Beyond
The Barricade began life in 1995 as a charity fundraising concert.
The original show was organised by Andy Reiss and David Fawcett, who
were performing in the Manchester production of Les Miserables at
the time. This was such a success
that they decided the show had mileage in it as a touring production
bringing a selection of the ‘West End’ to the
provinces.
There are a number of things
that are a certainty on going to see this troupe, as I have done on
numerous occasions. Firstly, it is certain that you will be seeing a
top quality performance of some of the best show songs on offer,
Secondly, Andy Reiss and David Fawcett will be turning in their
usual immaculate performance, Thirdly the show will fittingly climax
with a chunk taken from Les Miserables and finally, David’s jokes
will not get any better!!
What is less certain is which
two talented ladies will be sharing the vocal duties and what
numbers from the myriad of available material will be performed
during the two hours, that always seem far too short.
This season’s line-up is
completed with the vocal talents of Jaime Farr and Gina Price and
for me this made up the best collaboration I have seen under the
Beyond the Barricades banner, and this is meant as no slight on the
performers I have previously enjoyed seeing.
The choice of material was for
me some of the best ever, Starlight Express, Phantom, Tell me on a
Sunday, Chicago, Miss Saigon, Blood Brothers, Mama Mia, We will Rock
you, The Lion King are among the shows that are featured as the
quartet ably sing solos, duets and ensemble pieces that showcase
both the material and their undoubted vocal talents and in Andy’s
case his keyboard skills as well. Their band consisting of drums,
bass and keyboards play every note live, with no reliance on backing
tracks and even during their encore of One Day More, which is
normally performed by at least twenty five voices, these four manage
to cover all the roles. Amazing!!
The sell out crowd of
enthusiastic fans lapped up every second of the fare on offer and
who can wonder why? The show is on tour regularly throughout the
year so my recommendation is to check out their website at www.beyondthebarricade.com
to see when it is somewhere near you then book your ticket now.
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