Julie Atherton. Photo: Darren Bell Julie Atherton
4 stars
Crazy Coqs
17th February
Julie Atherton is one of the most versatile actresses and singers in the West End. She’s originated roles in a variety of productions, including Avenue Q and Ordinary Days, and starred in a number of best sellers, including Mamma Mia, Fame and Sister Act.
And now, accompanied by a number of co-stars past, she’s taken to the stage for a few exclusive performances at Crazy Coqs, Leicester Square. The night I attended, we had the pleasure of Paul Spicer - another highly decorated musical theatre performer (Avenue Q and The Witches of Eastwick).
The Crazy Coqs cabaret and jazz club is a beautiful venue with excellent acoustics; perfect for a intimate show like this. Atherton was supported by a fantastic band and backing singers, who supplemented her superb voice and provided a number of different musical styles.
The set list consists of songs from musicals Atherton has been in and a selection from her own albums. Particular highlights included Mix Tape from Avenue Q (complete with puppets) and a hilarious version of Popular from Wicked, with Kate Monster as Glinda.
Many of the songs in the first half were on the obscure side, with tunes from Waitress and The Buskers Opera - both yet to be staged. It was wonderful to hear from some of Atherton’s lesser-known credits, such as Brian Lowdermilk’s Henry and Mudge.
She makes for a likeable and entertaining host, although was occasionally prone to getting tongue-tied. That said, everyone was there to hear her distinct, astonishing voice, and she certainly didn’t disappoint in that regard.
However, at a humble 90 minutes including interval, Atherton was a long way from outstaying her welcome. Nobody would have complained if she’d been on stage for a few more numbers.
Julie Atherton is a true musical talent and this cabaret evening provides a brilliant opportunity for her to demonstrate this. It’s running for a few more days, and is guaranteed to deliver a laid-back and entertaining evening.
Danny Coleman-Cooke is an experienced writer, who covers news, sport and comedy for high-profile personalities and broadcasters. His speeches and scripts can be seen on stage, on primetime TV and in Parliament, broadcast to wide and diverse audiences. His experience includes writing for the BBC’s Have I Got News for You, Channel 4’s Paralympics coverage, and the Premier League’s live match commentary. He has also managed social media accounts for a number of major brands, including Tesco, The Guardian and the BBC. He's also a well-established speechwriter, scriptwriter and copywriter and has written for a wide range of famous faces in the world of politics and entertainment. He recently had his first theatrical credit, as co-writer of a musical adaptation of Beowulf, which toured the Midlands and was performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Danny is a huge theatre fan and was part of the writing team for the 2015 and 2016 Olivier Awards.
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