Category: Music

Sutton Arts Theatre – RENT ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Sutton Arts Theatre – RENT
Sutton Arts Theatre
Wednesday 24th June 2026 – Dress Rehearsal
By  Nigel Gambles
Photography –Studio 55 Photography

 

Some musicals entertain from the opening number, while others ask a little more of their audience. Rent, currently playing at Sutton Arts Theatre, is very much in the latter category. Loosely based on Puccini’s magnificent opera La Bohème, Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical explores themes of friendship, love, loss, addiction and the HIV/AIDS crisis, all wrapped within an energetic and emotionally charged score.

Having never seen Rent before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. While I thoroughly enjoyed the production, I did find the storyline challenging to follow at times. Much of the narrative is driven through the songs, meaning audiences really do need to listen carefully to the lyrics to fully appreciate the unfolding story. Once you settle into its rhythm, however, the emotional depth of the characters begins to shine through.

Visually, the production is outstanding. Mark Nattrass’ industrial-inspired set perfectly captures the gritty atmosphere of New York’s East Village, while the costumes add authenticity and personality to every character. Combined with atmospheric lighting from Jack Tustin and Going Dark Theatrical, Sutton Arts Theatre has created a production that feels both intimate and surprisingly expansive.

Leading the cast, Dan McCloskey delivers a superb performance as filmmaker and narrator Mark Cohen. His commanding stage presence and powerful vocals provide the audience with a constant thread through the story, portraying Mark’s search for purpose and validation with conviction and sincerity.

Alongside him, Kit Oliver-Stevens impresses as struggling musician Roger Davis. Bringing both vulnerability and strength to the role, he convincingly portrays a man haunted by his past while desperately trying to complete the song that gives his life meaning. His vocals are assured and full of emotion.

One of the evening’s standout performances comes from Paul Atkins as Angel Dumott Schunard. Radiating warmth and charisma every time he stepped onto the stage, Atkins perfectly balances Angel’s flamboyant personality without ever slipping into caricature. It is a performance filled with heart, humour and compassion that resonates long after each scene.

Brooke Cooper, performing as Mimi Márquez, brings tremendous passion and conviction to the role. As the conflicted dancer battling addiction while searching for love and hope, her performance is both believable and deeply moving. Her vocals are beautifully delivered, carrying genuine emotion throughout.

Janine Henderson is equally impressive as Maureen Johnson, capturing the character’s fiery passion, confidence and uninhibited energy with complete assurance. Her stage presence lights up every scene she appears in.

The strength of this production, however, lies in its ensemble. Together they create a believable community of impoverished friends simply trying to survive, support one another and find hope despite the adversity surrounding them. Their commitment never falters and they bring tremendous energy to every musical number.

One moment, however, deserves special mention. Sammi Kelly-Griggs’ solo during “Seasons of Love” was simply breathtaking. It was one of those rare theatrical moments where the entire auditorium seemed captivated, delivering a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.

Musically, Josh Dibble and the live band provide an excellent soundtrack throughout, maintaining the show’s rock energy while never overpowering the performers. The balance between orchestra and cast allows the emotion of Larson’s score to shine.

Directors Emily Armstrong and Dexter Whitehead deserve enormous credit for bringing this ambitious production to the Sutton Arts stage. Rent is not an easy musical to stage or perform, yet they have assembled an exceptionally talented cast and creative team who deliver a production full of passion, honesty and heart.

Although the narrative may initially require audiences to concentrate, this is a production that rewards your attention with memorable performances, outstanding music and genuine emotional impact.

A bold, passionate and beautifully performed production that deserves to be seen.

Playing Thursday 25th June – Saturday 4th July (No Performance on 28,29,30 June )

For tickets 👉 Click the link https://suttonartstheatre.savoysystems.co.uk/SuttonArtsTheatre.dll/

Beauty & The Beast – Trinity Players ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beauty & The Beast – Trinity Players
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 1st June 2026 – Dress Rehearsal
By  Nigel Gambles
Photography –Studio 55 Photography

Disney’s timeless tale of love, acceptance and transformation arrived at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this week as Trinity Players presented a wonderfully entertaining production of Beauty & The Beast.

