Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy a musical theatre cabaret? Once or twice, I’m sure. A cabaret is always a guaranteed night of fun whether you’re a theatre fan or not: great songs and even better voices to sing them – what’s not to like? Unfortunately, as no rich Sheikh has turned up on my doorstep proposing marriage yet, I can’t always make it along to each and every one, much as I might like to. Still, I pop up at enough of them. I also like to use this space to preview those which I think would prove particularly popular with audiences – which leads me nicely onto a couple of upcoming cabarets that fit the mould perfectly.
First up is the cabaret at The Pheasantry, Chelsea this weekend: on Sunday 5th February 2012, Jonathan Eio presents Love Love Love as a special early Valentine’s treat for all the loved-up couples out there. It will be a musical evening which features an eclectic mix of pop and musical theatre, 80s “cheese” and classic pop songs, all under the pink and fluffy theme of L.O.V.E.
Jonathan Eio is a musical theatre performer who has played the leading role of Melchior in the UK tour of Spring Awakening, along with roles in Sondheim’s Into The Woods and the workshop premiere of Based On A True Story. With panto season having only just passed us by, Eio was most recently seen playing Dandini opposite Jonathan Ansell in Cinderella. Eio is also a talented singer/songwriter who has provided vocals for the debut album of Joe Sterling and already released two solo albums of his own music: The Space In Between and New Beginnings – the audience can expect to hear a selection of these songs performed on the night. A couple of very special guests will also be joining Eio to lend their exceptional vocal talents to the cabaret. Jodie Jacobs has appeared in a range of West End shows, from Evita to We Will Rock You, and is currently a Rock of Ages cast member, recently winning the BWW UK Award 2011 for Best Supporting Actress. With a big personality to match her big voice, Jacobs will be a lively addition to the night – as will singer/songwriter Dan Clews, whose music has received substantial interest from national and regional radio, including BBC Radio 2. Completing the ‘triple threat’ of guests is Lauren Austin from the Stage 100 Award winning Musical Theatre Academy. So whether you’re looking to celebrate your love or just looking to be inspired, Love Love Love is certain to fulfil your heart’s desire.
The second cabaret I wanted to mention is that of Wicked star Chloe Hart. Chloe Hart And Co In Cabaret marks her debut as cabaret host on 8th April 2012, in a celebration of new writing and contemporary musical theatre at Freedom Bar, Soho. Hart burst onto the West End scene in 2007 when she starred as Tracey Turnblad in Hairspray, which she followed up by joining the cast of the West End’s longest-running musical Les Miserables before moving onto her current job of lighting up the stage of the Apollo Victoria. She’s also been making a good name for herself by performing in a number of concerts and cabarets, including those of New York composer Scott Alan and last weekend’s Children of Eden concert at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Last Minute Theatre Tickets have previously interviewed Hart and a few weeks ago, I featured her in the weekly In Profile series on the website, which puts a spotlight on outstanding ensemble members of West End shows – something which she most certainly is with her impressively powerful voice. She’ll be inviting a few of her equally talented friends along to her cabaret too, which includes Lauren Samuels (Grease, We Will Rock You), Oliver Brenin (Wicked, 42nd street, imagine this), Thomas Sutcliffe (Wicked) and the amazing girls of dressing room 11, Gemma Atkins, Jacqueline Hughes, Charlotte Scott and Michelle Pentecost. The night will be raising money for cast mate Gemma Atkins, who is running the London Marathon later this year in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Talented and charitable? How can any theatre fan refuse that combination?
Due to a previous engagement (and my prematurely cynical outlook on love), I won’t be able to attend Jonathan Eio’s Love Love Love cabaret unfortunately, but I’ve already put Chloe Hart and Co in the book. I hope to see some of you there and, for anyone who can make it Eio’s cabaret this Sunday, I’d ‘love love love’ to hear all about your experience.
By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)
1st February 2012
