Musical Masquerade

Pastiche Musical Theatre
22nd - 24th July 2010
at The Compass Theatre, Ickenham

Another Op’nin’ Another Show: the first notes strike up, the lights dim and we know we are in for some good old-fashioned entertainment from Pastiche.

By that I don’t mean fuddy duddy as there are plenty of youngsters in the company and enough modern songs, pop, rap and street dance to bring it right up to date and appeal to all ages.

Set this in the broad spectrum of variety from end-of-the pier to American musical comedy and you see Pastiche’s recipe for success: good, fun, family entertainment.

The pace is fast, act follows act in the blink of an eye, and though some soloists might not pass a Britain’s Got Talent audition, there are others who are so good they could win it. On Thursday, the audience knew this and warmed to a company which gives such a great community feel to their productions. They give the proceeds to charity too – this year Oasis benefits.

The costumes are always an important feature of Pastiche performances and we were once again treated to a feast of sparkle, masks, velvet cloaks and gangster suits.

There was of course plenty of angst –lost love, unrequited love, and mother love – and I was particularly moved by some of the youngsters’ poignant renderings. Favourites were I Still Believe by Olivia and Victoria; I’m Not that Girl by Emily, Megan and Molly; and I Wish I May by Jenny, Louise and Mel; the latter a particularly beautiful blending of voices.

Debbie’s version of On Easy Terms, taken from the musical Blood Brothers, was heart-rending and suited her voice perfectly; Stephanie’s My Heart Will Go On was sweeter than Celine Dion’s shouty version, and Jenny and Simon proved a good musical comedy pairing with their number Sue Me.

There were some excellent voices but I must single out Louise, particularly singing Woman, and Victoria’s How Did We Come to This? Also worthy of mention are talented pair Matt and Naomi’s Hey There Delilah – they used voice, keyboard and violin to great effect.

Stop the Beat brought the show to its conclusion. A great ending, but please don’t stop the shows.

Barbara Fisher