Review: MOVIES TO MUSICALS, SEC Armadillo Glasgow
For one night only, Glasgow Philharmonia brought the biggest musical theatre celebration that Scotland has ever seen to the SEC Armadillo celebrating the 10th anniversary of Movies To Musicals!
In 2024, Movies to Musicals celebrates its triumphant 10th anniversary with an epic all-singing, all-dancing showcase. The set list features fan favourites, making it a fabulous night for the whole family. With songs from Bugsy Malone, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables and many more, the packed audience is truly engrossed by those on stage.
Even with a star-studded cast including John Owen-Jones, Kerry Ellis, Sabrina Carter, Lucy Kay and Paul Tabone, the evening serves as a lovely showcase of young talent in Scotland. These young performers are supported by a full orchestra, conducted by Ross Gunning and the Glasgow Rock Choir.
Despite some technical issues with microphones and untidy vocals at points, there are still some standout performances that shine through. Aaron MacGregor delivers exceptional performances as a featured vocalist in the show, leading numbers such as 'A Musical' from Something Rotten and 'One Day More' from Les Miserables. Another performance that captivates the audience is Blair Cunningham's duet with John Owen-Jones of 'Bring Him Home'. It is a truly special moment seeing these two sing together, and it rightfully brings the audience to tears.
Christy Walker and Rebecca Curbelo Valdivia provide some complex choreography for the young cast, who do an excellent job of keeping up the energy during the back-to-back numbers. Two sections of the show that stand out for their choreography are the School of Rock medley in Act 1 and Six medley in Act 2. Both sections are fun and high-energy, and have the audience tapping their feet and singing along.
During the 10th-anniversary performance, a new feature is introduced - a large projector screen at the back of the stage. Throughout the show, pre-recorded interviews of cast and creatives discussing certain numbers and giving context are played for the audience, edited together by No Reel Productions. It is a wonderful addition as it is inspiring to hear the team discuss their journey with Movies to Musicals. However, it is a shame that this feature is not incorporated more into the performance as it may have improved some of the slower transitions between the set list.
The trust and support that the young performers have for each other deserves commendation. This is evident through the cast interviews and showcased live on stage. The audience can feel the warmth and love radiating from the stage in numbers such as ‘You Can’t Stop the Music’, which is the company’s original charity single, composed in Lockdown 2020.
Producer of Movies to Musicals, Ross Gunning, has done an excellent job of providing Scotland with an opportunity to see movie and musical hits, right on their doorstep. The show offers versatility in both singing and dancing, keeping both performers and the audience on their toes.
When it returns, it is a show not to be missed!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb