UK Theatre Network

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK     NEW END THEATRE

The Great American Songbook at the New End theatre, Hampstead, delivers a delightfully slick night of music that is hard to fault.

The show features songs from 1920 to 1960, written by the classic composers of the time such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Rogers and Hammerstein. It was period that saw an new style of music grounded in the structures of  Tin Pan Alley, and relying heavily on jazz.  Much of it was originally written for Broadway musicals or Hollywwod movies, and became the pop of the time as the songs were picked up by legendary singers such as Ella Fitzerald, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.

With a simple but highly effective set by Ioan Havard, this piece works perfectly in  intimate space of the New End. Andy Rumble’s orchestrations are beautiful and superbly played by a lively four piece jazz band. Heather Simpkin’s direction ensures the pace and energy of the show is relentless, and it happily bounces along with lovely performances by all three vocalists. Ray Caruana gives a heartfelt rendition of Skylark, and there is an stirring performance of  If I Loved You between Paul Roberts and Louisa Parry. Despite being dangerously close to being upstaged by several dress choice disasters, Ms Parry shines in this show, with impressive scatting in Blues Skies and a stunning interpretation of Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.  

As someone vaguely knowledgeable with this period of music but never having ever seen it actually come to life with a jazz band, it was a very exciting live introduction to this period of song writing. I was the youngest member of the audience that night, but this show is a must for anyone of any age who simply appreciates great musical craftsmanship. This is a treat not to be missed.

OLIVER VALENTINE                        Box Office 0870 033 2733