Monday Night At The Apollo Review

With audiences returning to theatre it's great to see a concert series which is both welcoming audiences into the theatre and is also streaming for a virtual audience via Thespie. Wild Mountain Productions present their first of three Monday Night at the Apollo concerts. 

The line up for the first concert featured Aimie Atkinson, Lucie Jones, Cedric Neal, Cassidy Janson and Julian Ovenden with the evening hosted by Greg Barnett and joined with a fantastic 4 piece band.

Host Greg opened the evening with a performance of 'Revival' by Gregory Porter. You instantly warm the Greg's infectious and energetic personality - a great host throughout the evening. 

The evening features each performer singing numbers as well as a few duets, these are interspersed with conversation with the performers - there was a certain story from Julian Ovenden about what they called the corner of the stage he entered from when he was in My Night With Reg that made me laugh.

The first half featured a good variety of pop numbers with numbers from artists including Adele, Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel. With the calibre of performers on show each delivered every number with great skill and wonderful vocal quality. Both of Julian's numbers, 'San Diego Serenade' and 'Here You Come Again', were particularly delightful, what a gorgeous voice he has. 

Into the second half and out came the razzle dazzle of some show tunes. A particular highlight of the night for me was Cedric Neal's touching rendition of 'Hold Me In Your Heart' from Kinky Boots, a show that he explained he narrowly missed out on appearing in both on Broadway and in the West End.

Second half highlights included Lucie Jones belting out 'She Used To Be Mine' from Waitress in which she'll tour in as Jenna later this year. Aimie Atkinson 'Don't Rain On My Parade' showcased her powerful voice excellently. Cassidy Janson perfectly executed a rendition of 'Nobody's Side' from Chess. Julian Ovenden and Cassidy shared a lovely duet 'All The Wasted Time' from Jason Robert Brown's Parade.

There was more great chat in the second half too, it felt like the performers had loosened up a little and the conversation and that made it more fun, light and natural. 

The night closed with Aimie, Lucie and Cassidy performing 'Over The Rainbow', a song that ended a highly enjoyable night. It's so wonderful to see the West End back, to see audiences back and for great shows to be delighting people. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ a fabulous virtual return to the West End with a lovely evening of music and conversation.

To purchase this first episode of Monday Night At The Apollo visit https://thespie.com/digital/monday-night-at-the-apollo-24th-may-2021-thespie/2712. The stream is available for 72 hours after purchasing. You can purchase a bundle of all 3 episodes.