Review: The Theatre Channel Episode 1

Photo credit: Edward Johnson

Despite being stuck inside my house during lockdown for most of the year, there’s still not much that will get me to leave! I think we can all relate to being tucked up in bed on a rainy day and not wanting to go out, except perhaps for the opportunity to do something theatre-related. So I was definitely ready to trudge into Central London in the rain for Episode 1 of The Theatre Channel.

Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café recently announced the release of their brand-new web series, The Theatre Channel, created to showcase West End talent and well-known musical theatre classics. I was fortunate enough to be invited to review the first episode at a special, COVID-Secure press screening.

Performed by the cream of British and international musical theatre talent, each episode was staged and filmed with super high production values, on location at The Theatre Café in the heart of the West End – from the bar seating area all the way up to the roof; the whole venue was utilised. And as Director Bill Deamer loved to remind us at the screening: “Great stuff is gonna happen on the roof!” Also, every number was recorded on-site in a studio in the cafe’s basement, with arrangements by Musical Supervisor, Michael England.

Jenna Russell, Lucie Jones, Matt Henry, Tarinn Callender, Jodie Steele, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Oliver Ormson

Episode 1 features Tarinn Callender (Come From Away, Hamilton), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers: The Musical, The Addams Family, Les Misérables), Oliver Ormson (Back to the Future, The Addams Family, The Book of Mormon), Matt Henry MBE (Kinky Boots, One Night in Miami), Lucie Jones (Waitress, Legally Blonde, X-Factor UK), Jenna Russell (Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George) and Jodie Steele (Six The Musical, Rock of Ages, Heathers: The Musical), along with The Cafe Four comprising of Alyn Hawke (Oklahoma, Follies, 42nd Street), Emily Langham (The Boy Friend, Oklahoma, West Side Story), Sadie-Jean Shirley (City of Angels, Ghost: The Musical, Aladdin) and Alex Woodward (Mamma Mia, Hairspray), who will appear in each episode.

Alex Woodward, Emily Langham, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Alyn Hawke

The Theatre Channel is aptly named as the content is presented as a series of stand-alone performances, like the musical theatre equivalent of The Box! It is a joyful 25-minutes of escapism, reminding us that the industry we love is right there waiting for us when things eventually become a little more “normal” again.

Whilst all of the performers bring their A-game to this new project, as a stalwart Sondheim fan, I have to admit that Jenna Russell was a personal highlight, performing ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ from Company. Although I am disappointed that, given they were encouraged to use any part of The Theatre Cafe, she didn’t reprise her role as Pennywise from Urinetown in the venue’s toilets! Tarinn Callender opens the episode with his soulful, high energy rendition of 'On Broadway’ from Smoky Joe’s Cafe, whilst Jodie Steele performs an epic rendition of ‘Heaven On Their Minds’ from Jesus Christ Superstar, looking and sounding sensational whilst braving the elements on The Theatre Cafe roof! The Cafe Four also act as superb support for the lead performers and are a wonderful addition to the line-up.

After the screening, we heard from Michael England, Bill Deamer (Follies, Strictly Come Dancing) and Adam Blanshay. Deamer talked about the process of choosing, planning and recording each number; mentioning that they wanted to hear songs that these performers had never performed before and therefore, something totally new. However, they acknowledged the challenge of obtaining the rights for each song. Jenna Russell’s number in the first episode, although personally approved by Stephen Sondheim himself, was not her first choice because of licensing restrictions. But Blanshay went on to say that ultimately the whole theatre community had been so supportive and welcoming of The Theatre Channel, that they’re lucky to be able to employ a whole team to produce the content and create work for people in the industry. We love to see it!

Access to Episode 1 can purchased here, along with the pre-order of Episode 2 launching on 30 October.

**** Four stars

Written by Tess Robinson (with contributions from Jenny Ell)