Jamie Muscato at Cadogan Hall
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Cadogan Hall, London
Cast: Jamie Muscato, Laura Jane Matthewson and Tanisha Spring

Jamie Muscato, one of the most exciting musical theatre voices in the UK, performs a brand new solo concert here at Cadogan Hall.

Jamie was recently seen as Christian in Moulin Rouge in the West End and is widely known for originating the role, in the UK, of JD in Heathers at The Other Palace and Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Since first having seen Jamie Muscato as the charming yet psychotic Jason Dean in Heathers the Musical back in 2018, I've been hooked on his musical theatre journey. From his solo gigs in bars, to the Other Palace, workshops of shows such as But I'm a Cheerleader and Murder at the Gates, and leading shows like Moulin Rouge and West Side Story - I've seen them all. So an evening celebrating his incredible vocal talent seemed like a dream. And clearly many others felt the same, with his first concert selling out in just four minutes.

Cadogan Hall is one of the most gorgeous venues in the heart of London and Jamie filled every corner of the 950-capacity room with ease. With a band of six and with musical direction from Sam Young, it was always going to be an evening to remember - and that it was.

Muscato comes onto the stage in a black t-shirt and joggers; and quite honestly, I'd expect nothing different from him. Considering the lavish venue it was quite comical, but just served as a reminder that no matter how big his fanbase becomes, he's going to remain the same. He opens with a smooth as silk rendition of "My Favourite Things" from The Sound of Music, paired with his guitar at hand. As the evening was a collection of his favourite songs to sing, it felt like a very fitting opening number.

Throughout the course of his two hour set, Muscato takes the audience through his journey in musical theatre, with songs from a selection of shows he's performed in such as: Dogfight, Moulin Rouge, Carousel and ONCE. What makes Muscato's voice so exciting is its versatility. Whether he's tackling a country version of pop hit "Valerie", or belting classic theatre hits such as "If I Loved You" from Carousel, he does so in a way that is both effortless and magnetising.

Muscato's back and forth with the audience was brilliant, and something I adored was that he seemed like he was having fun. He wasn't just stood on a stage singing to a crowd; he spoke to the audience as though they were his friends down the pub, and that's a quality and relationship that not many performers have with their fanbase.

The setlist curated for the evening was one of dreams and there were so many standout moments for me. Muscato asks the crowd if they'd ever wondered what "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid would sound like if it was performed by Busted - and then precedes to rock out to a song for a Disney princess on stage. Nothing suits his voice more than gritty, plucky numbers, which is why "Raise a Little Hell" was one of the best versions of the song I've ever heard. Other highlights included the Jackson 5's, "I Want You Back", and Taylor Swift's, "Cruel Summer".

Muscato was joined on stage throughout the evening by West End superstars Tanisha Spring (Moulin Rouge) and Laura Jane Matthewson (Little Shop of Horrors). Spring's performance of "She Used to Be Mine" from Waitress was so vulnerable and raw, I almost had to leave the theatre! And Matthewson's duet of "I Wan'na Be Like You" from The Jungle Book was lively and fun; which was very similar to the pair's dynamic onstage. 

As the show climaxed with Muscato's jaw-dropping and internet-breaking "Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge, the entire crowd were on the feet before the last note left his mouth. As an audience member, you sometimes feel grateful to have shared a moment with every person in that room, and last night was one of those times. The ease with which Jamie Muscato sings is unlike anything I've ever seen, and last night served as a reminder as to why he's the most exciting talent the West End has to offer. His energy and happiness radiated to every audience member in the theatre, and that kind of joy is just infectious. Long may his reign continue in the West End. 

**photo credit: Rich Southgate**