I
wasn’t really sure what to expect of a closing night of a west end performance as I'd never been to one before. Part of me wondered whether it would be full of over
the top sentiments being shared amongst die hard fanatics and usually
professional performers weeping uncontrollably.
I’m happy to say this ridiculously farcical scenario that I’d concocted was just that – a concoction. What I got instead was an atmosphere of an audience united in a joy and admiration of a musical that, sadly, hadn’t pulled in the audience numbers it deserved and performers who channelled all that emotional energy into well honed performances, heightened by the occasion.
I’m happy to say this ridiculously farcical scenario that I’d concocted was just that – a concoction. What I got instead was an atmosphere of an audience united in a joy and admiration of a musical that, sadly, hadn’t pulled in the audience numbers it deserved and performers who channelled all that emotional energy into well honed performances, heightened by the occasion.
As
the wall of sound that is the overture began, the air was electric and the
cheers raucous. I won’t do a review of the show in general as I already
reviewed it in June – if you’d like to read the full review please click here.
Instead I’ll just pick up on a few things.
The
audience appreciation of Sharon D Clarke made her, evidently, the favourite.
There were cheers after not just every musical number she performed but every
scene! There’s a lot of love for this actress and there’s no doubt about why -
Her voice is phenomenal and her comic timing perfect to the beat.
There
was a heavy poignancy when the heartbroken Molly sings – ‘When it’s over it’s over, I have to let go’ considering the
meaning this has not only to the story but for the show itself.
The
ensemble were really given a chance to let go and enjoy performing together one
last time during the upbeat song ‘Talking ‘Bout a Miracle’ and they threw all
that last night adrenaline into it. Particularly Ashley Knight who plays the
tap-dancing hospital ghost; you could really see the genuine smile of pride as
he danced with his fellow cast members one last time. It was a smile of pure
contentment within that moment.
As
we reached the climax of the show, already emotional for its content, I hear
sobs all around. I’m not much of a crier in public - I prefer to hold it in
till my throat gets all tight and I get a headache - but when Sam says “It’s amazing, Molly. The love inside, you
take it with you”... that really gets me. I think it would for anyone who’s
ever lost somebody. I’m listening to it now as I write this and it’s set me off
again!
Then the tears rolled again during the final curtain call in reaction to seeing Mark’s eyes shiny with the threat
of tears followed closely by Siobhan no longer being able to hold back. I find
it so touching that these companies form such close bonds that it’s really like
the separating of a family.
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| Photos courtesy of Lee Barfield |
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| Photo courtesy of Lee Barfield |
To
mark the ending of the show the director, Matthew Warchus, came on stage to
give a small speech and offer his thanks to the cast and crew. He talked about
the process of putting the show together and the demanding nature of the
technical aspects, upon which he brought out Rob Howell, the designer and Paul
Kieve, the illusionist (they are the guys dressed in jeans & black tops in the photo on the left - I couldn't get over how ordinarily such creative geniuses dress). If you were at the show then I was the one whooping madly
for them. Having studied technical theatre I have a real admiration and respect
for these two. You’ll find their names credited to many shows, so keep an eye
out.
Warchus words culminated with the
following sentiment:-
“I hope this doesn’t sound big headed
but I think this really is the west ends loss”
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| Sad times - Flight cases taking away bits of the Ghost Set Photo courtesy of Lee Barfield |
And
though I don’t mean to judge prematurely ... I can’t help but fervently agree
as the Spice Girls jukebox musical, Viva Forever, waits in the wings to take over at the Piccadilly Theatre next
month.
If
we can take positivity from this, however, it’s that a tour is definitely in
store starting next spring bringing this fantastic musical to a wide range of
new people all across the country. I
just really hope it doesn’t lose any of its punchy impact during the scaling
down.
There's not a lot of information on the internet as of yet regarding the
tour but like their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/GhostOnTour or if you don't have facebook keep an eye on the website http://www.ghostthemusical.com/home/
If
you haven’t read it yet, also check out Mark Evans’s last blog as part of Ghost
http://markevansonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/blog-115-farewell-sam-wheat.html
Keep
Believing
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