Review | WEST END SWITCHED OFF (Album) Vol. 1 - April 2014

At a time when new musicals are struggling to sustain themselves and the old ones are loved - but hardly fresh, the young team behind new album West End Switched Off may have have just come up with a winning formula. Success, at least in this case, is not by risking new, unfamiliar territory but revisiting previous musical triumphs and breathing new life into them with the best from the current West End talent-pool.

Following a launch performance at St James Studio, the first in a series of albums is released. A relatively new company, Parallel Productions - produced by Kris Rawlinson and assisted by Ed Theakston - brings together an incredibly accomplished line up of musicians and performers to arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, ‘unplugged’ covers.

The popularity of 'Live Lounge' has finally found it's home in the West End and Simon Bailey (I Can't Sing, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables) begins the album with a surprise version of Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid. A rockier sound to the original, it's fun and a perfect opening song to set the tone for the rest of the album. Traditionally a female song, what this does and what the album continues to do is let anything go, it's experimental and challenges the songs origins, offering a fresh perspective that delights at every moment.

Next, Tori Allen Martin sings Touch Me from Spring Awakening, the song about expressing desires for physical intimacy, not one you'd often find on a musicals compilation, but Martin delivers a sensual, haunting sound that remains lustful with plenty of opportunity for the vocal to simply flow.

Ian Stroughair

From his heavenly performance of Angel in the recent concert tour of RENT, Ian Stroughair hots things up with Judas' Heaven On Their Minds from Jesus Christ Superstar. It's followed by Wicked's Ashleigh Gray with Somewhere Over The Rainbow. You'll have heard several versions but with such faultless vocals, there is every reason for this beautiful rendition to contend with Garland and Cassidy.  Equally as beautiful, Nothing Stops Another Day from Ghost The Musical, effortlessly performed by Ambra Caserotti (RENT, Cockpit Theatre) is next. Fans of Ghost shouldn't notice too much a difference between this and any Molly they've seen on stage - it's just as powerful and if not, more so, given the intimacy of the set-up and expert arrangement.

Dale Evans

The albums biggest change in tone is Dale Evans' Stranger In This World from the Boy George musical Taboo. Evans, who will covering the role of Chris in the revival of Miss Saigon has recently been seen in From Here To Eternity the musical. A recent graduate, there is no inexperience, one of the most powerful performances and definitely one to look out for.

Perhaps the most reinvented song is You Can't Stop The Beat, sung by Hairspray's long-serving Seaweed, Adrian Hansel. What is so clever about this particular track is that it bares resemblance to the slow groove that the kids dance to in the detention scene. In-keeping with the musical's own sound, it is cleverly re-invented, completely relevant and yet couldn't be further from the high energy, no-time-to-breathe finale of the musical.

Defying Gravity... I don't think there's been a musical theatre concert since 2006 that hasn't featured someone trying to belt it out like Idina and yes, it has to be on the album, but here - you're safe. The traditional two-female duet is here performed by Thomas Suttcliffe and Chlöe Hart. The only duet on the album, there's great opportunity for harmony and the mix of male and female voice is a real treat.

Jodie Steele

Currently wowing audiences across the UK as Carmen Diaz on the tour of Fame The Musical is Jodie Steele, riffing her way through Footloose's Lets Hear It For The Boy. This is the track that'll have you tapping your feet, it's girly, it's country, it's fun. She has a phenomenal voice and must return for the second album with a version of Fame's In L.A. - that's my request in!

Katie Hall (Phantom Of The Opera, West Side Story) sings Bring Him Home from Les Misérables and Falsetto King Jordan Lee Davis concludes the album with Summertime - Porgy & Bess. What's great about both of these is that you'll never hear these versions within the musical. Valjean is never going to be female and last time I checked, Jordan Lee Davis wasn't a black woman... it's unique and just an absolute joy to listen to. You'd struggle to find better.

The album's biggest strength is that although these are reduced orchestrations, stripped back and laid bare, each song could easily replace it's original within the musicals. Rawlinson's genius rediscovery of some of theatre's classics allows for much more of the emotion, the original message and the talent to shine through. Nothing is overwhelmed, it's from the heart and this album is the very reminder of the talent in today's West End, both currently and upcoming. If this is just the beginning then I'm very much excited by the future.