From the opening scenes, the audience was transported into Belle’s provincial French village before being swept away to the enchanted castle of the Beast. Packed with colourful costumes, memorable songs and plenty of humour, this production delivered all the magic audiences have come to expect from this much-loved Disney classic.

Leading the cast as Belle, Sasha Barnes gave a delightful performance, bringing warmth, intelligence and determination to the role. Her vocals were consistently strong throughout the evening, particularly in the show’s more emotional moments. Just as impressive was the chemistry she shared with Matt Hunt’s Beast, whose portrayal captured both the character’s intimidating exterior and the vulnerability hidden beneath. Together they created a believable and engaging relationship at the heart of the story.

For me, however, the standout performance of the evening came from Matthew Cotter as Lumière. Commanding the stage whenever he appeared, Cotter delivered a charismatic and confident performance packed with energy, humour and charm. His stage presence was exceptional and he lit up every scene he was involved in, earning some of the biggest reactions from the audience throughout the night.

Sam Jones was superb as Gaston, perfectly capturing the swagger, arrogance and larger-than-life personality of Disney’s iconic villain. Every entrance was filled with confidence and theatrical flair, making him a thoroughly entertaining antagonist. Alongside him, Richard McNally-Reilly’s LeFou provided excellent comic support, delivering plenty of laughs with impeccable timing and a wonderfully playful performance.

The supporting cast also impressed throughout. Phil Lines brought plenty of personality to Cogsworth, while Bex Perry delivered warmth and heart as Mrs Potts. Special mention should also go to Amy Homer as Babette, Gemma Parton as Madame de la Grande Bouche, and the talented young performers portraying Chip, Aoife Davies and Lucy Brisband.

Musically, the production was in very safe hands under Musical Director Samantha Hedley, with the cast handling the demanding Disney score admirably. Numbers such as Belle, Gaston, Be Our Guest and the title song were delivered with enthusiasm and confidence, while the ensemble performances added scale and energy throughout.

The choreography from Leigh-Ann James made excellent use of the large company, creating lively and visually engaging production numbers. Director Dan Barnes clearly understands how to balance spectacle with storytelling, ensuring the heart of the story remained front and centre while still delivering plenty of theatrical magic.

Behind the scenes, producer Lewis Wescott, the stage management team, crew, technical team and countless volunteers deserve enormous credit for bringing such an ambitious production to life. The attention to detail in the costumes, staging and overall presentation helped create a truly immersive experience for the audience.

Trinity Players continue to demonstrate why they are one of Sutton Coldfield’s most respected amateur theatre companies. Beauty & The Beast is a production filled with heart, humour and Disney magic, performed by a company clearly passionate about what they do.

A wonderful evening of family entertainment and a fitting reminder that true beauty really does come from within.

We Will Rock You – Manor Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We Will Rock You – Manor Musical Theatre Company
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 11th May 2026 – Dress Rehearsal
By  Nigel Gambles
Photography –Studio 55 Photography

There was only ever going to be one word to describe We Will Rock You at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this week — spectacular.

Manor Musical Theatre Company delivered a high-energy, crowd-pleasing rock extravaganza packed with powerhouse vocals, huge ensemble numbers and the unmistakable music of Queen, all met with rapturous applause from an audience clearly loving every minute.

Under the direction of Louise Holmes — making her first production with Manor — alongside choreographer Connie Mortiboy, the show bursts with confidence, movement and attitude from the opening moments. Together they create a production that feels ambitious, vibrant and full of genuine rock concert energy, while Musical Director Chris Arnold and the live band drive the show forward superbly throughout the evening.

Two standout debut lead performances came from Dan Hardy as Galileo and Siobhon Louise Thornley as Scaramouche. Both brought exceptional vocals, warmth and charisma to the production, while their chemistry together gave the show real heart beneath all the spectacle. Hardy delivered Galileo’s humour and vulnerability brilliantly, while Thornley’s sharp comic timing and commanding vocals lit up the stage whenever she appeared.

