Review: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN, Concert 5

Photo credit: Danny Kaan

We return to the drive-in once again for a special spooktacular Halloween special this weekend, with West End Musical Drive-In serving up its final slice of digital drive in entertainment.

Entertaining us in this episode is headline act Lucie Jones, current Jean Valjean Jon Robyns, Kelly Agbowu and returning once more on presenting duties is the fabulous Shanay Holmes. 

With the clocks having gone back at the time of filming, this performance starts in the windy afternoon and finishes in the dark, which only adds to the Halloween atmosphere but it is also good to see a performance up in lights so to speak.

Holmes opens the show with a fabulous rendition of ‘I Put a Spell On You’ from Hocus Pocus and should that be made into a musical (we can hope!), sign her up straight away for Winifred because she more than has the vocals for it. 

Lucie Jones is the common denominator amongst the performers having starred with each of the other three in different musicals. We are treated to several duets because of this, with Jones and Jon Robyns performing ‘Legally Blonde’ from the musical of the same name and ‘Bad Idea’ from Waitress. She also joins forces with Shanay Holmes as they perform ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ from Rent.

Although billed as a Halloween spectacular, there are limited Halloween choices so perhaps there could have been a few more. However, we are treated to a stunning rendition of ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ from The Little Mermaid by Kelly Agbowu, which is a highlight. Lucie Jones hits every lyric and note in ‘Pulled’ from The Addams Family, even during the tongue-twister parts. She also takes on hits from Beetlejuice and Wicked with ease. 

Agbowu ultimately steals the show with ‘No Good Deed’ from Wicked, which is note perfect. Not to be outdone, Holmes also sings her heart out in soulful renditions of ‘One Night Only’ and ‘This is Me’.  Putting in a humorous and superbly well-acted performance of ‘You’ll Be Back’ from Hamilton is Jon Robyns, who used his cameo appearance to full effect and filled the stage with his big personality. 

Jones’ stand-out performance was her finale with a stunning rendition of ‘Into the Unknown’ from Frozen 2, which rounds the evening off with gusto, and with Boris Johnson’s second lockdown announcement succeeding the show, it really was a touching message that we were all heading into the unknown. 

Hopefully it won’t be much longer now before we can get back into the theatres but if you are looking for something to watch this weekend, then the West End Musical Drive-In is a great option.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emma Littler

Concert 5 streams until 21 March here.