Review: THERE WILL BE LIGHT, Sarah Drake (Online)

Streamed concerts have given viewers a great opportunity to enjoy music from the comfort of their homes over the last year. There Will Be Light is no different as a group of performers have come together to perform an enjoyable international fundraiser and concert with performers from Broadway, the West End and beyond. It's all in aid of Acting for Others; 14 individual theatrical charities who between them offer financial and emotional assistance and support to those in the entertainment profession who have fallen on hard times.  

Leading us through the 45-minute concert is Sarah Drake, a fantastic American performer who moved to the UK in October 2020 after the loss of her father. Drake has natural fizz and joy, which ensures the viewer has a great evening from the comfort of their own home. She begins by belting out ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’, which suits her energy and voice perfectly. 

Joining Drake is a fantastic line up of musical talent; Michael Tacconi, Becca Stenhouse, Alex Lodge, Tavia Revée, Rebecca Gilhooley, Tiffany Chalothorn, Emma Salvo, Nick Hayes and Soloman Jaye. There Will Be Light is a carefully curated concert that allows us to reflect on what has been delivered in the last 12 months. Although there are emotional moments, particularly ‘Beautiful City’, which was dedicated to all the people who sadly lost their lives to the virus. We particularly enjoyed Michael Tacconi’s vocals during his performance of ‘Hope She Will Be Happier’, which oozes warmth.

There is a definite light at the end of the tunnel with Tavia Revée’s rendition of the upbeat ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, which definitely has you bopping along in your seat. ‘Through Heaven’s Eyes’ from the new hit-musical The Prince of Egypt concludes the concert and is performed stupendously by Soloman Jaye. It is the perfect way to tie up the evening and look ahead to the reopening of theatres from next week. 

There Will Be Light is a fantastic concert with a diverse cast performing some of the industry's most loved songs. We really enjoyed being whisked off for 45-minutes for a joyous evening of celebrating the diamond that theatre is. Sarah Drake does a superb job in creating this evening for those who have definitely felt the void of live theatre over the past 12 months. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt

You can watch There Will Be Light on YouTube for free this weekend and you can donate to Acting For Others here.