James Edgington, and they have already peformed lives gigs prior to the lockdown, debuting in The Bolton Octagon's Studio Theatre in 2014, and moving to the main theatre in 2018. They also have plans to take their concert to London's The Other Palace in April 2021 (covid willing!)
This evening there were 7 songs in all, and were all introduced by Edgington, who described the evening as a "B-side Musical Theatre Cabaret".
Current theatre professionals, all of whom like everyone else are in lockdown, were asked to contribute to the evening and we were fortunate enough to be able to watch and listen to these artistes, through the wonders of modern technology, singing and performing for us in their own living rooms and then cleverly collated and edited for this concert.
The show started extremely well. In fact I think it was probably my favourite of the evening. Singing and acting her way brilliantly and sympathetically through the cabaret song, 'Taylor The Latte Boy' was Charlotte Dalton.
Following this were Harriet Waters singing 'Being Nancy' from 'Groundhog Day'; and James Edgington himself giving meaning and pathos to 'You'll Be Back' from 'Hamilton'. The only two songs in the concert which were from the Musical Theatre repertoire.
Next we were swung a curve ball with an impassioned and highly emphasised rendition of the Edith Piaf staple, 'Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien; by Sue Devaney. This was followed by two songs which I had never heard before. Both were well written with nice lyrics and good tunes, and both by the same composer, Scott Alan. I think I need to check this songwriter out! Ian Fox gave a very heartfelt rendition of 'Nothing More', which was followed by the equally lovely 'Watch Me Soar' performed by Bianca Kinane.
Finally, the evening finished with an upbeat and comedic duet. One can have too much pathos in one evening! And so, from the TV show (which is hopefully making a comeback at some point!), Smash, Sasha Latoya and Joanne Clifton played us out on a high with 'Let Me Be Your Star'.
A "Part 2" concert is in the pipeline, so keep a watch on the Bolton Ocrtagon's website or Facebook page for more details.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 5/6/20
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