Category: Brett Herriot Review

***** (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 Saturday 26th September 2026. For more information and tickets go to: Showcase Edinburgh

**** (4 Stars)

“Ture Quality and Class!”

Annie the musical can trace its roots back over a century to the original comic strip “Little orphan Annie” published in 1924. 50 years later the story was finally adapted into a musical with music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan. Opening in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre) on Broadway the show featuring the smash hits “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life” has become beloved by generations of children and theatre goers.

Telling the rags to riches story of Annie Bennet the little orphan who seeks her parents but ultimately discovers her truth and a life with Millionaire Daddy Warbucks all the while out foxing the nasty Miss Hannigan and her brother Rooster and his lover Lily St Regis has enjoyed numerous productions over the years including London’s west end and various UK and US Tours as well motion picture adaptations.

In 2015 critically acclaimed producers Michael Harrison and David Ian for Crossroads secured the rights to the show and developed a brand-new production directed by the award winning director of the Leicester Curve, Nikolai Foster, the show would prove to be a smash it, opening at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal in 2015 its enjoyed two UK tours plus a lengthy run in London’s west end at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Following a covid enforced break the show was remounted for a tour in 2023 and visited Edinburgh with the late great Paul O’Grady giving his final stage performances at Miss Hannigan, now the production is back for a New UK tour with La Voix and the incredible Claire Sweeney sharing the role of Hannigan and Edinburgh gets Claire Sweeney who delivers an impeccable and physically ripe performance.

Performances across the board are excellent with Sweeney leading the company in style bringing out the right amount vitriol as Hannigan, Christian Copper as Rooster gives the character a slimy smarminess but could be a little more rich in his villainy. Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell is a joy bringing honey-soaked vocals and an inner strength that makes the Character shine.  Bringing a true does of west end leading man is the Great Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks he delivers in spades giving Warbucks real heart and a stunning voice in equal measure.

Turning to the children the production deploys three teams of 6 orphans plus four young actors in the role of Annie, on press night June Young took the honours of playing “Annie” and what a triumph she is! You can’t help but fall in love with her and a big career awaits this talented youngster.

Production wise this is a west end worthy show with Colin Richmond’s Set and Costume design being of sumptuous quality and clearly borrows the flavours of “Matilda” to great effect. Ben Cracknell’s Lighting design is everything and more that you would expect from this gifted designer. Richard Brookers sound design is pure quality ensuring a perfect blend between on stage performers and musical director Nick Tudor’s stealthy eight strong pit band.

Nikolai Foster’s direction ensures a swift pacing but act one does lack a little oomph but this is made up for in a blistering act 2 that hurtles through the story to a satisfying conclusion. Which is followed by a hearty sing along of “Tomorrow” as cast and audience join in a glorious celebration.

 Annie remains an eternal favourite and this production brings true quality and class to the stage as it proves that for all of us if we believe hard enough the sun really will come out tomorrow! So, head to the Playhouse and grab a ticket for a little hard knock life yourself!

Annie, Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Sunday 20^th September 2026. For more information and tickets go to: Annie Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets

The production will visit Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre Tuesday 3^rd to Sunday 8^th November 2026 and The King’s Theatre Glasgow, Tuesday 2^nd to Sunday 7^th March 2027. UK Tour continues.

*** (3 Stars)

“Filled with old school musical charm!”

The Edinburgh Playhouse kicks off its Autumn and Winter Season with a weeklong run of the Cole Porter Classic, High Society, fresh from its success in London’s west end at the Barbican featuring all time classic songs like “Who wants to be a millionaire?” and “I got you under my skin”. Despite some inspired performances and a sumptuous staging, the show needs a tad more oomph to really get it going. However it still succeeds in delivering a show filled with old school musical charm!

High Society with music and lyrics by the legendary Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit started life as the 1956 motion picture musical based on the “Philadelphia Story” which would become a beloved classic to a generation. Forty one years later in 1997 the movie was adapted for the stage premiering at American Conservatory Theater San Francisco prior a short run on Broadway.

A new production was mounted in the spring of this year at the Barbican in London and is now on tour around the UK.  The plot follows a pretentious Oyster Bay socialite who is planning to wed an equally pretentious executive, when her ex-husband arrives to disrupt the proceedings. A relatively loose story to hang a succession of Porters biggest Hits upon.

Due to the indisposition of both Helen George “Tracy Lord” and Julian Ovenden “Dexter Haven” both were unable to appear with Isobel Snaas and Andrew Coshan stepping into the roles respectively  and both deliver exceedingly well. Nigel Kennedy delivers a warm take on “Uncle Willy” but the true stand out of the show is the triple threat joy that is Freddie Fox as “Mike Connor” boy can this gorgeous performer sing, dance and deliver true acting chops that capture the audience in every single moment he is on stage. Featuring a further six principal cast members and a 16 strong ensemble who shine when delivering Anthony Van Laast’s inspired and period perfect choreography.

Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction sees the show swing along but alas without much depth to the characters which is why there is such a sense that the whole show just needs a serious dose of oomph about it rather than just trundling along nicely.

Production wise it’s a truly sumptuous affair, Tom Rogers set design brings the pastille vistas of New England to vivid life accompanied by Howard Hudson’s sublime lighting design. Adam Fisher’s sound design is bang on the money with a perfect balance between performers and Musical Directors Dan McLaughlin’s stealthy and excellent 14 strong pit band. Six of these musicians also feature in a perfect onstage jazz band to great effect.

Special credit must go to Jon Morrell’s utterly gorgeous costume design; it’s a riot of colour, elegance and class totally befitting both the time period and the heart of the show itself to great acclaim.

This is a High Society that has much to offer and proves there is still a place in the modern theatre world for these classic tales to be told, just don’t scratch too far beneath the surface and you will have a swinging time at a musical that remains endlessly entertaining in a true swinging  jazz style.

High Society, Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 12^th September 2026. For more information and tickets go to: High Society Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets

*** 3 Stars

“Stellar Performances “

The Beyond Broadway Experience marks a decade of epic productions with a return to its home at the festival theatre for its 2026 production, The Little Shop of Horrors. There formula of deploying a 200 strong cast has given some of the most breath-taking choreographic moments across the years which is thanks to company’s directors choosing show titles which work in hand in hand with the ballooning up to such a large cast size.

That makes the choice of performing Little Shop of Horrors with book and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and music by the critically acclaimed legend Alan Menken more surprising and equally tough a choice.

Directors Drew Gowland and Murray Grant have a passion for the show itself, but the reality is the show is written to be performed by a core cast of 9 so deploying a cast of 200 was always going to be challenge and it’s a challenge that comes at the cost of the show itself.

Performances are stellar especially the leads, Huck Whittle brings a truth and geekish understanding the role of “Seymour Krelborn” he has the acting chops for the part and lovely vocal to boot. Jennifer Ford as “Audrey” gives a performance that’s the opposite of the legendary Ellen Greene and delivers a sassy and strong interpretation of the character with an excellent vocal ability to boot. Harry Aspinall is fabulous as Mr Mushnik delivering a performance dripping in comedy draw straight from the show’s comic book roots.

Little shop is, in itself a tribute to the 60 girls group sand is written to feature a three part harmony girls group in the vain of the Supremes. Crystal (Kirsty Montgomery), Chiffon (Emma Sembatya) and Ronette (Millie Wilson) and while all three deliver well with a modern visual make over the effect is diluted by making this a 12 strong girl group with characters the company have created just for this production and its ends up being more a modern Greek chorus that a 60’sdoo whop girl trio.  That said visually and vocally it pops on stage.

The company get the story across and the choice of casting Rhianne McAllister as Audrey II as in vision character rather than relying on puppetry does for the most park work well and she does deliver a powerfully evil performance.

With 23 named parts in the production that leaves an ensemble of 177 and my word when there all on stage it is spectacular and Grant’s Choreography (with additional choreography from Laura Proudfoot, Liam Gillespie, Kieran Lynch and Frazer Beckles) delivers the wow moments the company are so renowned for. However, Lewis Byfield’s lighting design see’s many of them dancing in the dark as they aren’t lit. Musically the show is also on a solid footing thanks to musical direction from Linda Stewart and Greg Davidson and Stewart also leads a fabulous five strong onstage band.

Production wise the company make the most of expansive spaces of the Festival Theatres Giant stage, yes, the Audrey II planet is a little underwhelming but having McAllister’s stealthy Invision performance makes up for it. Byfield’s lighting design works well for the most part, but those big dance numbers do need to be lit better to see the huge cast at work a scene at end of the show featuring the cast dancing in the stalls was completely unlit which is a shame. Greg Young’s Sound design is excellent with an excellent balance between performers and the live band. TFC Scenic set design whilst simplistic works well and allows for the large amount of space a 200 strong cast need to deliver the high energy dance performances that pepper the show.

This is a little shop of Horrors that has a lot of love and passion poured into it especially by the talented cast. However, this might the one show that doesn’t fit the beyond broadway formula as well as the others have. That being said, the company have successfully delivered the eye popping choreographic moments that only they can and with the company also staging shows in Aberdeen and in Swansea alongside confirmation the company will return to the Festival Theatre in 2027 with “Wonderland The Musical” it’s clear The Beyond Broadway Experience will continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable by a massive cast drawn from the next generation of talent.

