Sunday 27 November 2022

AMATEUR CONCERT REVIEW: Sing - NWTAC Theatre, Moston, Manchester.


In their own words, we were welcomed to watch NWTAC's most self-indulgent show ever. They chose which songs they liked and wanted to sing, and they sang them!

NWTAC, or in full, North West Theatre Arts Company, is a local training ground for children and teenagers to find, develop and hone their love and skill of the performing arts industry, and this evening 25 of them - from the very young (I am guessing about 6 years old), to the late teens, sang their way through 46 numbers ranging from popular song through Musicals to rap.

The concert used playback tracks throughout, but many of the songs had been given some appropriate and sometimes exciting choreography by Katie Gough, whilst husband and wife team Prab and Beth Singh had provided the direction and musical direction for the troupe. Members of the cast took turns to announce or post-announce the items adding humour to the evening, whilst further humour was gained by some very clever segues between songs. 

It would be totally impossible to mention all the cast and all the songs in this evening's concert, and so, in the spirit of the singers, you shall simply have to indulge me whilst I mention those songs which I enjoyed the most! It isn't often a reviewer has the opportunity of being subjective, so I apologise in advance! I must also stress that although these items were my personal favourites, it in no way diminishes the quality or professionalism of all the other songs. The whole evening was very swift and competently managed, showcasing many youngsters who relished their chance at performing this evening.

However, here were my personal favourites: 'Maybe I Like It This Way' (Francesca Collinge), 'I Want To Break Free' (Olivia Anderson with a cameo from James Llewellyn Burke), 'Anything Goes' (sung and tap-danced by the majority of the group), 'The Song That Goes Like This' (George Rolfe and Erin Carty), 'When I Look At You' (Maria Collins), 'If Ever I Should Leave You' (James Llewellyn Burke), 'Diva's Lament' (Maria Collins), 'Quiet' (Poppy Evans), and 'Beggin'' (again the majority of the group).

The concert was intended to give the whole company the chance to perform songs of their own chosing which they may or may not have the chance to sing under normal circumstances, and to give them the experience and build their confidence in an industry which becomes more and more difficult to break into. Bravi!

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 26.11.22

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