Blog: Virtual West End Live Highlights Part One
So besties, who tuned into the first virtual West End Live highlights show earlier? I don’t know about you but it’s made me even hungrier to get back to the theatre. What a celebration it was!
Thank you to the Society of London Theatre for putting together such a superb collection of West End Live performances from 2015-2019 for us to enjoy. We all should be there in person today but the solidarity between fans is still palpable and ever present from the comfort of our own homes.
Today’s hour-long show is the first of two highlights videos; the second being shown from 2pm tomorrow (Sunday 21 June). Today we were treated to numbers from The Lion King, Heathers, Bat Out Of Hell, Les Miserables, Come From Away, Wicked, Sunny Afternoon, Jersey Boys, Memphis, Six and & Juliet. And this is only part one – how spoilt are we?!
To name a few personal highlights, the show gets off to an epic start with ‘Circle of Life’ by the cast of The Lion King giving all the feels and setting the tone for the next hour. Having worked directly on the production back in 2013, I hold this show in particular high regard and it never fails to bring the tingles. Speaking of tingles, Dean Chisnall’s ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Mis continues the trend, followed by an equally stunning performance of ‘One Day More’ when he is joined by the entire company.
The Heathers (from Heathers) bring the sass performing ‘Candy Store’ and the FIERCE Millie O’Connell singing ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ with the other Queens from Six is perfection. The sheer volume emitting from the crowd when singing along with the Queens shows the immense popularity of this show. And I still haven’t seen it – top of the list now I promise!
A brilliant montage has been put together of four Elphaba’s from Wicked over the years. We are treated to Emma Hatton, Willemiyn Verkaik, Alice Fearn and Laura Pick’s epic ‘Defying Gravity’. Hatton’s performance takes on new heights in more ways than one! Another former Elphaba, Rachel Tucker, also shines singing ‘Me and the Sky’ with the rest of the female ensemble in Come From Away. Her enviable vocal growls are something to behold!
& Juliet brings the tunes with Backstreet Boys’ ‘It’s My Life’ and ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry; the latter sung by the incomparable Miriam-Teak Lee. Isn’t it amazing what a musical theatre arrangement can do to a song? Next level!
If you didn’t catch Part 1 earlier, it will be available on West End Live’s Facebook page until Part 2 airs at 2pm tomorrow. This will then also remain for 24 hours for your viewing pleasure.
Enjoy, besties! We would love to know your thoughts… See you tomorrow for a round-up of Part 2.