CLICK HERE to purchase the album.

Chlöe Hart: "When I was approached about taking part in West End Switched Off and learnt what the concept was I was totally excited, I love the idea of songs being rearranged and interpreted differently, and then I was told which song I would be doing and I got very nervous! It's a very VERY well known song and there have been many versions of it done before. However when I heard the new arrangement I got excited again! It's so different to any other version and Kris Rawlinson, our genius arranger and MD had so many brilliant ideas. He also allowed us all to add our own little touches which means it feels really personal. If you are expecting a generic musicals complication album, this is not the one, but if you want something fresh and innovative then go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed!"

Hope that WEST END SWITCHED OFF becomes a regular fixture. I'll be back for more if/when it is!
— Mark Shenton (@ShentonStage) April 27, 2014

For more information visit www.parallelproductions.co.uk or follow Parallel on Twitter @ParaProd.

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Rebecca Trehearn & Simon Bailey
Album Launch Announcement
Interview With Kris Rawlinson
Gala Launch Announcement

WEST END SWITCHED OFF (St James Studio) Rebecca Trehearn and Simon Bailey join the line up!

Rebecca Trehearn and Simon Bailey join Alice Fearn, Sophie Linder-Lee and more for launch of West End Switched Off at the St James Studio!

Fresh from playing the lead role of Molly in the UK Tour of Ghost The Musical to critical and audience acclaim, Rebecca Trehearn will be joining a superb cast of West End performers to launch new album West End Switched Off in an intimate concert at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April.

The launch night at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April at 6.30pm will give the audience the chance to have an up-close and personal experience of some of the never before heard tracks on the album before the official release. Tickets are available from just £15.

Trehearn will be joined by Simon Bailey, who’s performance as Liam O’Dreary in I Can’t Sing the Independent recently called ‘spot on’, and Alice Fearn, who can currently be seen in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy and recently Shrek The Musical and on stage and screen in Les Miserablés.

Completing the line up will be Wicked’s current Stand-by Glinda and Elphaba; Sophie Linder-Lee and Emma Hatton. The thirteen-strong cast also includes West End regulars Chlöe Hart, Adrian Hansel, Dean John-Wilson and Dale Evans as well as Jordan Lee Davies, Tori Allen-Martin, Thomas Sutcliffe and Ambra Caserotti. A live band led by the album’s musical director Kris Rawlinson will accompany the performers.

West End Switched Off, produced by Parallel Productions, is set to be the first in a series of albums that arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, 'unplugged' covers. The eleven-track album which features Ashleigh Gray, Ian Stroughair, Jodie Steele and more will be available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and other platforms from Monday 28th April.

Listen to exclusive clips on Official London Theatre here.

For more information visit www.parallelproductions.co.uk or follow Parallel on Twitter @ParaProd.

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS (St James Studio) West End Switched Off Album Launch

Parallel Productions today announce the first in a series of albums that arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, 'unplugged' covers, collaborating with a wealth of talented musicians and performers. 

West End Switched Off will feature a range of familiar faces on the album including Ashleigh Gray, recently seen as Stephanie in Cool Rider and as Standby Elphaba in Wicked, Chlöe Hart who until recently was appearing in Wicked and previously played Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Adrian Hansel who was recently seen as Seaweed in Hairspray, Jodie Steele, currently appearing as Carmen Diaz in the UK Tour of Fame and recently seen as Mimi in Rent, and Jordan Lee Davies, recently seen on the BBC’s The Voice and as Alan in Bare the Rock Musical.

Some of the guests involved with the album and the launch include Chöe Hart, Dale Evans, Jodie Steele, Ian Stroughair, Adrian Hansel, Dean John-Wilson, Jordan Lee Davies and Ashley Gray. 

