West End By The Sea

After months of lockdown and the barren wasteland of live entertainment, it was with a real sense of excitement that I headed down to The Warren on Brighton Beach. Within virtually no time Nicky Haydn and her team have not only built a workable open air theatre space but also managed to pull together a programme of live entertainment too. And on my first visit I was treated to a cabaret format concert of music from West End Shows performed by Wets End performers.

It was a beautiful evening with blazing sun as they took to the stage and the atmosphere could not have been better.

Compère Jamie Kenna, after a rousing ensemble opening got us all in the mood with his light banter and MD SImon Pickering was certainly on top form backing each and every soloist with skill and a sensitive touch.

The programme was diverse, songs from show everyone might know to numbers from less familiar works, it made for a great evening and offered opportunities for all to shine – including some new talents recently or soon to graduate from their training.

The seasoned cast included Claire Marlowe, Zoe Doano, Ambra Casserotti, Tim Newman, Mark Inscoe and their guests were Molly Scott and Eloise Barnes with backing singers from Brighton Academy – Ali, Allia, Amy and Jen.

As a lover of musicals this show really hit the spot, but I would defy anyone to not enjoy this fine display of musical talent in the sun, and to add to that sense of joy, all of the talent on the stage is local, Brighton or at least Sussex residents proving once again that the city is awash with stars, now performing under our summer sky. Get along there and support that talent and the team behind this excellent venture.

The Warren is a socially distanced venue, well appointed and well run.

Andrew Kay

10 August

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