A Musical Odyssey, Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society, The Point (From Daily Echo)

A Musical Odyssey, Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society, The Point

11:20am Monday 3rd December 2012 in Curtain Call By Alan Johns

THIS whistle-stop world tour kicked-off with rising star Rosie Mellett’s confident rendition of Where is Love from Oliver!

preceding a trip north for a fine chorus delivery of Tell me it’s not true from Blood Brothers before continent-hopping.

With so much talent it’s hard to do more than credit several stand-out performances, so here goes – Esther Lloyd (excellent in the Evita segment and dueting with Carly Townsend in Miss Saigon), Natalie Thorn (a Wicked comedy number) and Katherine Evans (didn’t disappoint with her Phantom of the Opera solo).

The Chicago segment was lively, with Keith Wiggans in fine voice alongside attractive killers, but the French-finale was the highlight.

Mike Alborough, Mike Sprawson and Will Farthing were the pick of the men but Carole Lilly (co-director with Janet Green and Lizz Spencer) drew the strongest audience-reaction, with Maria Miles also impressive.

Barrie Wells delivered perfect sound, Rob Jones’ orchestra was note-perfect and the bizarre lighting was entertaining.