The Theatre Channel – Episode Two

The Theatre Channel – Episode Two – The Theatre Café/Adam Blanshay Productions

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

I enjoyed The Theatre Channel’s second episode, and Halloween special, a week after its release, through the lens of ‘lockdown 2.0’. The opportunity to enjoy a piece of musical theatre from the comfort of my own sofa was most welcome, especially a piece that had been expertly crafted by a creative team with seemingly endless tricks up their showbiz sleeves.

This episode offered front row seats to a host of performers who took ownership of the genre and transported audiences beyond the Theatre Café space. Director Bill Deamer and musical director Michael England struck a fine balance when piecing material together between celebrating the festivity of the season (Trevor Dion Nicholas and Bonnie Langford’s fabulous take on ‘Time Warp’) while also indulging us in the darker side of the holiday.

A favourite element of the Theatre Channel concept is its playfulness. In its essence, the idea brings together the industry’s final talents, locks them in a cafe for a day, and each episode we delight in the result. It’s a world of imagination, and two episodes in, I still can’t believe how it utterly transports audiences number after number by the simplest flicker of candlelight or sight of a drooping rose to set a scene. The magic of theatre.

The Café Four join Jordan Shaw’s spectacular opening number ‘Transylvania Mania’ from Young Frankenstein, this also showcases powerful vocals and a rather electrifying, non-stop, tap break.

We see Aimie Atkinson in a whole new light in this episode, singing ‘Dead Mom’ from Beetlejuice. Awe-inspiring vocals leave you wondering – what can’t this performer do?

Bradley Jaden and Sophie Isaacs deliver a dark and gripping interpretation of ‘Life After Life’ from Dracula. Ria Jones brings sass and feistiness to ‘The Last Midnight’, a cool and endearing performance of the Sondheim classic. Josh Piterman stars in some of the episode’s most iconic cinematography in ‘Confrontation’ from Jekyll & Hyde which seems to burst from the stage to the streets.

Linzi Hateley revisits cult classic Carrie in this episode, for the first time since she originated the lead role at the tender age of 17. The actress was there at the birth of the musical in Stratford, going on to lead the cast on Broadway. Her iconic voice soars in a momentous performance of ‘When There’s No One’.

The episode’s finale couldn’t have been anything other than ‘Time Warp’ from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, starring the vivacious, sparkling Trevor Dion Nicholas, dance guidance from none other than Bonnie Langford and standout features from Emily Langham and Sadie-Jean Shirley. It was a perfect tonic for the times and a joyful experience from beginning to end. Shout out to Alyn Hawke and Alex Woodward on the streets of Soho in brisk October weather in short shorts!

This episode wasn’t Halloween for Halloween’s sake but really brought the genre to life through wonderful synergy between cast, creatives and crew. These were thoughtfully curated standalone performances that would be at home in their respective productions. Yet another impressive feat by the Theatre Channel team.

Brigid Shine

www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/the-theatre-channel