Ever taken a moment to sit back and wonder what life’s like for those on the other side of the red curtains? The ones who bathe in the spotlight and perform, come hell or high-water, to (hopefully) delight audiences who have bought ‘over-priced’ tickets, often months in advance, to see the spectacle that is about to ensue. Ever wished that your life were, in fact, like a musical? The highs, lows and everything in between- With direction from Matthew Parker, Writer and Musical Director, Alexander S. Bermange’s smash Fringe hit, ‘I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical’ is precisely the show for you!

A chorus line of four is illuminated in a solitary spotlight as the beautiful tinkles of Bermange’s piano begin to soar. And that’s it. The stage is set for what is most definitely a must-see for any musical theatre fan. A simple set (designed by Sorcha Corcoran) comprising a golden, glittery star and multiple prop boxes are illuminated wonderfully with simple, effective lighting by Chris McDonnell.

However, the star on the stage is outshone in spade-loads by the incredible ensemble cast: Luke Harley (Titanic the Musical), Sev Keoshgerian (The Rocky Horror Show), Jessi O’Donnell (Wicked) and Julie Yammanee (Bonnie and Clyde). This fantastic foursome absorbs the audience in 75 minutes of pure, unadulterated musical theatre heaven. Each given their own chance in the spotlight, there isn’t a weak link to be found. Yammanee is blessed with multiple showstopping moments. Her powerful soprano vocals blow the roof off of Hope Mill Theatre and a show highlight is her portrayal of the ‘star-casting’. Versatile and expressive, her performance is something to behold. Harley brings heart and warmth within his multiple character portrayals- from a lad’s lad with a penchant for an eleven o’clock number to the actor who never fails to prepare- each of his personas are well-realised and delivered. Keoshgerian’s pitch-perfect vocals soar with beautiful balladry that pairs fantastically with his hilarious comic timing that lights up the stage. All of this plus O’Donnell- who takes her place as one to watch in the world of Musical Theatre with a voice that is a force to be reckoned with. You can’t help but hope that her stand-out, Elphaba-inspired, battle cry is a foreshadow of what’s to come for this powerhouse performer.

Bermange’s musical revue is an ode to the life of the performer- with no gory detail spared- this sparkling cast deliver it with a perfect blend of humour and heart. It’s so very obvious from the beginning that this is a genuine peek behind the curtain and into their stagey lives. With a wink and a nudge (and a song and a dance), the opening number is obliterated, the audition process is annihilated, star-castings are scrutinised and the audience is antagonised. Not one beat is missed and the crowd is in fits of laughter throughout- as smart lyrics do the heavy-lifting.

Not since the mighty Six began its reign has such a connection with an audience been formed in such a short space of time. The beauty of this show is in its simplicity- an unapologetic love letter to the good, the bad and the ugly of Musical Theatre.

The current tour continues at Hope Mill Theatre until Saturday 6th July before continuing on to London, Edinburgh and beyond. Further information and booking can be found here.

Gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Photography by Geraint Lewis.