Review: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, Curve Leicester

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

Andrew Lloyd Webber is the most “commercially successful composer in history” with a career spanning over 50 years. What better way to celebrate his life and career thus far than to create a staged concert containing over 40 of his songs, performed by a cast of the highest calibre. Enter, Curve Leicester.

Staged in their beautiful (and recently reconfigured) auditorium, complete with revolve gifted by Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the staging is sparse with props strewn around that are reminiscent of a ‘dark’ theatre, such as flight cases, mismatched chairs and step ladders. These are utilised within the performances by the cast whom are dressed in casual clothing and take to the stage in a relaxed and, in what feels like, a spontaneous way.

The cast is comprised predominantly of artists who have performed Lloyd Webber’s work in previous productions: Madalena Alberto, Jessica Daley, Tim Howar, Ria Jones and Tim Rogers, with Shem Omari James and Karen Mavundukure being new to performing his material professionally. Due a recent leg injury, Mavundukure was forced to perform in a wheelchair but she still sings phenomenally, even from a seated position! Her ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’ from Starlight Express at the top of Act Two shows that she is a force to be reckoned with. Massive kudos to the team who had to frantically re-block much of the performance last minute due to her incapacity - you would not have realised.

The venue’s Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster, expertly directs the piece, taking great care to fully immerse the audience on all four sides. The revolve also greatly helps with this aspect as the action is ever moving. From the cleverly arranged opening acapella section, which integrates many of Lloyd Webber’s songs into one whistle-stop number, you know you are in for a treat.

Ben Cracknell’s lighting truss dominates the visual and combined with his exceptional design, provides a show of its own with its aerial acrobatics! Notable moments being the programming for the Cats overture, its mimicking of the chandelier drop at the top of The Phantom of the Opera segment in Act Two and the state used for the title number of Phantom, sung flawlessly by Tim Howar and Jessica Daley.

Curve Leicester have excelled themselves with this meticulously planned programme which, in part, forms a sort of continuous dialogue and seamlessly moves from one number to the next. An example of this is seguing from ‘Tell Me On A Sunday’ sung by the incomparable Ria Jones, to ‘Love Never Dies’ performed by the overwhelming star of the show in my eyes, Jessica Daley. The piece combines these world-class performances with anecdotes from the Lord himself via pre-recorded video footage, giving the audience a more in-depth view into his work. It feels increasingly personal with Lloyd Webber being on site and in the city whilst filming. It also shows off his great sense of humour and will make a fan out of anyone!

Other overwhelming performance highlights of the evening include Tim Rogers’ impressive range showcased in ‘Gethsemane’ from Jesus Christ Superstar, Madalena Alberto’s star quality oozing from the Evita section. Jessica Daley’s Unexpected Song from Tell Me On A Sunday, Ria Jones’ ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ and Shem Omari James in the car chase segment, leading into title track ‘Sunset Boulevard’.

A joyful celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the perfect invitation back to the theatre after a long 15 months.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber plays at Curve Leicester until 19 June. To book tickets, please click here.