UK Theatre Network

On Sunday March 29^th 2009 I went to see Encore by A Stage Kindly at The Village Bar, Soho.  The Company was made up of: Katy Lipson ( piano and musical director), Giles Howe (host) and singers Elise Bowd, Teresa De Gennero, Nicola Henderson, Scott Armstrong and Lewis Greenslade, with Katy Lipson and Giles Howe performing some of their own material.

May I first say what a novel idea it was to showcase original material from New International Musicals, as well as The Company cleverly including their own material in the line-up.

The songs that stood out for me were ‘How Do You Make Magic’, ‘Be There’ and ‘A Revelation’, all sung by Scott Armstrong, who trained at The Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. He uses his distinct, beautiful tones in ‘How DoYou Make Magic’and is  clearly in control whilst on stage, effortlessly switching between his head and chest voice.

Teresa De Gennero, who was chosen to duet with Scott Armstrong in ‘Marry Me’ and ‘A Tenor,A Soprano’, reminded me of a young Bette Midler with her stage presence, comic timing and strong projectory voice.  Both her and Scott in ‘A Tenor, A Soprano’ showed off  their musical capabilities.  And quite rightly so too!

I felt the depth of feeling within the pools of Lewis Greenslade’s eyes with each song that he sang, taking the audience on an emotional journey.  But, it would have been nice to have seen him occasionally play a more forceful character, rather than stereotyping him as the downtrodden victim.

Another of my favourites was ‘Upon The Table’ sung by Elise Bowd, who is clearly comfortable in making the stage her own; acting easily through the song- ‘Chiropractor’s Hands’ and showing us her sexier side, imitating slightly The ‘Oh yes!’ scene from‘When Harry Met Sally’.

In my opinion Nicola Henderson had the most operatic of all the voices, if a little forced at times.  My favourite of her songs was ‘The Neon Lights’ from ‘Mind The Gap’ written by Giles Howe, where she sounded not unlike Liza Minelli.

It might not be a bad idea if the organisers of this Tour shortened the song list to allow more time to be dedicated to introducing each New Musical.

The chemistry could be felt between long-term friends Katy Lipson and Giles Howe when they dueted together in‘Every Rose’, written by Giles, a rather haunting/Phantom of the Opera- type number.

In ‘Stars In My Eyes’ in the Finale, all the voices came together, allowing every facet of each of their voices to shine through. As they sang the words ‘’Where can you go?’’, I thought to myself ‘’W here can this Company go?’’, with the cult following they are gathering, far,I believe!

If you are writing a Musical visit them at www.astagekindly.com and discover their exciting opportunities.

And to find out what all the fuss is about, see them in their final performance on Sunday 5^th April when they will be performing at The Village Bar, Soho once again.

Bar – Tel 020 7439 4089

81 Wardour St., London, W1D 6QD

www.village-soho.co.uk