The Show Must Go On
Tyne Audio Theatre, North Shields
19th July 2024
The Show Must Go On is a series of musical theatre events which is very close to my heart. They started way back in the dark times of the first pandemic lockdown when all theatres were displaying their ghost lights and everyone involved with theatre was crying out for some entertainment to brighten up their evenings while sat at home by Government edict.
Tyne Audio was there to fill that void and brought several nights of entertainment via the internet to our living rooms with some amazing performances from local talent just itching to get back to doing what they do best,
The show tonight followed in the same fabulous style now at their custom made performance area at Tyne Audio’s premises just through the Tyne Tunnel in North Shields. The audience was welcomed into a lovely foyer area where refreshments could be purchased before entering the auditorium resplendent with a lovely baby grand piano.
The show started with a quartet from the alumni of West End Prep performing Songs for a New World accompanied by now regular musical director, Amy Mellor on the piano. The harmonies were en point and it was clear all four performers were thoroughly enjoying being on stage in this intimate venue.
The evening was hosted by Kris Manuel, no stranger himself to Tyne Audio’s sister production Waiting in the Wings. Kris is obviously very proud of his students, many of whom gave fantastic performances this evening as the show unfolded.
Tyne Audio and West End Prep are great supporters of local talent and tonight was no exception with performances from artists as young as 14 years old to those whose age it would be rude to mention.
The other thing I always love about The Show Must Go On series is the sheer variety of musicals performed. These young performers are not scared to showcase musicals that are lesser known and the production team are only too happy to accommodate the variety. Everyone who knows me knows I have an encyclopaedic knowledge of musical theatre but this lot catch me out at least once every time.
Tonight, there were performances from Dear Evan Hansen, Just So and The Pyjama Game which gives you an idea of the cornucopia of musicals which enthralled the audience this evening.
In addition to Amy tickling the ivories, we were treated to a wonderful combination of Emma Egan on the piano and Freddie Scott on guitar with their rendition of Falling Slowly from Once.
Not to be outdone by these precocious and very talented youngsters, we also enjoyed a performance by Marcus Stanley who reprised his role as Shrek and sang Build A Wall. I am not sure whether it was intentional but there was a link to his second song from Heathers which includes a line about building walls as he beautifully performed Freeze Your Brain.
Owner of Tyne Audio, Jonathan Mellor, hopes that this revival of The Show Must Go On will become a regular feature at this fantastic venue and plans for the sequel are in hand. From a theatre practitioner’s point of view, this pop up venue would be superb for revue evenings such as this, cabaret nights and comedians looking for a venue to try out their material. I have no doubt whatsoever that Jonathan and his team would be very welcoming to enquiries to hire their intimate and inviting space.
It is amazing to see The Show Must Go On format back and the new venue is very suited to it. I will be delighted to return for the next performances at Tyne Audio Theatre.
Review by Stephen Stokoe
Photo credit: One Imagery