The West End Men
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 3rd June 2013
The West End Men is a cheese filled, easy going night at the theatre. The evening consists of four 'West End Men' singing songs from various well known musicals and of course there are a few 'surprises' thrown in along the way. It is quite something to see four experienced performers sharing the same stage. The four guys are all different and their voices blend well together to create some brilliant harmonies.
The first act is a little weak in places. The show opens with a mash up of songs including Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Being Alive from Company and Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love. I enjoyed hearing new arrangements of such iconic songs and they come together nicely to conclude the medley.
Unfortunately from then on it went a little downhill. Each 'West End Man' sings a solo song (apart from Lee Mead who performs two numbers). The main problem with this is that each guy sings the song in the context of the musical it is from. For example Glenn Carter sang the almighty Gethsemane as if he was playing Jesus in a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. While this sounds like a nice idea it just doesn't work when Glenn is dressed in a suit and surrounded by musicians - it isn't believable.
The second half improved when Kerry Ellis took to the stage with class and style to show the boys how it's done. She performs Defying Gravity from Wicked, a show which she has starred in on both Broadway and in the West End. However, Kerry performs a different version of the song and most importantly she adds her own personal touch and performs it as Kerry - not as Elphaba. That is the key ingredient to these concert shows, it is vital performers make songs their own, otherwise it can become a little cringey. As usual Kerry's performance was faultless.
It was a shame to see Lee Mead struggle vocally throughout, he simply couldn't hit the big notes and his voice noticeably cracked on a number of occasions. I presume he was unwell but if this was the case perhaps he shouldn't have performed or he should have pulled out of a few numbers. In the second act Lee sings As Long As You're Mine from Wicked with Kerry because he has previously played Fiyero in the show. However, Matt Willis has also played the role so could easily have stepped in!
Matt Willis stole the show because he was the only 'West End Man' who seemed to actually enjoy himself the whole way through! His solo performance of Busted's Year 3000 was the highlight of my evening, it transported me back to my childhood! It is evident that Matt knows how to work a crowd and his wacky dance moves are absolutely hilarious. If Matt ever did any sort of solo cabaret show I would be there in a flash!
Between songs the 'West End Men' share 'banter' which is very over-rehearsed. There are a few comical moments but these sections feel far too scripted. For the show's finale the 'West End Men' and Kerry Ellis are joined by a wonderful choir to perform a few songs from the musical of all musicals, Les Miserables. Finally the cast perform Bohemian Rhapsody before taking their final bows.
For what it is The West End Men is a great celebration of musicals. I wish the musical numbers were a little less predictable but I secretly loved hearing all the classics packed into one evening. If you want to see some West End legends singing their hearts out then The West End Men is worth every penny.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Click here to book tickets (special offer - top price seats reduced to £33.50 at certain performances).
Photo Credit: Poppy Carter
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