The Shows must go on continues with something slightly different this week. Rather than a showing of one of Webber’s shows, this time we’re shown a celebration of Webber’s music at the Royal Albert Hall conducted as part of his 50th birthday celebrations (1998 before you ask).
If you’re a big Webber fan, I don’t think you’ll be too disappointed. The concert features most of Webber’s popular songs. Some of these notable songs were “Any Dream will do” (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), “Superstar” (Jesus Christ Superstar), “Don’t cry for me Argentina” (Evita), “Memory” (Cats) and “Phantom of the Opera” (do I need to say it again?).
There are also songs featured from some of the lesser known musicals including “Whistle down the Wind”. Singers featured include Michael Ball (A bit younger), Bonnie Tyler and Boyzone as well as children and gospel choirs.
The set designed by Mark Thompson can be described as music spilling out into the audience! Some of the highlights for me was Michael Ball’s performance of “Gethsemane” and “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel” from Starlight Express.
This included dancers on roller skates which is making me excited for when it comes available which was also my case with the music from Evita. One I was not familiar with, but I enjoyed was “Oh what a circus”. Another highlight was Paganini which was mostly carried by Jason Lloyd and his cello which served as a bit of variety to this performance.
However, the concert does take some liberties with some of the songs which I felt didn’t work as effectively. This included music from Whistle down the Wind such as “Tyre Tracks and Broken Hearts”, performed by Bonnie Tyler and accompanied by dancers in leather jackets. I feel it would’ve been better if it was performed as a duo, just like in the musical.
Another song which I feel suffers from a similar case is “No Matter What”, performed by Boyzone rather than a children’s choir. The thing which bugs me even more is that there was a children’s choir involved as backup vocalists for the two Joseph songs featured earlier in the concert (“Any Dream will do’ and ‘Close Every Door to me”) However, I think these were only included as an homage to Joseph’s origins – as it originally started as a children’s school production.
Ultimately, the concert was a fitting celebration to Andrew Lloyd Webber. I also appreciate the effort put in the crew to keep this a secret (Webber admits that he had no idea this concert was being arranged). Some music choices may not hold up in some people’s views, especially younger people like us but I think you’ll find some fun in this performance.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 50th birthday celebration concert available to view on YouTube from 7pm on the 1st May for 48 hours concluding on 3rd May.
By Stuart McComb
Feature image: YouTube