Juliet Fisher gave a fantastic performance as Oz, combining strong vocals with real emotional depth, while Dan McCloskey brought plenty of presence and power to Brit, helping anchor many of the show’s biggest ensemble moments.

Chloe Mason was outstanding as Killer Queen, commanding the stage with confidence, attitude and a wonderfully theatrical performance that perfectly suited the over-the-top glamour of the role. Supported brilliantly by Kian Haden as Khashoggi, the pair created a formidable villainous partnership that added real energy and drama throughout.

Meanwhile Mike Willis delivered a hugely entertaining performance as Buddy, capturing the spirit of the old-school rocker with warmth, humour and excellent audience connection. His scenes brought some of the loudest reactions of the night.

The ensemble throughout deserve enormous praise. Productions like this only succeed when the company fully commits to the scale and energy required — and Manor absolutely did that. The choreography was sharp, the stage movement constantly alive and the ensemble vocals powerful throughout.

Special mentions also go to Mia Davies, Sarah Cotter, Lia Cadman, Millie Marshall, Sammi Kelly-Griggs and Billy Skinner for their excellent supporting performances and contribution to the overall energy of the production.

Technically, the show looked superb. The lighting design from Going Dark Theatrical Services created a true arena-rock atmosphere, while Leigh Yeomans’ sound design ensured Queen’s legendary music retained all of its power and impact. Combined with strong staging, video wall visuals and an energetic live band, the production often felt far bigger than the Town Hall stage itself.

And of course, at the centre of it all is the music. From “Somebody To Love” to “Radio Ga Ga,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the triumphant finale, the audience response said everything. Singing, cheering, clapping along — this was musical theatre doing exactly what it should: bringing people together for a joyful night of entertainment.

Manor Musical Theatre Company’s production of We Will Rock You is bold, loud, funny and full of heart — a hugely enjoyable celebration of Queen’s music performed by a company clearly having the time of their lives on stage.

Fame The Musical – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fame The Musical – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre
Lichfield Garrick
Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Opening Night
By  Tracey Spare
Photography – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

For those of a certain age, the very mention of Fame The Musical instantly evokes leg warmers, sweatbands and the unforgettable journey of young performers chasing their dreams in New York’s High School of Performing Arts — and this latest production by Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre captures that spirit brilliantly.

This energetic and ambitious staging charts the students’ journey from audition through to graduation, navigating the highs, lows and relentless demands of life in the performing arts. It’s a show that naturally calls for a large, versatile company — and here, that depth of talent is one of its greatest strengths.

At the heart of the production are the principal performers portraying the recognisable characters of Nick Piazza (Ollie Clay), Serena Katz (Imogen Willis), Joe Vegas (Zach Andrews), Tyrone Jackson (Connor Orchard), Carmen Diaz (Molly Darby), Iris Kelly (Romelly Collier) and Mabel Washington (Isabella Hamilton) — each bringing focus, character and confidence to their roles. Vocally strong and emotionally grounded, these performances anchor the production with real credibility.

However, what truly elevates this show is the ensemble — the “Class of 2026” students — whose presence is felt in every moment. Whether filling the stage with tightly choreographed routines or supporting the narrative through movement and atmosphere, they deliver an impressive sense of scale. At times, with over thirty performers on stage, the coordination, energy and discipline on display is remarkable.

The choreography is sharp and dynamic, reflecting the intensity of a performing arts environment, while the musical numbers are delivered with both power and sincerity. There’s a clear sense that this is a company fully committed to the material — and crucially, enjoying every moment of it. Any hint of opening night nerves is absent, replaced with confidence and cohesion.

Behind the scenes, the production is steered with precision by Director Patrick Jervis, supported by Musical Director Oliver Rowe and Choreographer Jessica Bennett, whose combined vision brings clarity and pace to an otherwise demanding production.

The backstage and technical teams also deserve huge recognition. From lighting (Stephen Rainsford) and sound (Sam Burkinshaw) to costumes, props and stage management, every element contributes to a slick, well-executed performance that feels both professional and polished.

A particular highlight is the live orchestra, led by Oliver Rowe, whose musicianship adds depth and authenticity throughout — elevating the production beyond expectation for youth theatre.

