Music Of The Night

HERALD EXPRESS - ROM ELLIS-PRESTON *****

Of the numerous variety shows I've now seen at the Babbacombe Theatre I have to say that Music of the Night is the most polished of the lot.

Packed with talented performers, classic songs, numerous jokes and well-choreographed dancing, producer Colin Matthews has become a master of his art.

It is his 30th year at the theatre after all.

Music of the Night gets off to a bright start with colourful costumes and the whole cast on stage.

It seems that Colin has opted for quality over quantity in terms of the cast.

There were a smaller number of performers compared with some of Babbacombe's shows. However, this ensured that there was genuine star quality throughout.

Once host and Babbacombe Theatre veteran Andy Oakley got the night under way with his usual brand of old school humour, the audience was treated to song after song spanning many generations and genres.

Andy formed 'The Four Chords' with Lee Randall and Damien James to take people on a whistle stop tour of every song they could think of that is played with four chords.

Medleys were the name of the game in the first half with a Stevie Wonder tribute and a 60s compilation taking the audience back in time.

A solo piece from singer dancer Lisa Walker was another highlight as the fast paced show quickly moved towards the interval.

Arguably the most memorable moment of the night came just before the half-time break as the whole cast performed a tribute to 50s rock 'n' roller Buddy Holly.

Audiences members young and old were brought up on stage to join in the dancing and singing — an very uplifting note to head into the interval on.

The second half opened with hits from Genesis and Karen Carpenter among others.

Songs from current West End shows and hit films were also interspersed throughout to keep things feeling relevant.

Lily Laight, who now has six years of experience treading the boards at Babbacombe, despite still only being 14, also shone with a collection of solo pieces and duets.

Another star performer was Paul Cobley. His powerful voice had more and more influence as the evening went on.

There was also something for the younger generation with Damien James performing Coldplay hit Paradise and the five girls, Lindsey Collard, Lisa Winter and Keedie, alongside Lily and Lisa Walker, bring the girl-power with Wings by Little Mix.

Audience members were on their feet by the end of the show — it really was the Music of the Night.