Report: Everybody Loves A Villain

Author: Angus Sheppard-Hughes

When walking into this beautiful venue, the church was lit with minimal lighting as it already was an airy and spacious area with lots of natural light pouring in. The lights that the stage did have were aptly coloured, some greens and come purples giving me the ‘Ursula’ and ‘Maleficent’ vibes which was a nice touch to the beginning of the show. The surrounds of the church interior created a gothic feeling which itself encompassed the rest of the show to come. With about 70ish people on stage at points, it could have been hard to see everybody, but the staging was done well and people were put in height order with some one a slightly raised platform at the rear of the staged area. On the whole a nice feel to it.

Costumes were simple: all women in black with a red accessory; all men wearing white shirts with black ties; and all children in red shirts and black bottoms. A simple style as to not detract from the rest of the performance.

There were too many talented people to highlight them all, but I will list through the songs and my feelings on each performance.

The opening number – Be Prepared – was a great opening number, with the lead singer giving a tremendous rendition of the villain ‘Scar’s’ song from the lion king. Another nice touch was the funny trio of ‘hyenas’ who gave a comedy style to the opening number, showing that this wasn’t going to be just a dark, evil and secluded performance. I must say a huge well done to that choir at the back, those harmonies gave me chills, and the MD must have worked very hard with all of you.

The Hammer – from Matilda the Musical, a challenging sing for a woman as the role is originally performed by a male, but nonetheless, you gave a great performance and showed off your lovely Alto tones. This was also the first example of using the CLOGETTES here, and it was certainly a great use of the kids, their harmonies and grimaces from being pushed around by Trunchbull were truly captivating to watch.

Mother knows best – a classic villain role but it may have been better to cut the music before the second half of the song and replaced it with the reprise as that is the proper villain song, the first version is only a villain song if you know the storyline, and the reprise is where she shows her true colours and gives a great ending. This being said, you had a lovely voice and played the part well, making Mother Gothell as evil as you could.

Say my name – once again a tricky one, because is Beetlejuice the villain of the show? I wouldn’t say he’s the hero, but I’d say he’s in a grey area of bad guy. Nonetheless, the performer wasn’t originally meant to be the one playing Beetlejuice…Beetlejuice…Beeeeeeeeeeeeee, ‘cause another cast member was poorly leading up to the show, but you couldn’t tell, all four involved in the number were wonderful singers.

Hands up, I didn’t go and see Wonka when it was out, so ‘Sweet Tooth’ was new to me, and I enjoyed it. I could tell who the baddies were and made me want to go home and watch the film. So great job!

This is Halloween – in the middle of July? Only kidding, a spooky number with some great vocals in it and some fantastically scary props used at the back of the stage to give context to the number. Another group number done well.

Last Midnight – was a particular favourite of mine, you demanded the stage and really grabbed my attention. Considering you went from MD-ing the last song into singing this one, I must congratulate you. This was truly a spectacle, and the first line gave me chills.

Chillin’ like a Villain – another film that I am unfamiliar with, but it was a great choice of song for the kids who were involved, I felt they really got into the song because this is something from their era of film. A good split of the kids as well for all numbers as some of the older ones did one, and the younger ones did another. A wonderful group of talented kids all round.

The Ballad of Farquaad – and a ballad it was. Your facial expressions told a story, the dancers were taller than you, and although you’re not actually that short, but with some taller people around you, you fitted into the part well and you had some good vocals through the comedy too. So well done.

I’m number one – I knew the song but am not acquainted with the film very much so I couldn’t comment on what the original did for the song, but either way it was funny, and I wanted to see more from the grumpy sidekick who was being bossed around and told he was number two. I chuckled a lot when you were singing, and the song as a whole was funny.

Bad guys – another number by the CLOGETTES, I was lucky enough to be sat by the front, but I couldn’t help but notice that those at the back couldn’t hear what was being sung. A possible consideration for next time would either be to bring the kids closer to the ambience mics or to get some of the kids with microphones as the wonderful chorus singing was being missed by many. But the cheeky grin on the kids faces were priceless and they were clearly enjoying themselves.

Gaston - was hilarious. With LeFou singing about his ‘best friend’ who is “so manly” and has a lot of chest hair apparently, who was a woman, this made this already funny song, funnier. Nicely done.

Poor unfortunate souls – you had a lovely deeper tone to your voice and embraced the embodiment of Ursula the sea witch. When you think of Disney Villains songs, the first one I always go to is this one, and you did it justice!

You’ll be back – you really got everybody going and wanting to come back for act 2. And I was sure that this was the reason why the song was last in the first half, as a threat to those going out during the interval…you’ll be back.

I must say, I you haven’t played the role before, you really must because ‘The Legend of Miss Baltimore Crabs’ was sickeningly evil. Your poise and elegance were superb amongst your dancers. And I laughed very hard when you belted out “souffles!” at the top of your voice. You did the character well and I know where I’m coming if I need a Velma.

Dentist – A nice take on the song. The back up harmonies were well executed and the choreo was in keeping with the performance.

You’ve gotta pick a pocket or two – although not technically a villain in the show, Fagin and his gang are a villain to society, so I can let that one go, I don’t want to be too picky. The kids all really interacted with Fagin, and you could definitely see that you are one of the creative team for them, and the bond you had was so lovely to watch on stage.

Both of you in ‘Master of the House’ are very talented. Your performance was very nicely done, but I felt like the comedy moments needed more air to breath after you said them, not by much, but just a beat or two after you said it for the audience to understand it and laugh because what you did was funny, but you moved on very quickly to the next funny thing. And like all the chorus numbers, the chorus was also very good.

Apex Predator – Loved the song choice, it’s a favourite of mine, and a lovely duet for the both of you showing off your voices and I enjoyed the choreo of swapping over on the stage to sing. My only thing about this one is I would say this fits more into a ‘Diva’ category rather than Villain. But again, I am only nitpicking here.

Friends on the other side – this and the last song were my favourite numbers, I wrote very little for this as I was watching the whole time, but I did write down ‘fave number’ at some point, so very well done.

Evil like me – Once again, I am not familiar with Descendants but you two did very well indeed and did Kristen Chenoweth and Dove Cameron proud.

Way down Hadestown – shout out to the guy playing Hermes who has an amazing voice on him. Truly spectacular performances all round, but I just had to shout out to you as it was brilliant and a wonder to see. I know you weren’t feeling well up to the show, so the ability to do this whilst not feeling good was truly remarkable. Some great dancing and choreo as well!

I want it all – I shall quickly mention my piece about the microphone situation, as I was lucky to be sat at the front so could hear some of it, but the kids were putting their all into it, I would have hoped the mics could pick something up but sadly not. Possibly moving them closer to the front where the ambience mics were could solve this problem, but nonetheless, the kids all sang and danced their heart out and you could tell they loved to do it, and “wanted it all” pardon the pun.

Finally, and honestly, I was on tenterhooks for this one as it is my favourite villain song of ALL TIME! Holding out for a hero was fantastic, the lead vocals by Charlotte Jeanes were incredible, and the chorus/choral singing, along with the children joining in were phenomenal! All you needed was a costume reveal from your black pantsuit to a stunning red dress and that would be all my fantasies for this song fulfilled.

Overall, this was a fun packed, truly remarkable work, with many members showing us the full extent of their talents. And to paraphrase the song, “you’re the very best at being BAD GUYS!”

These comments solely reflect the view of the representative and can only relate to the performance seen.