Showcase 25 at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
Showcase 25
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
29-30 May 2015
Reviewed by Dawn Watson
Showcase was founded by Bobby Harvey and John Wright, their idea was to bring together people from many different musical societies to perform with song and dance to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. That was 25 years ago and the production I saw last night was ‘Showcase 25’, a celebration of 25 years together. Since it began Showcase has raised over £224,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect but wow I was blown away. The cast was much bigger than I expected – to start off the first act there was a real mixed bag of songs to suit all ages from ‘Live and Let Die’ (Paul McCartney) to a whole Medley of Take That songs performed beautifully by the junior chorus, singing and dancing is not easy and they pulled it off wonderfully. There were solo performances, full chorus, duets, actually something for everyone and songs for all tastes. Songs from musicals, current chart songs and stunning opera too! I loved the way each song seamlessly moved onto the next and with such variety you were constantly enthralled. The chorus moved around the stage so the front ‘faces’ were always new, a nice touch and something I hadn’t been expecting was they changed outfits too, blending in style to the style of the song. The orchestra was right high at the back of the stage against a gorgeous black starry backdrop, perfect to highlight the rest of the chorus. At one point I counted over 70 on stage! Act 1 ended with a spine tingling rendition of Amazing Grace, stunning solo start by one of the male chorus who was then joined by the full chorus and bagpipers! Wow, the audience were on the edge of their seats, magical!
Act 2 continued enthralling us with the amazing talents this ‘showcase’ has amongst them. Both my mum and I said it was hard to believe and remember all this stunning talent were amateurs and this was their ‘hobby’.
I have many highlights but if I had to pick a few it would be the ‘New York’ medley with Aghogho Ogunlesi and Gaynor Boe, ‘This Is The Moment’ sang by Ibiyemi Osinaike and ‘Barcelona’ a beautiful tingling duet sang by the amazing talent of Andy Mcgarry and Gillian McNeill. And who can forget the funny brilliantly performed version of ‘Like a Virgin’ performed by Craig Macbeth and the male chorus who certainly entertained us all.
So much talent it showed especially when the full chorus sang together showing their full range it really was brilliant. A big congratulations must go out to everyone performing and to those who put this whole show together, a show with over 36 different songs with beautiful dancing, a huge feat brilliantly performed!
I would highly recommend this performance from ‘Showcase’ you won’t be disappointed! I will certainly be looking out for any future shows. Showcase 25 features a cast of over 100 backed by a 14 piece orchestra.
The Kings theatre in Edinburgh was opened in 1906 and is one of Scotland’s most historic theatres, it is a beautiful venue and is easily reached by car and it is on a main bus route too.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15 to £18 (booking fees may apply)
Showcase 25 is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until 30 May 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