The album will be launched in style with an intimate evening of entertainment at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April at 6.30pm, with tickets available from just £15. Accompanied by a live band, there will be a stellar line up of guests which already includes Chlöe Hart (Hairspray), Emma Hatton (Wicked), Dean John-Wilson (From Here To Eternity), Dale Evans (Miss Saigon, From Here to Eternity), Ian Stroughair (Rent 20th Anniversary Tour, Chicago) and Jordan Lee Davies (The Voice). The launch night will give the audience the chance to have an up-close and personal experience of some of the never before heard tracks on the album before the official release. The album itself will be available for purchase as a CD or digital download on iTunes, Amazon and other platforms from Monday 28th April.

This launch follows on from the success of charity project A Very West End Christmas, that saw an unprecedented number of musical theatre stars come together in the final months of last year to record the five-track EP including a version of Do They Know It's Christmas. Feel festive all over again and listen to the song below:

You can book tickets for the launch at the St James Studio on 27th April here. For more information, visit the website.

INTERVIEW with Kris Rawlinson - February 2014

If you're keeping up with current West End trends, you'll know that an evening spent in an intimate cabaret venue is the new way to enjoy the incredible talent that London's theatre-land has to offer. Right at the heart of it is Kris Rawlinson, a musical director who before he's even finished university has built up a pretty impressive CV. Kris took some time out of a busy schedule to chat about his experiences so far.

At what age did you first take an interest in music and what was the first instrument you learnt to play?

I was about four when I started to play piano. I actually only started because my sister was having lessons, and I was insanely jealous of her (she gave up pretty soon after…). I carried on having lessons through school, and learnt the recorder (as most kids do!). Since then, I’ve learnt the saxophone and gig in a soul band travelling around the country, which is a laugh!

You study music at university, was that because you just liked it or did you always know you'd like to be a musical director?

I’m studying Music at Goldsmiths in New Cross. Whilst at school, I always knew I wanted to do something music related; I used to MD quite a lot of amateur stuff, including school shows, local pantomimes, review shows, and full scale musicals, and even directed a few things too; it was something I just landed in by lending a hand as a rehearsal pianist, which led to arranging and then eventually MDing. As a person, I always have to be in control and aware of everything going on, so I suppose a musical director is the perfect job! I wanted to study music to further my musical knowledge, and am really enjoying the course. The modules are really interesting, and I’ve met a lot of great musicians and lecturers. I finish in April 2015, so not long left!

When you think of musical director, you don't really think of someone as young as you - do you think there's a call for more younger directors?

There will always be young musical directors working their way “up the ranks”. I’m not in any pretence that I’m going to breeze straight into a West End job – I’m enjoying working on some great projects, and some brilliant fringe/off-West End jobs and I’m happy to continue this for a while. Sometimes it’s good for people to work with different, younger musicians, who have had a different musical education to some of the West End greats. There are a lot of talented people out there all looking for the same job, but like anything, people will move on, and there will always be the next job waiting to be snapped up if somebody starts another one.

Tell us about some of the projects you've been involved in already...

When I moved to London in September 2012, I got involved with Interval Productions playing for a few rehearsals of their production of RENT. In February 2013, they approached me to talk about a new project they were co-writing/producing called Streets Project, and I got on board as MD and arranger. The show was brilliant and the music was incredible, and we were lucky enough to get a transfer to Hackney Empire for two shows. I was also Assistant MD for their next show, “Another Way” staring the beautiful Julie Atherton and Andy Coxon in September 2013. I’ve also worked as Assistant MD on Geek, The New Musical, which debuted at the Tristan Bates Theatre starring CJ de Moii (aka. Eggheads). I’ve also set up a few projects of my own including “West End Switched Off” that I’m sure you’ll hear about soon!

Some of the performers involved with West End Switched Off, including Jeremy Legat, Jordan Lee Davies, Chlöe Hart and Ambra Caserotti

You've teamed up with Ed Theakston to create Parallel Productions - tell us a bit about the company and what we can expect from it in the future?