The audience response on the night spoke volumes. A packed house — filled with proud families, friends and local theatre lovers — responded warmly throughout, culminating in a rousing finale as the full cast returned in glittering costumes to reprise the iconic title track Fame. It’s a moment of pure theatrical joy and a fitting celebration of everything the show represents.

This is a production that doesn’t just showcase emerging talent — it celebrates it. A vibrant, high-energy, and thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre that proves Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre continues to go from strength to strength.

Performances continue throughout the week at The Garrick Theatre, with evening shows and a Saturday matinee available.

The Wizard Of Oz – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Wizard Of Oz – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 16th February – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography

There’s no place like home… and on this occasion, there was certainly no better place to be than Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, where Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre transported audiences down the Yellow Brick Road in a vibrant, heartfelt production of The Wizard of Oz.

From the opening notes of Over the Rainbow, it was clear this was a special evening. The transition from sepia-toned Kansas to the dazzling colour of Oz was beautifully handled, drawing audible gasps from the audience and setting the tone for a joyful theatrical journey.

Leading the way was Lola Hinsley as Dorothy, delivering a wonderfully warm and sincere performance. Her vocals were confident and emotionally grounded, capturing Dorothy’s innocence while showing impressive strength for such a demanding role. She carried the story effortlessly — a truly standout portrayal.

And then there was Biscuit as Toto — quite simply, the scene-stealer of the night. Every entrance earned smiles, laughs, and spontaneous applause. Proof, if ever it was needed, that four legs can sometimes upstage an entire cast.

Dorothy’s companions were equally engaging:

  • Elliott Winhall brought charm and comedy as the Scarecrow,

  • Jamie Wilson offered heart and humour as the Tin Man,

  • Euan Barnby delivered a delightful Cowardly Lion with great physicality and timing.

Louise Heard revelled in her role as Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch, striking the perfect balance between menace and theatrical fun, while George Wells added gravitas and warmth as Professor Marvel / The Wizard.

Supporting roles were handled with confidence by Daisy Moore (Aunt Em / Glinda) and Kian Haden (Uncle Henry / Guard), with strong contributions from principal vocalists Erin Freeman, Grace Wilson, Molly Lewis and Neve Matthews.

The principal dancers — Anna Green, Aubane Doireau, Daisy Yates, Erin Freeman, Esme Wolverson, Molly Lewis, Natalie Heard, Neve Matthews, Peyton Lockley and Sophia Reeve — brought real energy and polish to the Emerald City sequences, while the full ensemble filled the stage with colour, movement and infectious enthusiasm.

Behind the scenes, this production was steered with care and creativity by director Georgia Young, supported by musical director Imogen Botham and choreographer Ellie Johnstone, with Neve Matthews also serving as Dance Captain. The result was a tightly paced show with lively choreography and well-balanced musical moments.

Stage management by Paula Lumsden, alongside a dedicated crew including Finley Waldron, Paul Lumsden, Ian Bowley, Ed Hill, Nathan Rock, Tom Wells, Hannah Litwinne, Simon Smith, Kate Holland, Lauren Orgil and Mark Shett, ensured everything ran smoothly.

Costumes by Suzanne Harris (assisted by Liv Lawton) were bright and characterful, while lighting from Going Dark Theatrical Services, sound by Sam Bukhshav, scenery by Made to Measure Productions, and props from Theatre House combined to create a fully immersive Oz.

⭐ A Fond Farewell

This production also marks a bittersweet milestone for director Georgia Young, who, after five productions with the youth group, will now be moving on to the adult company, where she’ll be producing Frozen next year. She will be deeply missed by the youth cast and families alike — her passion, encouragement and creative vision have clearly left a lasting legacy.

What truly sets this production apart is the heart behind it. Every scene reflects the dedication, rehearsal hours, and genuine love for theatre shared by cast and crew alike.

A joyful, polished and thoroughly uplifting evening — and another shining example of just how strong Sutton Coldfield’s youth theatre scene continues to be.

Click those ruby slippers and follow that Yellow Brick Road — you won’t regret it. 👠✨

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