By Annie McNamee, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Amateur theatre gets a bad rep. It’s long been of jokes about over-enthusiastic teenagers and GSCE monologues trying to break down the boundaries of modern theatre. Sometimes this is fair, but even the most hardened cynics would struggle not to have fun with Showcase.
Do not be deceived by its unambitious title. Music Theatre Bristol’s (MTB) first full-length show of the year is an absolute feat. More than 100 students are involved in making this behemoth come to life, and, unlike most group projects, everyone’s pulling their weight.
'It’s testament to the breadth of talent in Bristol that nothing falls flat, everyone’s in time, and the live band does not falter once.'
This show, which is made up of abridged versions of six different musicals, is an annual tradition in MTB’s calendar, dating back many uni generations (nine years). It allows as many people as possible to get involved in the society, and means there are loads of spots for everyone to show off for a little bit. At its core, it’s about letting the performers – the students – have fun, and that’s what makes it so great.
Well, part of it. The level of talent on show here is, in the most respectful way possible, astonishing. There is something quite magical about seeing a show full of your peers – some of whom you will almost certainly recognise from your lectures and labs – and realising they are secretly a West End level singer. You can’t get that feeling anywhere else.
The show opens with the townsfolk of Beauty and the Beast bursting out from all four of the Winston Theatre’s doorways. They make their way down towards the stage, where Belle (Lily Robinson) sings of escape. It’s a joyful rendition of a classic tale, and it represents the very best of this show: gorgeous voices, somewhat haphazard costumes, and loads of fun. So far, so good.
Next, we’re in colonial America for Little Women. Maybe it’s testament to the timelessness of Louisa May-Alcott’s writing, or even the genius of Greta Gerwig’s, which sneaks its way in, or maybe it’s my own childhood obsession with Jo March showing, but there’s something extra special about this one. Fair warning: you will cry.
No time for tears though, we’re in Oz now. In all honesty, I was apprehensive about Wicked. It’s a high octane show with difficult songs, but I should’ve known by now there was nothing to worry about. These singers are particularly strong, and you’ll be left with goosebumps during at least three of their songs. And yes, Elphaba (Jasmine Sakpoba) can hit all the notes in ‘Defying Gravity’.
After the interval it’s all the way back to 1920s Berlin for Cabaret, which is definitely having a moment right now. Showcase’s Emcee (Stan Abbott-Stacey) rivals Eddy Redmayne in talent and sinister aura; you won’t feel comfortable once during this set. The dances are spot on, and Sally Bowles' (Phoebe Taylor) rendition of 'Cabaret' is a devastating showstopper. Goosebumps.
Flipping from the gravity of Cabaret into the camp explosion that is Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is probably the most jarring shift of the evening, but regardless, there’s no way to not have a good time with Jamie. Everyone in it is just having so much fun all of the time. I half felt like jumping up and joining them.
Anastasia is a fitting send off, and also the most easily understood plot for a layman who’s never seen the show. The townspeople make for convincing revolutionaries, and the Dr. Martins peeking out from underneath the formalwear as the performers hit every note with perfect clarity are a nice summation of what makes Showcase so endearing.
'You’ll find yourself distracted at various points by just how good everyone actually is.'
The issue with Showcase is that you’re left at the end of every segment sort of just wishing you came to see a full production of Little Women. Or Wicked. Or Cabaret, etc, etc. It’s testament to the breadth of talent in Bristol that nothing falls flat, everyone’s in time, and the live band does not falter once. You’ll find yourself distracted at various points by just how good everyone actually is.
It’s also hard to pick out highlights because there are so many. Jo March and Sally Bowles come to mind as particularly fantastic performers, but then so did Glinda (Lucy Tytherleigh) with her perfectly shrill squeaks and operatic trills, and Meg (Zara Connoley) with the dreamy voice, and The Wizard (James Tudor) who, despite the sleaziness, was somehow likeable. I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Get yourself to Showcase. There are certainly worse ways to spend a Friday evening. And enough jokes about theatre kids, alright? They’ve definitely earned the right to harmonise during karaoke.
Showcase is on in the Winston Theatre until Saturday November 9. You can get your tickets here.