Ed is one of my best friends, and is my right hand man, and always knows what I should do, so having him involved with Parallel was a no-brainer. We both have the same vision in regards to new work, and are both very passionate. We’ve got a lot of plans this year; we’re working on a series of intimate gigs, and will be producing some more Switched Off gigs. We’ve also got the big album launch for our debut album later on in the year, and will be working on a few other albums this year, but I can’t say much more! On a personal level, Ed and I are working on a few writing projects too which is exciting! Darren Bell has come on board as Associate Producer for Parallel, and we are working closely on a few secret projects after the success of A Very West End Christmas!

Congratulations on A Very West End Christmas! Who's idea was that? And how did you round up so many established MT performers?

Thank you! It was a day in summer of 2013 after I had been in the studio all day, and I had been chatting to Darren, who is a fabulous photographer, and we decided to do something for Christmas. Within a few weeks it went from a YouTube video, to a 5-track EP, and on the 14^th October, 50 West End guests (including the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Michael Xavier, Simon Deacon, Jodie Jacobs, Chloe Hart) gathered at the St. James theatre and recorded something special. It was released on 15^th December and money raised is going towards Great Ormond Street Hospital and Cry UK, with a donation to the Band Aid Charitable Trust. The recording process was fun, and there were definitely a lot of personalities to contend with, but it was nothing we couldn’t handle!

You can buy A Very West End Christmas! on iTunes here. (Yes, it's not always Christmas, but it's a good listen!)

Is there a lot of work out there for aspiring MD's? Or do you have to largely impress by creating your own work/gigs first?

If you know the right people, and have the right attitude, there is plenty of work out there, from rehearsal pianist, to teaching, arranging and orchestrating. There are lots of different paths to go down in terms of music; personally I love arranging and orchestrating, but obviously also love the feeling of a show or gig. I have a go-get-it attitude; if you want something, you have to achieve it yourself, and this is why I decided to set up Switched Off. It’s something I’ve always thought about doing, and last summer I was chatting to my bass player and he convinced me to just book studio time and do it. So I did! We’ve got our first album finished up and it’s being mixed and mastered at the moment! Because I am still studying at university, I’m not particularly looking for work, so I thought that whilst I can’t commit to a heavy rehearsal period, I have the time to think about other projects.

Are there any musicals that you'd particularly like to MD in the future? Or are there any new musical scores that you've been impressed with?

I have a very eclectic taste in musicals. I’ve always loved Wicked; I won’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it… I love it for many reasons; the story, the strong female characters, the score is incredible. So I guess MDing Wicked would be a dream come true – it’s probably the show that properly got me into going to the theatre a lot. I’m currently obsessed with Ordinary Days, by Adam Gwon, which I would love to MD. It’s a show about 4 people living in New York who’s lives all intertwine without them realising. One piano and four people creates so many possibilities in something that should be quite limiting, and the melodies are beautiful. “I’ll Be Here” is one of my favourite musical theatre songs.

Finally, we all hear performers advice on becoming an actor or a dancer but what advice would you give to aspiring musicians/MDs?

Go for it. There is always going to be somebody that’s better than you for a job, so when they get the job instead of you don’t worry. Things will always work out so don’t get put off. It’s about the right time and the right place, and networking and being a good sport will allow yourself to be in these situations. 

For more information on Parallel Productions, visit the website here. Or for West End Switched Off, click here. 

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Parallel Productions Gala Launch

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS GALA LAUNCH (The Battersea Barge) Full Cast Announcement

Parallel Productions today announce full casting for their gala launch at the Battersea Barge on Wednesday 4th September. Joining the already announced Jordan Lee Davies, Sabrina Aloueche, Jeremy Legat and Ambra Caserotti will be:

GARY WOOD (Paul in A Chorus Line, Angel in Rent) 

MATTHEW ROWLAND (Boy George in Taboo, Frank in The Confession Room)

TORI ALLEN-MARTIN (Founder of Interval Productions, Mimi in Rent)

DALE EVANS (Matt in Bare, Onstage Swing in From Here To Eternity)

The cast of the Gala Launch

Also performing on the evening will be:

JOSEPH GIACONE

EMMA HOUSLEY

JODIE BETH MEYER

LAUREN OSBORN

MICHAEL QUINN

BEN SELL

JODIE STEELE

THOMAS SUTCLIFFE

_______________________

The evening will be compered by

DEAN McCULLOUGH

(Dean has recently presented Move It Show at Olympia - London, Belfast Pride and Dance Show Live at the Glasgow SECC. Dean was one of The Glambassadors who reached the live semi-finals on the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent.)

