Musicworks Festival Follow Up... Last Summer Musicworks took on the huge project of a three week festival at the Bonington Theatre in Arnold. There were events for all ages and all tastes and we hope that those who came and supported the events enjoyed them as much as we did—it’s just a shame more of Nottingham didn’t come to share it with us.We launched in the Festival with a taster night compared by Dominic Heale from BBC East Midlands but sadly not many members of the press came along but it kicked us off in great style. There were many great moments during the festival including the masterclasses with Zoe Tyler (Vocal Coach from the BBC talent shows) and Jeff Blumenkrantz who flew in from New York with his wonderful parents to join us and have a mini tour of England. Both masterclasses were very different but a wonderful education for those involved as well as those watching and Jeff gave a wonderful recital of his songs to a small but immensely appreciative audience. It was an honour to have them both as part of our event. Our 3 major productions were well attended and The Last 5 Years in the first week set a high standard for the main shows to come with stunning performances from Susan and Jonathan Pascoe. Our own production “Tick, Tick..BOOM” was great fun for all of those involved including the band who enjoyed “rocking out” for a few days although Nick, Kate and Rob were all desperate to perform it again after only two performances. Father’s Day was our busiest day with Phil Birkett’s great one man show about the life of Cole Porter followed by the first ever concert of the newly formed Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra. It was a wonderful day and NYJO played to a packed house. Jayne Russell who was lucky enough to be their guest singer has such a good time, she has sung with them again and is hoping to keep up the partnership. The surprise smash of the festival was the improvisation night “Probably the best improvised musical…”. It wasn’t a night for the easily offended but it was a huge success and the performers were brilliant and very brave. They all admitted to having a little Dutch courage before hand and after the show swore they would never do it again but we’re hoping that was not the case and that the musical they produced in the second half will soon be a box office smash!! The festival ended as it began with people from all the events performing “Grateful” the songs of John Bucchino. It was a great finale to three exhausting weeks bringing everyone back together in style. Although it was disappointing that we didn’t manage to entice as many people to the Bonnington Theatre as we had hoped, it was an amazing experience and a great learning curve.
The Bonington staff were so helpful and supportive throughout the event although they thought we were mad and we couldn’t have done it without them. Likewise, the expertise of David Phillips and his team who went out of their way to get us what we needed and created our logos in projection and lights to add a touch of glamour was invaluable and more than we could ever have wished for. Thank you to everyone involved in the organisation, front of house, publicity and to those who came to see performances and to everyone who performed. |
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