The Glasgow Philharmonia return with movies to Musical’s 10 year anniversary show. From local theatres 10 years ago to a jam packed SEC Armadillo in 2024 – this show celebrates the growth and success of Movies to Musicals.
Ross Gunning composed and produced an excellent show from start to finish. The anniversary show felt just like it should – a celebration and a showcase of talent from the performers who he has witnessed grow both in age and confidence. The orchestra were on point for the entirety of the show and the visual of them being on stage at the back made it feel very grand. The music was excellent from the band from the offset – and the performance of the ET theme song gave the spotlight to two cast members who took lead of the brass and woodwind section. Caleb Reid and Charlie Deeth took to the stage with Reid’s flute and Deeth’s Saxophone and led their respective sections with Gunning – to create a fantastic rendition of the iconic theme song for the audience. This was an excellent musical performance from Reid and Deeth and showcased a different side of the arts through the performers musical talents.
The choreography from Christy Bullock-Walker (who had her Movies to Musicals choreographer debut for this show) and Rebecca Curbelo Valdivia was exhilarating. Regardless of the song or the performers, each sequence and move was detailed and executed very well. The choreography as a whole was very professional and eye-catching. The visuals created by the performers on stage were stunning. Whether that be an ending position, a stand out number or a synchronised group move.
One of the key highlights throughout the show was the intertwining of guest stars and the ensemble cast. They nailed the balance of having the spotlight on the star-studded guest line up but also utilised them to create such monumental experiences and moments for the ensemble cast members. Being able to pick the brains of some of the calibre of performers that come to perform with Movies to musicals and to gain the experience and create the amazing memory of showcasing their talents alongside these unbelievable stars was an amazing part of the show. For example, Cast member Blair Cunningham being able to perform a duet of Bring Him Home as Jean Valjean of Les Miserables’, with iconic performer and the youngest ever Jean Valjean – John Owen Jones is such an amazing opportunity and Cunningham even held his own during the performance.
John Owen Jones was one of the guest stars in this incredible guest line up. Jones is theatre royalty. A record-breaking performer, known for his roles in Phantom of the Opera and as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables – where he remains the youngest actor in west end history to portray the role – just to name a few. His performance overall was exceptional. Excellent singing, fantastic stage presence as well as making the audience laugh with his funny interludes between numbers.
Kerry Ellis showcased why she is one of the headline performers around the theatre world. Again, Ellis highlighted her range of technical ability, both vocally and performance wise. Her rendition of No One But You from the beloved musical We Will Rock You was a show stealer. With the addition of the amazing Rock Choir and the ensemble cast singing backing vocals and harmonies – this turned the song into a proper performance.
Sabrina Carter was a fantastic addition to this year’s line up. Carter’s vocal ability is next to none and her stage presence is spectacular. During her rendition of No Good Deed from the illustrious Wicked – alongside being one of the most vocally challenging musicals, you could see Carter transforming into Elphaba live on stage in front of you, bringing the song to life. Fantastic performance throughout the entire night.
Paul Tabone was a very funny and powerful performer. His powerhouse voice could fill a stadium. His operatic tone lended so much to his rendition of Maria from West Side Story. Tabone gave great stage presence and showed great technique in each of his numbers.
Lucy Kay was an excellent performer – showcasing her arsenal of vocal ability with different styles of songs. Her rendition of A Girl in 14G was amazing and was a great representation of how to show multiple sides of your talents in one number – this number ranged from Opera to scat to belting, it had everything and each element was just as good as the other.
The ensemble cast of Movies to Musicals consisted of: Maya Barrie, Elisha Beveridge, Noah Brotherton, Kai Bruce, Lana Burns, Christy Bullock-Walker, Caoimhe Clough, Amber Cooper, Ross Creelman, Blair Cunningham, Charlie Deeth, Darla Dempster, Georgia Dennett, Lily Dennett, Olivia Deveney, Jonathan Dobie, Amy Dougall, Katie Francis, Liam Gavin, Rosemary Gold, Robyn Goodfellow, Darya Goulds, Daniel Haggerty, Bronte Harper, Harriet Harper, Isabella Hay, Alasdair Honeyford, Layla Houston, Kayla Hunter, James Lawson, Sophie Lawson, Aimee Lennox, Anna Rose Loughran, Aaron MacGregor, Craig Mackie, Francesca McGoldrick, Millie McGowan, Mia McLaughlin, Jennifer McLean, Eilidh McManus, Antonia Micallef-Eynaud, Katie Mooney, Abbie Morrison, Nathan Ogston, Clemmie Perrall, Katie Ponsonby, Caleb Reid, Eilidh Reid, Rachel Ross, Aimee Sharp, Mhairi Steel, Romy Taylor, Georgia Wiggan, Lily Wooldridge, Christopher Young, Erin Young,
The cast were fantastic from the offset. They all brought great energy and each number felt like a production on its own. Each cast member played a perfect part in the success of the show and they each were able to shine as a team but also as an individual. The technique shown by all was excellent. From amazing breath control and synchronisation during the extremely fast paced dance numbers to slick harmonies during their rendition of Newbies Seize The Day. The addition of performing their BGT audition number and their own charity single that made it to Number 9 in 2020, was a very touching and great sentimental part of the show for the cast. Overall, fantastic from each individual. They really showcased to the audience their growth and development into amazing stage performers. The only downfall I would have to say is during the School of Rock Medley, the mics decided to stop working for certain cast members, causing a slight drop in the performance during the medley.
In conclusion, Movies to Musicals brought out all the stops for their 10 year anniversary show and they didn’t disappoint. From a star-studded guest line up to such a fantastic performance by the cast and band – Movies to Musicals really celebrated their 10th anniversary and did it in style.
Theatre Scotland 
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