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London Theatre Doc

Exeter University Spotlights: A Night at the Musicals Review

Updated: Oct 18




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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