Review: THE SONGS OF DREW GASPARINI, The Pheasantry - Pizza Express Live

Last night marked the long-awaited arrival of Drew Gasparini’s songs on a London stage and boy, was it worth the wait. The intimacy of Live at the Pheasantry, with its dim blue lighting and shining Steinway is the perfect backdrop for a collection of songs carrying such raw emotion.

The 19-strong cast create a magnificent wave of sound, worthy of a much larger venue. From recent graduates to seasoned West End pros, the talent in the room is undeniable, and we are in no doubt that some stars of the future were born last night.

Drew’s songs are woven together seamlessly; those of us familiar with his music were thrilled to see the narrative arc of his concept album ‘I Could Use A Drink’ brought to life onstage. As a concert, it really is alive with energy and excitement. Having been postponed from November 2020, this show has been a longtime coming. There was, quite rightly, palpable excitement and pride at reaching this moment which gave the entire evening a thrilling lift.

To combine captivating storytelling with mindblowing vocals is no mean feat. But that’s exactly what members of this cast show us. Special mention must go to Megan Ellis, whose vocal and emotional range made her performances spellbinding. Closing Act One with ‘I Just Can’t Stop’, she left us frantically looking through the programme to see when she would next be onstage. Drew’s brilliant musical harmonies and stylings are brought to life especially well by the trio of Benjamin Armstrong, Renan Teodoro and Tommy Stewart Smith who open Act Two with a storm. Bouncing off one another, they use their voices and the narrative of the song to create exhilaration within the venue.

Passionate performances need a passionate Musical Director and band. Josh Winstone (Musical Director and Keys), Riley Mallon (Musical Director and Drums), and Ella Sutton (Featured Guitarist) match the skill of the cast with an artful arrangement of the songs. Winstone’s skills as a pianist are elevated by his evident enjoyment at playing Drew’s music.

We are confident that this won’t be the last we see of many of these performers. Congratulations must go to SmithWright Productions for persevering through a difficult few years to bring us this joyous night of entertainment. We hope this isn’t the last time we hear Drew Gasparini’s wonderful music in London.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Eliza Harris