In a packed to the gills Nottingham Royal Concert Hall it seems Nottingham audiences can’t get enough musical theatre as they flock to the very popular The Wonderful West End – A Christmas Gala. This one evening show features four mega talented stars from, yes you’ve guessed it – London’s West End and the world of musical theatre. This year our audience has the pleasure of listening to Anna O’Bryne, Jacqui Scott, David Thaxton and the fabulous Scott Davies. Conductor and pianist Michael England is our genial host for the evening. The West End orchestra provide the beautiful music that supports and inspires the stars.

The audience sits back and enjoys a large variety of songs from the likes of The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, My Fair Lady, Wicked, and in the second half a wicked a medley from Mamma Mia! This reviewer particularly enjoyed the title song from Love Never Dies sung by the heavenly Anna O’Bryne and the exciting inclusion of Til I Hear You Sing from the same show sung by Scott Davies. David Thaxton takes us to the stars with a thrilling rendition of Javert’s song Stars from Les Misérables. Jacqui Scott is breathtaking with a tender yet powerful performance of I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard.

From the lively opening number of the title song Company from Sondheim’s show through, Luck Be A Lady Tonight, Baby It’s Cold Outside, a medley of Christmas songs, the musical drama of The Lion King and the fabulous finale this is one special night out for Nottingham’s musical theatre lovers! No doubt we will all be flocking back for our festive fix this time next year. There must be a song about that!

Reviewer: Phil Lowe