The fact the show is rehearsed and produced to a professional scale in just two weeks is an impressive achievement and while clearer directorial choices may have served the show better but what is delivered is a thrilling and impassioned production that allows the talent on stage to shine brightly! and still makes it well worth the ticket price.

The Beyond Broadway Experience presents, Little Shop of Horrors, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, The production runs until Saturday 25^th July for more info go to: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/little-shop-of-horrors/

***** (5 Stars)

“Emotional and Powerful the Production everyone will be talking about!”

Edinburgh based Find Your Light productions return for their 2026 season with a brand-new challenge for 28 young, up and coming performers they have just two weeks to go from meeting for the first time to staging a fully realised musical production to a professional standard, can it be done? This time the show of choice is the critically acclaimed modern musical smash hit Everybody’s Talking about Jamie and my word the company deliver a show packed with astoundingly mature performances that touch the heart. This show bleeds emotion and power in a production that everyone will be talking about!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie the 2017 musical adapted from Jenny Popplewell’s critically acclaimed BBC documentary, Drag Queen at 16 which threw the spotlight onto teenager Jamie Campbell in his quest to wear a dress to his school prom. Featuring a score by Dan Gillespie Sells and book & lyrics by Tom MacRae this is a true coming of age musical that deals with matters of the family heart, prejudice on many levels alongside bullying as Jamie seeks to escape the darkness and become the Drag Queen inside.

Directed by Stephen Graham- Martin with Choreography and Musical Direction from Charlotte Henshall it’s a brave show to pick as its story speaks to the heart of both the 28 strong company but also the audience. Especially in this production which features a stripped back and emotionally truthful performances from the entire cast whilst also delivering the glamour and comedy of the drag world but effortlessly keeping it real, which is a true achievement for the entire company.

Performances across the board are simply excellent, however the leads in the show are bound for great things in the performance arts industry. Rory Pentland (who will alternate with Olly Freeman-Ferguson) plays Jamie New with an emotional breath and depth that belies his years. His vocals are rich and fulsome, but his acting skill is breath-taking with the emotions of Jamie’s heart being explored with incredible maturity and truth. His performance of “My Man, Your Boy” is heart rendering as it beautiful. The same is true of Isla Nisbet (who will alternate with Brook Dunbar) as Jamie’s mother Margaret New. This is the trickiest role in the show given that both Pentland and Nisbet are around the same age bracket in reality but Nisbet delivers a convincing, heart renderingly impactful performance throughout. Her take on “He’s My Boy” is the shows pure 5 star shimmering moment in motion that brings a tear to all who witness it.

Speaking of 5 star moments special mention must go to Lucymarie McEvoy as Pretti Pasha and her show stopping take on “Beautiful” that’s sung from the heart and although simply directed by Graham Martin delivers the real heart of both the song and the show.

The show also embraces its drag world setting with the inclusion of up-and-coming professional drag queen Cherry West alias Sam Carlin taking on the dule role of Hugo/ Loco Chanelle. Carlin delivers a wealth of comedy talent and lush vocals, and the company have cleverly ensured that whilst aesthetically the character looks like Cherry, they are very much Hugo and Loco throughout.

Joining Carlin in high heels are Robbie Wilkins (Laika Virgin/ Levi), Fionn Cameron (Tray Sophisticay/ Jamies Dad) and Ruaridh Laidlaw (Sandra Bollock/ Mickey)  they bring comedy joy and prove they can move in the heels especially when delivering Henshall’s fast paced and fresh chorography. Also, thanks to clever double casting they show off great acting chops too.

Dylan Hynd as Dean and Eve Morrison as Miss Hedge have the challenge of playing baddie parts however they deliver them with conviction and unlike “Jamie’s Dad” they get a redeeming happy ending that has the audience cheering them on come the final curtain.

Production wise, it’s hard to believe the show as brought together in just over a week prior to opening. A clever rotating set and a pair of portals are used to make the most of the space on stage at the Churchill Theatre accompanied by a technicoloured riot of a lighting design from Edinburgh based LA Create. Owen and Chris at LA Create also deliver a flawless sound design. Miranda Burns inspired, inventive and fresh Costume design adds professional polish to this production, Burns choices bring out the best in both performances and the shows story.

Find Your Light’s production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie gets to the heart of Jamies story in a way in which the professional production often doesn’t. It’s performed by a company many of whom are living there own Jamie journey in real life. It’s a production rooted in the truth that we are all uniquely special and deserved to be love for who and what we are! One thing is for sure there is a lot of love in this show, and you must do what you can to grab one of the last remaining tickets and find your own little bit of glitter in the Gray! Camp, Gay, Honest, with a rich heart everything Jamie should be! wonderful stuff indeed.

Find Your Light Presents, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, The Church Hill Theatre Edinburgh, Runs until Saturday 18^th July 2026. For more information and tickets go to: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Tickets | Fienta