This weekend's offering on the Universal Pictures YouTube channel, 'The Shows Must Go On', was the final two short concerts from Official London Theatre's short charity concert series 'West End Unplugged'. These two concerts were reviewed when they were first aired, and so here is this reviewer's thoughts on the fourth and final concert in that series, from early October this year.
The fourth concert in Official London Theatre's online (YouTube) sharing of these charity concerts in aid of three Performance Art charities (Back-Up Technical Charity, Help Musicians, and Theatre Artists' Fund), once again filmed - observing current social distancing measures - at London's L-Acoustics Creations studio. This evening's concert feratured as always, Anthony Van Laast as the compere and host, whilst Ben Goddard provided the excellent Musical Direction on the keyboards with his talented band.
We heard 6 songs this evening, and it all started with the total performance of Cavin Cornwall throwing everything into this fabulous interpretation of the song, 'Mean Green Mother' from the film version of 'Little Shop Of Horrors'. Cornwall played the Voice Of The Plant in the show at Birmingham Rep in 2009, and here he simply made this song his own..For his second song, he chose a more sublime and religious song, taking us back to perhaps his own roots, as he put great emotion behind the gospel standard, 'Deep River'.
Another change of pace awaited as the next performer to take the mic was Katie Brayben, and as she accompanied herself on the keyboards, she turned to the music of the good ol' US od A and gave us a true Country gal rendition of Tom Waits's 'Picture In A Frame'. For Brayben's second song, she chose another country style folk song, this time being accompanied by Ben Goddard on guitar. It was a good interpretation, but I have to say I have heard better; however she entertianed with Gene Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now'.
The final two songs were performed by Richard Fleeshman and his long-term partner, Celinde Shoenmaker. Both of the songs are featured on their latest EP, as they perform under the band title, 'Grovehill'. The first song, a self-penned swing-vibe number which was very easy on the ear was called, 'Big Mistake', whilst the second song is a pop standard from the wonderful Tina Turner and also features in the jukebox musical about her, 'Tina'; they sang, 'Let's Stay Together'.
First class performances from top rate performers, and backed by a hugely talented band and leader. All giving their time and talent to try to raise not just awareness of the industry's plight but to help raise much needed funds to ensure its survival.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 1/10/20
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