Jamie Muscato: Live in London, Cadogan Hall Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.
Jamie Muscato is best known for his starring performances as JD in Heathers, Christian in Moulin Rouge and a recent string of concerts in the West End, including Carousel and Once. For the first time he is bringing a solo concert: Live in London, to Cadogan Hall on 21, 22 and July for three performances only. These concerts sold out online within 4 minutes so there was a very real feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air. There is a full band supporting Muscato on set including Piano (Sam Young), Drums (Zach Okonkwo) guitar (Adam Chenery and Nick Fitch), Bass (Dan Giles) and Violin (Elaine Ambridge).
Muscato strolled onto the set with a cup of tea and an air of relaxed nonchalance before breaking into a rousing performance of “My Favourite Things” from The Sound of Music. This beginning song encapsulates the entire concert as it is crafted around Muscato’s favourite things and all performed songs chosen have a special relevance to him or his family. In rare breaks between songs Muscato chats about the significance of these songs and the reasoning for them being chosen. Highlights include “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift and Little Mermaid’s “Part Of Your World”. These are also done with an element of improv as well as the band and Muscato worked phenomenally to perform “Valerie” with an improvised fusion of reggae, soul and ballad styles. This is not a trio I would have thought would work well yet Muscato improvised and the band improvised this with perfect aplomb. We get glimpses into Muscato’s life and mind as he shares anecdotes about his unusual entry into the Musical Theatre world and current enjoyment of staged concerts.
Muscato also showcases songs from his hit musical performances including “Roxanne” from Moulin Rouge and “Freeze your Brain” from Heathers, which is introduced rather cheekily as a workshop he once performed in. He is also accompanied by Tanisha Spring and Laura Jane Matthewson in two duets and briefly discusses his close relationship with them, including busking in people’s gardens during the pandemic to make money to get by.
This concert is rather different to most others I’ve been to by Musical Theatre performers. Although Cadogan Hall seats 950, the energy of the concert felt relaxed, cosy and intimate. It was not unlike cheering your friend on as they performed at a pub night out. It was a truly delightful experience to have, and I am not yet a hard core Muscato fan as many of the audience are.
It was also fabulous to see Muscato personally thank the stage team at Cadogan Hall before his final song and also give a shout out and stylised solo moment to each of his band members as well. This concert was a very relaxed and highly enjoyable celebration of Muscato’s career so far and I highly anticipate more such concerts in future to celebrate further milestones in his career.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