_______________________

The launch event will be a fusion of cabaret and concert, musical theatre and acoustic arrangements. The evening will host a cast of established musical theatre performers, alongside new talent, singing stripped back acoustic versions of musical theatre songs. 

More information on the company and the launch click here. To book tickets click here. 

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS GALA LAUNCH (The Battersea Barge) West End Switched Off

On Wednesday 4th September 2013 Parallel Productions present their official Gala Launch at the Battersea Barge. The launch event will be a fusion of cabaret and concert, musical theatre and acoustic arrangements. The evening will host a cast of established musical theatre performers, alongside new talent, singing stripped back acoustic versions of musical theatre songs.

Leading the star cast will be Jordan Lee Davies, recently seen on the BBC’s The Voice, as Alan in Bare the Rock Musical, and as Dickon in The Secret Garden. Also confirmed for the initial line up are Jeremy Legat (Frank Cioffi in Curtains, Boq in Wicked), Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, Eponine in Les Misérables) and Ambra Caserotti (Lead Vocalist for Streets Project, Joanne in Rent).

Jordan Lee Davies said: "I think the audience are going to love some of the new arrangements of what are staple musical theatre songs. They will be given the 'live lounge' effect." 

The event will also act as the launch for Parallel Productions' project West End Switched Off. This is an exciting series of concerts and recordings that arrange musical theatre into acoustic, 'unplugged' covers, collaborating with a wealth of talented musicians and performers. 

Some of the voices you can expect to hear on the album!

The first album is currently in production and will feature Ian Stroughair (Angel in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent), Dale Evans (Matt in Bare, Onstage Swing in From Here To Eternity), Tori Allen- Martin (founder of Interval Productions, writer and vocalist for Streets Project, Mimi in Rent), Simon Bailey (Jeff in [title of show], Enjolras in Les Misérables, Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera) , Katie Hall (Maria in West Side Story, Christine in The Phantom Of The Opera), Adrian Hansel (Seaweed in Hairspray, Rusty in Starlight Express) and more!

Also featuring on the album is Chlöe Hart who made her West End debut as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. She has since appeared in Les Misérables and is currently in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Chlöe said: "When I was approached about taking part in West End Switched Off and learnt what the concept was I was totally excited, I love the idea of songs being rearranged and interpreted differently, and then I was told which song I would be doing and I got very nervous! It's a very VERY well known song and there have been many versions of it done before. However when I heard the new arrangement I got excited again! It's so different to any other version and Kris Rawlinson, our genius arranger and MD had so many brilliant ideas. He also allowed us all to add our own little touches which means it feels really personal. If you are expecting a generic musicals complication album, this is not the one, but if you want something fresh and innovative then go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed!"

Just had a right laugh recording my track for @WEswitchedoff with @krisrawlinson #lovebeinginthestudio!
— Chloe Hart (@ChloeSJHart) August 19, 2013

Speaking about the company, Ed Theakston (Assistant Producer/Managing Director) said: "As a young company, we've been incredibly lucky to have so much support from so many talented people, particularly our guests on West End Switched Off. They are as thrilled as us because the producer and musical director Kris Rawlinson has come up with a genuinely brilliant idea. From the recording that has already been done, the album is going to be something very special which really sets the tone for our live gigs. This launch really is just the beginning for us. Some majorly exiting things are in the works. We can't wait to share it all with our audiences."

We're making lots of exciting plans for our Launch... Who's excited? We are! Get your tickets for the 4th Sept here: http://t.co/Y5djBFgnZV
— WESTENDswitchedoff (@WEswitchedoff) August 22, 2013

You can book tickets for the gala launch featuring Jordan Lee Davies, Sabrina Aloueche, Jeremy Legat and Ambra Caserotti at the Battersea Barge here. For more information, visit the website.