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Post by Lynda on Sept 2, 2008 14:14:51 GMT
As part of Radio 2’s continuing celebration
of the leading lights of musical theatre, a host
of stars celebrate Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
60th birthday.
Hyde park sunday 14th September
Hosted by: John Barrowman
Starring: Philip Achille, Jonathan Ansell, Steve Balsamo, Dean Collinson, Jason Donovan, Maria Friedman, Ruthie Henshall, Duncan James, Lee Mead, Idina Menzel, Denise Van Outen, Elaine Paige, Rhydian, Joss Stone, Julian Lloyd Webber, Hayley Westenra, plus the BBC Concert Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus.
Featuring songs from:
Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, The Beautiful Game, Whistle Down the Wind, The Phantom of the Opera and Sunset Boulevard.
Show starts at 6pm (expected duration 3 hours) and ends with a firework finale.
A £2.00 transaction fee applies.*Calls from a BT landline are charged at local rate; charges from mobiles and other networks may be higher.
In the interest of safety, please do not bring glass items, barbeques or flaming torches.
Tickets: £25.00
(under-3s free)
Family and Friends ticket
offer: buy 7 tickets and
get the 8th ticket free!
Book online here.
Or phone: 0844 412 4638* SEE TICKETS
For VIP packages please
call 0844 756 0116
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Post by asg198 on Sept 2, 2008 19:26:39 GMT
Lewis Bradley and Daniel Boys will also be there
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Post by Lynda on Sept 16, 2008 6:37:51 GMT
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Post by Chrissi on Sept 17, 2008 18:47:47 GMT
Here is my review from Birthday in the Park
I spoke to Lee on Monday and got him to sign my Hyde Park programme. We said he was fantastic, I told him he got a great reception. He said there was 15,000 people there (I think there was more than that there) and told us he had a "blast!"
So.. the show!!!
I was third row from the front for the concert. Joss Stone started off and I think there was some sort of problem with the mic as she seemed quite quiet and she was sort of "jamming" to "Jesus Christ Superstar", which didn't really work for me.
Steve Balsamo was amazing, he has a lovely voice and can go SO high!!! He seemed really in character when he sang "Gethsemane", a great performance from Steve.
Jessie Buckley has a fantastic voice and she was another performer who was incredibly in character, she sang "I don't know how to love him" very beautifully, she moved plenty of people with her voice. She walked off of the stage in tears, she was superb.
I wasn't too keen on Jason Donovan, he sang "No Matter What" well, but it just does nothing for me really.
Idina Menzel was great, she sang two songs "Don't Cry for me Argentina" and also "Unexpected song". I think she has a fantastic voice and again she moved the crowd.
I was pleasantly surprised by Duncan James, he sang "Mr Mistoffelees" and "I believe my heart" with Hayley Westernra. He has a fab voice and really knows how to move around on the stage. Hayley's voice blended well with his. I enjoyed it.
I'm not a Jonathan Ansell fan, but he has a nice voice and sand "Evermore without you" well.
Denise Van Outen was superb! She has a lovely voice and was very much in character singing "Take That Look Off Your Face." She looked simply stunning as well. She got a great reaction from the crowd and looked pleased with the response.
Andrew Johnston has a stunning, beautiful voice. He sang "Pie Jesu" very angelicly. I can't believe he's only young, his voice is amazing.
Hayley Westernra sang "Whistle Down The Wind" Her voice really suited the song, and she wore a pretty red dress.
Phillip Achille who was a finalist of BBC Young Musician of the year performed with a guy from Avenue Q whose name escapes me. The guy from Avenue Q sang "Starlight Express". A lovely performance.
Dean Collinson whipped the audience up into a frenzy singing "King Of My Heart". A fantastic performance from Dean, probably one of the best I have heard. He said "I've always loved you Andrew, always have, always will."
Ramin Karimloo and Gina Beck sang "The Phantom Of The Opera" It was an amazing performance and I'm in awe of Ramin and Gina's stunning voices. Gina was sensational.
Rhydian sang "The Music Of The Night" and I have to say, I am gutted it wasn't Ramin singing this song, as he IS the Phantom. I'm not knocking Rhydian's voice, it is good, I just felt that it was Ramin's song.
Maria Friedman sang "As If We Never Said Goodbye" very well, she really performed the song and it was certainly a powerhouse performance.
"You Must Love Me" was sung by Jodie Prenger. She sang it well, it's just something about her that I haven't yet warmed to, but I'll give it time. She has a lovely voice though."
"Another Suitcase" was sung by Ruthie Henshall. She has a fab voice and fantastic stage presence. She looked lovely and waved to her children. Bless She then sang "The Perfect Year" with John Barrowman. They had fantastic chemistry and their voices blended well. They had a little dance together and a cheeky little kiss.
Elaine Paige sang "Memory" I felt like she wasn't completely comfortable with it all, it was good, but didn't completely blow me away.
Jessie Buckley, Rachel Tucker, Niamh Perry, Keisha Amposa Banson, Keith Jack, Ben James Ellis, Daniel Boys and Lewis Bradley sang "Light At The End Of The Tunnel." They got the audience going, as it was a lovely upbeat song, but this really didn't leave me with much of an impression of them. Perhaps it was the song choice, as I'm not to keen on it, if it was another one perhaps I would've enjoyed it much. So I won't judge on this performance.
John Barrowman has always irritated me somewhat, I always liked his voice but something about him I didn't like. I have to say I've completely changed my mind, he's a fantastic performer and showman. He sang "Oh, What A Circus!" and "Sunset Boulevard" extremely well and got amazing support from the crowd.
No, I haven't forgot the man who sang FOUR songs!!!
Lee looked sensational. Before the concert started he got a huge cheer when he was on stage speaking to the conductor and Hayley. He gave us a cheeky little wave and I wondered if Hayley was shocked with the roar from the crowd that went up when he waved at us all.
"Love Changes Everything" was sung so so beautifully by Lee. His little grin can't help from coming through when he gets feedback from the audience. His voice was smooth, strong and superb. He held the notes beautifully and I can't wait to see how it comes across on the radio. He looked so amazing
"All I Ask Of You" with Hayley Westernra was another fab performance. I can't believe how much he has grown as a performer in such a short space of time. He has real star quality and a stunning, controlled voice. His chemistry wasn't as good as it was with Connie, but it was still so so special. He held her hand at some points of the song and looked into her eyes. With that voice and those looks I'm surprised she didn't melt!
"Close Every Door "was another superb performance from Lee. He controlled his voice well and it was powerful. His cheeky Lee grins slipped in every so often, but we can excuse him for that as I'm sure it was because of the crowds reaction. There really was a lot of Lee love about!!! I was worried as he went for the "land" note near the end of the song as in the warm ups he cracked, but he managed it and very very well indeed. He skipped away to get his coat for "Any Dream Will Do."
"Any Dream Will Do" was great, he got the crowd going and singing with him. I felt proud to be a Lee fan as I heard and saw the reaction to Lee around me. He had an incredible amount of support and was in his element.
The whole night was fantastic and if you'd like to see some pictures of the performers I'll post them happily.
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Post by Lynda on Sept 18, 2008 11:33:34 GMT
Thank you Chrissi, what a great experience for you. I remember Lee being at a music festival in the audience a few years ago. Will show you the pic one day, dont like to put in on the net.
I like Rhydian too.
Lynda xxx
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Post by Chrissi on Sept 18, 2008 17:47:31 GMT
Thanks Lynda!! Rhydian was very good, I just was hoping for Ramin for that song  |
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