With a ten strong band and 24 performers, Exeter University Spotlights, fill the room
chock full of talent for their show A Night at the Musicals. If like me you haven’t seen
a show choir before, think big Broadway numbers and correspondingly big
choreography – both will have you swaying and clapping along in no time.
Spotlights open the show with a number that every musical theatre fan will relish…
I Hope I Get It/One from A Chorus Line. Last month I saw the Leicester Curve
Touring production of A Chorus Line in London. Irritatingly, they chose to get rid of
the classic choreography entirely. Spotlights, however, gave me the perfect balance
of the original magic alongside a whole host of new twists that complimented the
former wonderfully. The purely joyous energy created was maintained throughout the
show. Song after song, each stalwart classics which appear in every musical theatre
fan’s playlist. The shows making up much of the set list were crowd pleasing
favourites such as Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys and Guys & Dolls. However, the
programme also brings in lesser known (in the UK that is) but equally dazzling
numbers from shows like Wonderland and Catch Me If You Can.
The cast all have an opportunity to grab the spotlight, each taking a lead role in at
least one song. As young university performers, shows rarely provide equal
opportunities for all to shine. Spotlights have managed to create a show which allows
each performer to take home a sense of achievement. The cast’s excitement at
being on stage is palpable. Their enthusiasm, like their smiles, was utterly infectious.
The audience were hooting and clapping along with raucous applause after each
number. I know the usual etiquette is to be still and silent during a show. Yet, in this
instance, the joy and passion on stage created an atmosphere so electric and
exhilarating that you couldn’t help but join in.
The biggest credit of the evening has to go to choreographers, Harriet Phillips and Eleisha Harvey. Blending classic and modern choreography, whilst ensuring great pacing and having every single performer on the move throughout. As we see all too commonly in big
casts numbers, people can often be seen to stand around and seem superfluous on
stage. They have eliminated this faux pas and created a professional and cohesive
routine utilising every performer on stage. One that acts to boost the pizzaz and
spectacle to their incredible show. The only room for improvement is with the sound.
Microphones that occasionally didn’t work or produced ear-piercing interference,
slightly distracted us from the performances. However, it is a minor point and didn’t
detract from the show overall. Performed in a real theatre, with better lighting options
and a proper tech setup, I can imagine this show would be mind-blowing.
A Night at the Musicals, was a joy to watch. A strong cast, great music and
performed impeccably. As a self-certified theatre nerd, I would have jumped to have
the opportunity to join Spotlights when I was younger. With a team of over 40
involved in this production, all of whom are clearly theatre nerds too, all I can do is
applaud and say well done. The great news is that if you aren’t able to see their
performance at the fringe, they have 3 showcases every year, so catch them at their
next revue. Here is a taste of their previous performance of Behind The Curtain.
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