Review: Songs From The Playground at the The Phoenix Artist Club

Songs From The Playground
The Phoenix Artist Club
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th January 2014

Songs From The Playground featured an evening of new music by performer and writer Jon Kristian at The Phoenix Artist Club. The event kicked off strongly with a beautifully written song ‘Stuck In Repeat’ which Jon wrote as part of the musical version of the popular film The Holiday. The number was performed by Christina Bennington and Jodie Steele who gave their all, putting a smile on everybody's face. 

Jon wasted no time by jumping off the piano to introduce us to his next musical The Vow. This section featured one of my favourite songs of the night, ‘23 Vows’ sung by Dan Looney. The section also included a duet from Abigail Carter-Simpson and Tom Senior, a solo from Tom Senior and a duet from Dan Looney and Christina Bennington. 

The music from the first two shows Jon showcased would be at home on a West End stage. We swiftly moved on to ‘Stripper’ from a musical revue Jon has written entitled Hidden Talents. 'Stripper' performed by the enchanting Jordan Lee-Davies (pictured right) had the whole audience in stitches as he described his life as a Tesco employee and his dream of being a stripper. 

The fourth musical we were introduced to was The Homefront which tells the true story of several homeless men living on the streets of London. The lyrics in these songs were so touching and moving that several audience members were left with tears in their eyes. Gabriel Mokake and Kane Oliver Parry performed the music beautifully. The Homefront is certainly a show I want to see on stage in all its glory.

The evening came to come to an end with its fifth and final section. These songs were very recognisable as Jon had been commissioned to write the musical version of The Notebook (only to later find out that somebody else had the rights for Broadway). Performers included Kayleigh Mcknight, Michael Quinn, Cellen Chugg-Jones and Christina Bennington. The music was soft, simple and elegant, every work was performed with such passion and emotion.

Jon Kristian is represented by Oxford Adams who recently helped secure Jon a role in Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany. Jon’s talent as a writer matches his talent as a performer. He accompanied every song on the piano and had no reason to be nervous.

If you ever hear about a Jon Kristian show, buy a ticket and you will see me sitting in the front row.

Reviewed by Jamie Chapman Dixon

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