Review: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN Concert 4
Those all too short days of last summer seem like a lifetime ago; the days when we had a taste of freedom and could enjoy outdoor events in a safe and socially distanced manner. The West End Musical Drive-In proved to be a massive hit last summer and with the event due to return later this year, we have been entertained throughout this third lockdown with recordings of last year’s drive-in concerts, all thanks to West End Musical Brunch.
In this fourth concert instalment, we are treated to a birthday special as West End Musical Brunch celebrate their second birthday. Host Shanay Holmes welcomes a number of West End favourites to the stage, all of whom have starred in Disney’s Aladdin.
With this concert’s cast including Trevor Dion Nicholas, Hiba Elchikhe and Matthew Croke alongside Holmes, we are guaranteed a concert with plenty of Disney magic, and the cast more than deliver. Croke’s performance of ‘Proud Of Your Boy’ (perhaps one of Aladdin’s most underrated songs) is charming, whilst Elchikhe impresses as Princess Jasmine with her performance of ‘These Palace Walls’. Trevor Dion Nicholas also joins in with the Aladdin fun, reprising his role of the Genie, with performances of ‘Friend Like Me’ and duet ‘Somebody’s Got Your Back’ with Croke. He also impresses with his take on Scar’s ‘Be Prepared’ from The Lion King.
But it isn’t all Disney however, with songs from Moulin Rouge, Grease, Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton also featuring. Trevor Dion Nicholas is joined on stage by Hamilton co-star Karl Queensborough for a performance of ‘One Last Time’, whilst Croke jumps at the opportunity to perform ‘Stranded at the Drive-In’ from Grease…at an actual drive in! Host Holmes also impresses with her performances throughout.
For this special concert, Holmes brings the party spirit to the drive-in with a dance-a-long to The Rocky Horror Show classic ‘The Time Warp’, encouraging the audience to get involved in a Covid-safe way. There is a real sense of celebration that can be felt through this recording, with the camera panning around from the stage to capture audience members cheering and joining in. The only thing that occasionally lacks in the recording of this concert is that it’s a struggle to hear the accompanying reaction of the audience at times. Whilst this slight unbalance in volume levels doesn’t detract from your enjoyment, the ability to hear the audience more would lift the excitement to new heights.
Concert 4 is available to stream online this weekend, and you won’t be disappointed. With its running time of just over 90 minutes, plenty of songs and entertainment are squeezed in, giving you a taste of that wonderful live entertainment we are all missing so much. You can book tickets to watch this concert here.
