***** (5 Stars)
“A cornucopia of musical delights”
Showcase musical production affectionally known as just Showcase came to life over 40 years ago with the aim of raising essential funds for MacMillan Cancer Support which to date has seen them donate over £300,000 to the cause.
For the last at least 20 of those years Director Andy Johnston, Musical Director David McFarlane and Choreographer Claire Smith have perfected the formula that has seen the annual musical extravaganza taken to the heart of the people of Edinburgh and beyond.
Showcase 2026: Dream as one see’s that formula brought bang up to date in as stellar production that provides a cornucopia of musical delights. In a show that’s thrilling, moving and above all else endlessly entertaining.
Showcase is essentially a patch work quilt of musical styles borrowing from Rock, Pop, Musical Theatre, The Cinema and even opera gets a look in. With an impressively large cast, a whirlwind of costume changes, a dazzling lighting design and the most magical ingredient a simply outstanding 15 strong pit orchestra under the baton of David McFarlane himself.
Highlights of this year’s programme are a blistering opening tribute to S Club 7 with Matt Fullerton giving his vocals true gusto. John Innes turns in an almost operatic take on legendary Elvis Presley’s “Always on my mind”. The shows title “Dream as one” from the film Avatar Fire and Ice is given an inspiring interpretation from Heather Gore and the entire chorus that captures the audiences heart.
As is tradition for the company the first act is closed out by a selection of songs taken from the musical theatre. Special credit goes to Fullerton again for a finely judged take on “A Musical” from Something Rotten. Laura Cross is also in fine form and voice with an emotional rendition of “These are the days of our lives” from We will Rock You.
Act 2 see’s the company really step it all up a gear opening with a section marked “Shamrock ‘n’ roll that’s a collection of Irish Celtic infused numbers that see’s Ross MacTaggart delivering a punchy “Bring on Tomorrow” from choir of man and beautifully emotional take on “Falling Slowly” from Once from Arlene Tonner and Craig Young.
A spin through Divas thru the Decades follows with Kim Brydon revelling in the Cher classic “Believe” this is followed by a “Strictly Pet Shop Boys” a clever mash up of Tennant and Lowe classics with McFarlane delivering a stoater of a musical arrangement to go with it.
The show concludes on an emotional high point with a finale that pays tribute to the Late Dolly Parton and Bonnie Tyler followed by the companies signature song Brian Wilson’s “Love and Mercy” performed by the chorus with the stellar Clare Clayton on lead vocal which sees the curtain fall on a show that’s studded with musical Jewels throughout.
Production wise its another triumph with Andy Johnston’s lighting design adding real west end flair accompanied by Ian Cunningham’s finally judged sound design ensuring a great balance between orchestra and performers. Special credit to him for ensuring the small 6 strong male ensemble punch well above their weight throughout. Claire Smith’s choreography makes the most of the limited space of the church hill stage and the large number of performers and she ensures the solo dance moments for her core du dance really does shine. Mhairi Summers puts the cherry on the cake with a full throttle wardrobe design that gives the 2026 edition of Showcase a fresh contemporary feel.
Showcase 2026: Dream as one deliver’s everything it should and so much more with a perfectly judged programme, stunning performances and with the knowledge that by just buying a ticket and being royally entertained your making a difference to someone else’s life and what can be more joyous than that! So, rush to the Church Hill Theatre and grab what few tickets remain. This years show really is Showcase on exceptionally fine form. Wonderful Stuff!
Showcase 2026: Dream as One, Church hill theatre Runs until Thursday 23rd September 2026. For more information and tickets go to: Showcase Edinburgh
