Review: The Barn Presents – The Music of Daniel & Laura Curtis

Like many theatres during the lockdown period, The Barn Theatre Cirencester has innovated a new online platform series, aptly titled “The Barn Presents”, to spread some joy to audiences whilst raising essential funds for the venue. The concerts champion the music of British musical theatre composers with performances from an amazing line-up of West End and Broadway stars, plus a Q&A with Jamie Chapman Dixon, one of the Producers at the Barn Theatre.

The first concert in the series celebrates the music of award-winning writing and composing duo, Daniel and Laura Curtis. Their work has received international acclaim after developing new music for a number of celebrated stars and as such, their songs are embedded in many a singer’s repertoire.

Ten songs from the Curtis’ back catalogue are performed in a very well produced concert by the Barn – except for the extremely annoying Youtube adverts that keep popping up mid-song! Whilst I knew of Daniel and Laura, I have never really listened to their music properly but they have definitely made a big fan out of me over the last hour! They love a ballad (as do I) and much of their repertoire is so empowering, with all of it incredibly emotive. The performer admittedly aids the storytelling but the Curtis’ create a faultless foundation on which to build that emotion.

The songs are grouped into pairs with several of the artists partaking in conversation prior to the performances. This is a really nice addition and creates a lovely flow.

The concert as a whole is a moment but personal highlights include the dramatic set-up and delivery of Sabrina Aloueche’s ‘Standing On My Own’ (a song originally written for Jenna Ushkowitz of Glee fame), Daniel and Laura’s latest release ‘Stand’; a country ballad with the most stunning lyrics performed by Maria Coyne, ‘Why Am I Falling’ sung flawlessly and passionately by Kieran Brown, and finally the epic ‘When The Curtain Falls’ performed by the force that is Alice Fearn.

This is only concert one so I can’t wait to see the rest of the series.

The Barn Presents: The Music of Daniel & Laura Curtis can be streamed here.

To donate to the #SAVEOURBARN campaign, you can call 01285 648255, donate online at barntheatre.org.uk/sob or text SAVEOURBARN and the amount you wish to donate to 70085.