Step Behind The Stage
Anton Du Beke At The Musicals
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage - 27/03/25
Review by Daniel Marshall
Photo Credit: Tania Richards Photography.
Following the success of his recent Christmas tour, Anton Du Beke is back on the road with his incredible live band and dancers, this time celebrating some of musical theatre’s greatest shows in At The Musicals. Last night the tour stopped off at Stevenage’s Gordon Craig Theatre, and I was lucky enough to be in attendance.
Walking into the theatre, we were greeted by a classy set, dominated by a large light-up sign reading Anton Du Beke’s name. Just before the show began, Anton’s band took to the stage, led by Musical Director and piano extraordinaire Clive Dunstall. Clive was joined by guitarist Pete Callard, drummer Mike Smith, bassist Sam Burgess, and a wind section featuring Pat Hartley (trombone), Andy Greenwood (trumpet), and Howard McGill (saxophone and flute). The chemistry within the band radiated through the theatre, elevating the night from the first note.
The band kicked off with a fabulous instrumental interlude that concluded with the introduction to That’s Entertainment from The Band Wagon. This signaled the arrival of the sensational dance troupe, led by Kelly Chow and performing choreography by Bill Deamer. Kelly was joined by Luke Field-Wright, Billy Lawrence, Ellie O’Gorman, and Lucy Nolan, who also provided breathtaking vocals throughout the night. The dance line-up was completed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Lauren Oakley, one of the night’s two special guests, who also led vocals on several numbers.
The dancers’ arrival brought the second guest of the evening, the legendary vocalist Lance Ellington. Following a masterful performance of That’s Entertainment, it was time to welcome the man of the hour, dance icon Anton Du Beke. Anton was greeted with rapturous applause, which grew even louder as he launched into There’s No Business Like Show Business. His vocals were stupendous, harmonising seamlessly with Ellington, Nolan, and Oakley.
Photo Credit: Tania Richards Photography.
From the first number, the show exuded the glitz and glamour you would expect from At The Musicals, balanced perfectly with genuinely hilarious moments. After introducing the show, Anton engaged the audience, asking for their favourite musicals. This playful interaction led to an improvised section in the second act, where Anton and Lance performed songs called out by audience members, delivering entertaining takes on classics like I Dreamed a Dream and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This improv was just one of many side-splitting moments showcasing the cast’s humour and rapport. Another highlight was a hilarious rewrite of The Sound of Music’s Sixteen Going on Seventeen, with lyrics poking fun at Anton’s Strictly past and Lance Ellington’s age.
These comedic moments were always followed by spellbinding displays of dance and vocal ability. Standouts included Lance Ellington’s majestic cover of Defying Gravity and Lauren Oakley and Lucy Nolan’s rendition of One Night Only. Personally, the night’s most magical moment was the improvised dance shared by Anton and Lauren to Lance’s Moon River, stripping ballroom back to its most elegant, old-fashioned basics in a truly exceptional way.
The show perfectly intertwined comedy and musical brilliance, allowing every audience member to enjoy the full magic of musical theatre. It was clear every performer was having the time of their life on stage, and the standing ovation at the end confirmed that the audience shared that joy.
Cast on the Night:
Anton Du Beke – Dancer & Singer
Lance Ellington – Singer
Lauren Oakley – Dancer & Singer
Lucy Nolan – Dancer & Singer
Kelly Chow – Dancer & Dance Captain
Ellie O’Gorman – Dancer
Luke Field-Wright – Dancer
Billy Lawrence – Dancer
Band:
Clive Dunstall – Musical Director & Piano
Pete Callard – Guitar
Mike Smith – Drums
Howard McGill – Saxophone & Flute
Pat Hartley – Trombone
Sam Burgess – Bass
Andy Greenwood – Trumpet