At a time when many performers have been forced to find other avenues of work, at least in the interim, there is always the worry of the damaging effect that the pandemic may have on the next generation of musical theatre performers.

Proving to us that we needn’t worry, sixteen year old Nathan Seatter-Messer organised a virtual celebration of the genre with a concert featuring performances by young people aged 16-21, who are studying on a performance-based course.

The show, just shy of an hour, not only instils hope that our industry will be fine and will in fact thrive when it comes back, but also that there is still a hunger and drive to be creative and pursue careers in the field. As well as being incredibly entertaining, the concert (although free) has been put on to raise money and awareness for the Barn Theatre and the Theatre Support Fund.

Twelve students perform one song each from musicals ranging from song cycles to classic musicals and those more contemporary. It is a varied programme, which has something for everyone to enjoy, and is confidently compered by Seatter-Messer himself.

Highlights include Charlie Sheppard reprising his role as Javert, whom he played in the 2018 Barn Academy production of Les Miserables, with an effortless performance of ‘Stars’; a superb song choice comes from Bethany Taylor who gives an impassioned, pitch perfect performance of ‘Out Here On My Own’ from Fame; Arts Ed’s Reanna Nolan performing a “perfect” rendition of the brilliant Edges number, ‘Perfect’, with lovely subtle acting choices and excellent vocal control; and of course the host himself, Seatter-Metter showcases his beautiful tone in an emotive performance of ‘I Loved You Too Much’ from the lesser-known I Could Use A Drink: The Songs of Drew Gasparini.

A hopeful and joyful celebration.

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

The Future of Musical Theatre concert remains on Youtube and can be viewed here. You can donate to the Barn Theatre by clicking here or for the Theatre Support Fund, please click here.