By Tommy
Link: https://page.inplayer.com/Intermissions/
Available until: 1st September 2020
First of all, I would like to extend my appreciation to the
young people who created this blog for allowing me to become part of this
enterprise and particularly for giving me the opportunity to write the final
review of what has been an extremely successful and enjoyable series. As
someone who is undeniably better-advised to keep his mouth shut when it comes
to singing (though I can lay claim to being a very poor violinist), I can’t
promise a very technical review, but I believe that the Arts are for everybody and
that everybody’s views are relevant, even those of a parent.
It is perhaps also worth noting that my six year old twins enjoyed these concerts very much. The subject matter was of an appropriate level and the features at an appropriate length to hold their interest, even if some of it was slightly beyond their comprehension. Yet it is not in any way ‘dumbed down’ and has been enjoyed by people of varying ages.
One aspect of these concerts that has particularly impressed
itself upon me is the sheer level of hard work that has made this series possible.
Host Alice Fearn, pianist Nick Barstow, director Kirk Jameson, the camera crew
and of course the guests have all contributed their time and their talents and
even with social distancing, there is, realistically, some element of personal
risk; yet they have all come together to create four thoroughly enjoyable hours
of music.
Time was also given to photographers Troy David Johnson and
Ali Wright, who have been capturing images of closed West End theatres and of West
End creatives in their many new jobs, including working as doctors and delivery
drivers – both of whom have been absolutely essential to so many people in
recent times. It is absolutely fascinating to see how many of those who are
temporarily not employed in the world of theatre have used their time in order
to help others, whether that’s in a practical sense or by producing beautiful
photographs, hand-drawn cards like Ellie Mitchell, herbaceous wall-hangings like
Tom Hargreaves or, indeed, garden concerts like Alice Fearn. There is
absolutely no doubt in my mind that these concerts have been extremely valuable
to the mental health of many theatre fans.
The guests this week were West End performers Lara Denning
and Grace Mouat, sharing their lockdown stories but also speaking positively of
the ways in which their lives have changed, whether that’s by growing
vegetables or creating podcasts. Sadly, these ladies did not lend their vocals
to the concert, but nevertheless gave wonderful interviews.
Kimberley Walsh was unable to appear in person, but she
offered a beautiful rendition of Why Do Birds Suddenly Appear from her own
garden. Marisha Wallace, also virtually, showed us her very touching video of
Tomorrow from Annie. Musical theatre graduate Lenny Turner gave us a
truly remarkable performance of Left Behind from the musical Spring
Awakening. Although I’m most certainly not qualified to judge, I will be
extremely surprised if he does not have a big future in the world of musical
theatre.
Alice Fearn, Emma Lindars and Nick Barstow closed not just
the episode but their whole series of Intermissions concerts with You’ve Got a
Friend (which was not the Toy Story song I was expecting) and Ain’t No
Mountain High Enough. It was lovely to watch not just their performance but
their friendship. I have very much enjoyed getting to know them over the past few
days and will certainly be looking out for them when the West End opens again.
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