Samantha Barks : The Cathedral Tour
Lichfield Cathedral
Wednesday 12th November 2025
By : Tracey Spare for WOISC
Photography : Tracey Spare for WOISC
Award-winning Broadway, West End and film star, Samantha Barks, breezed into Lichfield Cathedral last night for the first night of her seven-night Cathedral Tour.
Samantha Barks first came to public attention in 2008 finishing third in the BBC talent show ‘I’d Do Anything’ – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s search for a new unknown lead to play Nancy in the West End revival of Oliver in the West End.
In 2009 she was confirmed to play the lead role of Sally Bowles in the UK tour of Cabaret and made her film debut as Éponine in the 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables.
She played Velma Kelly in the 2013 Hollywood Bowl production of Chicago and has since followed with further landmark lead roles on Broadway in the stage musical of Pretty Women & as Elsa in the West End production of Frozen.
Over 700 people packed into Lichfield Cathedral to hear Samantha take us on an eclectic journey through some of her lead roles including songs from Frozen, Oliver, Les Misérables and a spellbinding sole rendition of her favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber song Another Suitcase in Another Hall from Evita.
Many of the remaining songs were selected by members of the audience with the evening intertwined answering questions submitted ahead of the concert by fans gathered in the medieval cathedral.
She seamlessly included popular songs including Shania Twain’s ‘You’re Still the One’ along with renditions of ‘Lose Control’ by Teddy Swims, and ‘What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish both of which she performed whilst winning the 2025 ITV Series of ‘The Masked Singer’.
It was the first time she’d performed in a cathedral, and she was undoubtedly thrilled of opportunity to perform in such unique surroundings. The stripped back set – she was accompanied by a pianist and cellist surrounded by dozens of candles at the front of the stage – allowed her voice to blossom amongst the high arches.
The end of each song was greeted with rapturous applause, and she returned to the stage to conclude the concert with an encore singing ‘On My Own’ from Les Misérables.
Samatha Barks Cathedral Tour details can be found visiting https://lambertjackson.co.uk/samantha-barks
