The Theatre Channel Episode 4 Review.

With Christmas, just a couple of days Adam Blanshay Productions and The Theatre Cafe have dropped their latest episode in The Theatre Channel series, The Holiday Special. (all previous episodes and this episode can be purchased to stream from www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/channel)

This episode continues in the same strong vein as the previous episodes in the series. The use of The Theatre Cafe space and surrounding area is superb. It allows the audience to feel like they are right there, that each number is being performed for them. Ben Hewis's camera work, in particular, continues to be outstanding as is Bill Deamer's direction and choreography.

Alyn Hawke Sophie-Louise Dann and Alex Woodward. Photo by Edward Johnson

The first number is one of the most notable Christmas songs to come from a musical, 'We Need A Little Christmas' from Mame performed by Sophie-Louise Dann backed up by Cafe Four (Alyn Hawke, Emily Langham, Sadie-Jean Shirley and Alex Woodward) who accompany many of the numbers. Sophie is such an accomplished performer and on top form here.

Recent ArtsEd graduates perform 'Seasons of Love' from Rent. It's a great moment for these graduates to shine considering the year they've had where there have been very few opportunities to perform. 

Zizi Strallen performs 'Turkey Lurkey' from Promises, Promises. This number shows of Zizi's vocal talents as well as her skill in dance. Performing Bill Deamer's fabulous choreography superbly. 

Zizi Strallen and Cafe Four. Photo by Edward Johnson.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud and Matt Croke perform 'Happy Holidays/Let's Start The New Year Right' from the Irving Berlin musical Holiday Inn. It's a wonderful number, properly what I'd call old fashioned charm. Tosh and Matt's vocals are smooth and charming.

Manon Taris sings 'Ave Maria Païen' from Notre Dame De Paris. It's a beautiful number which Manon sings tremendously in French. The number is dedicated to Charles Talar, the originating producer of Notre Dame De Paris who sadly passed away in October. 

Cassidy Janson sings Irving Berlin's classic 'White Christmas'. Her lovely warm rendition starts at the piano and builds well.

Rachel John (centre) and full company. Photo by Edward Johnson.

Rachel John sings the joyous soulful 'A Brand New Day' from The Wiz. There's a great transition from the opening part of the number in The Theatre Cafe before it ends up next door at The Duke of York's Theatre. There's a great use of different parts of the theatre including the Box Office, Front of House and the stage itself. There's more outstanding choreography here performed by a large ensemble of performers, and what a joy it is the see this amount of performers on a West End stage again.  

All in all, this is another fantastic episode of a brilliant theatrical series which is keeping a flame of the sadly currently closed West End lit. Festive stagey goodness, what more could you ask for? 

You can purchase this episode (and the previous episodes) now from www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/channel