IDA – Stage and Screen Show at The Other Palace, London.
Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩
Formed only three years ago, Ida is an all-girl classical crossover group which delivers a diverse programme of popular operatic arias and all-time favourite songs from cinema, pop and musical theatre. Since forming they have become firm favourites with sea-faring passengers, making guest appearances on leading luxury cruise liners.
All four members of the group are classically trained singers and they do have beautifully crisp, clean voices and are extremely glamorous, so it is easy to understand why they have proved so popular thus far.
Laura Coutts, the Australian who came up with the initial idea of starting the group, has an impressive vocal range, which would not be out of place in a leading opera company, and the physicality and stage presence that screams leading opera diva.
Georgi Mottram’s delicate, almost doll-like appearance belies a powerful voice and Wendy Carr and Sarah Vaughan demonstrate amazing vocal dexterity.
The girls are very hands on in terms of arranging their own harmonies and producing their own programme and herein lies their problem. They really need the advice and guidance of an experienced director who can advise them and help them stage their show more effectively. They have a rather unnecessary habit of moving arms, hips and legs which is really distracting and they should wait for the applause to die down before speaking so the audience can hear and appreciate what they are saying.
The group was accompanied by a brilliant three-piece band (unfortunately, their names disappeared amid the applause), plus two guest artists who were good but really not essential in a one-hour show. The programme was, as promised, an eclectic mix but not all the choices were wise. ‘Skyfall’ and a Frank Sinatra medley did not sit well, but ‘Memory’, ‘The Prayer’ and an a cappella version of ‘Somewhere’ were delightful.
The criticism may seem harsh but it is because there is so much potential and talent in this group. They are very good but could be brilliant and headliners in their own right, with a little help and direction.
Helena Howard
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