We may not be able to attend costume parties or go around our neighbourhood trick or treating this year, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t get into the Halloween spirit. And there is no better way to celebrate the spooky season than with some Halloween-themed musical theatre.

On Friday, I was invited to the screening of Episode Two of The Theatre Channel where I was ready to don my stagey themed costume and head to The Theatre Cafe. Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Café have collaborated once again to create a spooky spectacular for October’s episode, with the creme de la creme of West End talent. And I must say they did not disappoint.  

Episode Two features Jordan Shaw (The Lion King, Hadestown), Aimie Atkinson (Six, Pretty Woman) Bradley Jaden (Les Miserables, Wicked), Sophie Isaacs (Heathers, Six), Ria Jones (Sunset Boulevard, Evita), Josh Piterman (Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story), Linzi Hateley (Carrie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) & Trevor Dion Nicholas (Aladdin, Strictly Come Dancing). Also returning were The Cafe Four: Alyn Hawke (Oklahoma, Follies), Emily Langham (The Boy Friend, Oklahoma), Sadie-Jean Shirley (City of Angels, Ghost: The Musical) and Alex Woodward (Mamma Mia, Hairspray).   

All of the acts are incredible with some absolute powerhouses of the West End. Special mentions must go to Bradley Jaden singing ‘Life After Life’ from Dracula and Josh Piterman singing ‘Confrontation’ from Jekyll & Hyde. However, the highlight for me was Linzi Hateley singing ‘When There’s No One’ from Carrie. Hateley originated the role of ‘Carrie’ in 1988 when the show famously flopped in New York,  after playing only 5 performances. You can feel the connection that Hateley has with the material and there is no doubt that her tears were real. A bonus behind-the-scenes interview at the end of the episode gives you an insight into her journey with the show and how, more than 40 years later, she is still healing from her experience with Carrie.

The entire episode is filmed in and around the cafe, which it’s hard to believe at times. The transformation is astonishing with each number looking as if it were in a completely different setting. The use of the alley down the side of the Duke of York’s Theatre in ‘Confrontation’ can only be described as genius, and I’m excited to see what they will do with the space next. 

The choice of musical numbers was incredibly intelligent with some not being what you would immediately think of for Halloween, but every single number worked perfectly and the running order was spot on with each performance running seamlessly into the next. I like the fact that they didn’t pick obvious choices and are perhaps introducing audiences to musicals they may not be so familiar with.

The afternoon finished with a short Q&A from some of the cast and creatives and you could feel the passion they have for this project. With the industry on it’s knees, to have a creative outlet is a real privilege and you can tell how grateful they all are. 

To purchase Episode Two, please click here. 

**** 4 stars 

Reviewed by: Elle Knowles