Billed as an evening of new American musical theatre, The Songbook Review starts a little hesitantly, but by about the third song, the five singers involved seem to relax, get used to their surroundings and show how good they can be. There are a few small problems with balance - the three musicians from the Royal College of Music sometimes overpower the voices – but it's a small issue in what is a compellingly entertaining evening.

It is unusual, because this kind of musical theatre doesn't seem to be so popular these days. The whole category seems to be dominated by big musicals or personal cabaret by a name. To give some idea of the musical scope, this is more in the territory of the easy, casually-charming approach of Flanders (1922–1975) and Swann (1923–1994), blended with the acidity of Tom Lehrer (b 1928-).

The mix of singers (three women, two men) adds a range of almost big-stage performance options that wouldn't disgrace an Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical. And with Christine Molloy-Siddaway's Kaleidoscope, which opens the second half, performed by all the singers, it's well into Eurovision Song Contest country: very slick and polished harmonies, and a opportunity for the musicians to shine alongside the singers. The evening offers something for everyone. There's humour, romance, some displays of wit, and an opportunity for everyone to show off their undoubted talents.

It's unfair to single out any one of these excellent singers, but Charles Bloom's and Cole Porter's The Baritone's Complaint sung by Jonas Christensen is funny and shows the range he is capable of. It's great too, to see that the tradition of song-writing in the arch, satirical and very clever manner of Cole Porter lives on through a number of these very accomplished composer / songwriter teams, including musical director Solfa Carlile. The Songbook Revue puts the focus back on live performance, and shows what can be achieved by talented performers like these.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Singers: Josh Boyd-Rochford. Jonas Christensen. Cristin Curtin. Adi Konfino. Holly Vernon-Harcourt. Musicians: Solfa Carlile - Keyboard. Chris Goodman - Clarinet. Elwin Hedrijanto - keyboard. Chaz Keiderling - Alto Saxophone, Flute.

Company Credits: Writer - (various). Director - Emily Jenkins. Musical Director - Solfa Carlile. Lighting - Diane Dundon. Sound - Byron Bullock. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - The Delphi Theatre Companies.

END

(c) Michael Spring 2009

reviewed Sunday 17 May 2009 / Etcetera Theatre, London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com