There is no shortage of Christmas concerts for us to enjoy while we are stuck at home during Corona Christmas. One that stuck out from the crowd and caught my attention was 'Winter Warmers' from Red Piano Productions.
Rather than solely focus on the Christmas standards that appear on every other show, 'Winter Warmers' is full of original songs by a talented group of up and comers. There are still a handful of festive classics in the shape of 'Winter Wonderland', 'The Christmas Song' and a stunning performance of 'What Are You Doing New Years Eve' but other than that, it is all brand new music.
The brainchild of Dominic Gray, he introduces the songs and even pens a couple of them himself alongside Ceola Daly with the fantastic 'Kiss Me At Midnight' and 'Different Kind of Christmas'. The original songs are where this concert truly shines. A serious high standard which instantly matches the classics we all know and love (or in some cases know and are sick of). with one highlight coming from the wonderful Emma Hatton performing a gorgeous number called 'Magic' written by Ben Barrow and Lucy Ireland.
Another new song comes in the form of 'Butterfly' from new musical Plan Bea. You may have seen that musical featured in the recent 'In The Wings' series. Written by Deborah Gersohn and Suzy Davies, the beautiful song is performed by Maiya Quansah-Breed who has recently stolen the hearts of many from her standout turn in the Hope Mill Theatre's production of Rent.
The talent recruited to perform these mix of brand new songs and old favourites is a refreshing mix of well known names and recent graduates. Six and &Juliet star Grace Mouat and former Elphaba Emma Hatton are two of the well known West End names on hand but they are joined by talent from the other side of the pond with Tony nominee Taylor Louderman and her Mean Girls co-star Krystina Alabado representing Broadway. Recent graduates Marina Tavolieri and Matteo Johnson complete the line-up and hold their own, proving they are sure to be forces to reckon with in the near future.
Overall, this was one of the strongest Christmas concerts I've seen. The decision to include brand new music is its unique selling point - a risk in itself, the songs needed to be outstanding for this to work. Thankfully, they had no problem in that area and the songs were fantastic. With fantastic talent lending their voices to these songs, this was a real joy to watch. It definitely warmed my heart on this cold Winter evening.
★★★★
You have one more chance to catch 'Winter Warmers' on Monday 21st December at 7.30pm. Tickets cost just £6 and are available from https://www.redpianoproductions.co.uk/