Sara's Three Phantoms Charity Concert Review

Thank you very much for this review!

Having been most upset at not being able to arrange to go and see Sarah perform at Hits of The West End with the rest of the Larkabouts, I found I was lucky enough to do the next best thing which was to see her perform at the above concert in Cardiff on Sunday 28th September.


Originally I booked to see Sarah and Fran two of my favourite Nancies, I was a little disappointed when I found out I would only be seeing Sarah perform on the Sunday but not overly as I was still going to be seeing Fran on the Saturday in Bristol. So on Saturday I trekked off to Cardiff and had an interesting evening, then Sunday I was very excited to be seeing the Lark perform.


I arrived at St David’s Hall and luckily everyone else was arriving at the same time as I had no idea where I was going once I got to the door. There were loots of people all buzzing round the foyer and we were soon invited in to take our seats.


The concert got off to a great start with Pete Karrie, John Owen-Jones, and Nic Greenshields (who was replacing Ramin Karimaloo who had to pull out due to ill health); performing Music of the night together you wouldn’t have thought the evening could have got any better after that performance.


Next we had a little information from the compare for the evening Sian Lloyd and a brief fact file on the evenings performers.


Peter Karrie then came back to the stage and gave us a prologue to the song he was about to sing – Heaven on their minds from Jesus Christ Superstar which was followed by John Owen- Jones Kiss of the Spiderwoman.


Following on from these two sensational performances was Nic Greenshields with a beautiful rendition of If I can’t Love Her from Beauty and The Beast.


Sarah’s first performance was next and this was the one I had been really waiting for especially having spoken to Laur earlier in the afternoon and being told that Sarah had worried that she would not be back from Glasgow in time to perform, but right on cue to probably the biggest cheers so far of the night in a wonderful flowing dress she gave a really moving performance of Maybe This Time from Cabaret it was ten times better watching her live and to see the acting through the song and this one performance alone made me so glad I had travelled the 200 odd miles to watch the show.


Next we had Peter Karrie back with Minnie the Moocher and his insistence that the audience relay everything he sung which worked fine till about halfway through when no one was able to repeat what he’d sung but it was still fun and he got why no one sung back but his facial expression was classic.


John Owen-Jones was back again he spoke to us about being a father and the song he was about to sing then went into New Words from ‘In the beginning’ at the end of this wonderfully moving song Nic Greenshields appeared at the side of the stage and John looked at him then announced that during the afternoon there had been a change to the running order and no-one was really sure what was happening and Nic then in good humour said I’ll go again then and sidled back off the stage suitably embarrassed as John Sung Sonny Boy.


Nic then came back to the stage and John said ..”Nic you really are tall aren’t you? It could be said your Larger Than Life” no surprises then as to what Nic was to sing next from My Favourite Year.


The next performance was from The Debbie Chapman Dancers a highly energetic dance routine to the music from Ladies Choice (Hairspray), and then Peter Karrie was back with High Flying Adored from Evita, I truly sensational performance and He was joined by the other leading Lady for the night Elin Wyn Murphy who was absolutely breath taking. Elin then continued with Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.


John was back with Anthem from Chess then the final act of the first half of the show was Peter Karrie and Children from the Encore Theatre and Stage Academy singing a Joseph Medley


After the interval the show recommenced with The Three Phantoms and Elin singing ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ each phantom on stage at a different part of the song taking over the lead, they all had a way of just commanding the stage. Elin then went on to sing Wishing.


Next in store was John with Love Changes Everything followed by Nic with I’m Martin Guerre. Then it Was Sarah’s turn again with Her wonderful rendition of As Long As He Needs Me which was stunning and the dress I’m sure was the one she wore when they did the Wicked task if not the exact same it was very similar.


The programme then jumped around a bit and I think it was Peter Karrie with The Impossible Dream followed by; Nic with There is Nothing Like A Dame from south Pacific. We then had an even more incredible dance performance after a short pause that even confused the musical director John Quirk, this time the performance was to You Can’t Stop The Beat from hairspray. ‘Piece of Sky’ from a file called Yentl, John with his ambition of singing a bond theme sang ‘Thunderball’ and Peter told us the background to and sang ‘You Never Through a Party for Me’. The order here may be a bit off and I apologise but I really can’t remember the exact order at this point but.


We were then back on track with Sarah and her incredible ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ this is by far my favourite performance from Sarah it was a real tear jerker and she got a huge round of applause for this performance.


Then Sian advised that all the cast would be in the foyer at the end of the show to give autographs and photos for anyone who wished to catch any of them which was a big relief as I had no idea how I would have got to see Sarah otherwise not knowing Cardiff at all and certainly not knowing where the cast would exit the building from.


Then the finale was started by Geraint Llyr Owen singing ‘Castle on a Cloud’ which was incredible , Elin sang I dreamed a dream John sang Bring Him Home and then John, Elin, Nic & Peter sang One More Day.


There then followed rapturous applause and Sarah and Geraint were brought onto the stage as well for a full standing ovation and three return calls to the stage in which the swapped the order so poor wee Sarah was no longer stood next to the towering giant of more than 6ft that is Nic Greenshield.


We all then made are way to the foyer and hung around for the cast. Sarah was just incredible she eventually got to the table where she was supposed to be and was signing autographs and talking to people in amongst hugging friends and family that came over. I was privileged enough to be able to pass on a message from Fran at which Sarah was delighted and explained how much she wished Fran had been there with her, she was also so happy to be able to tell everyone that she would be staring in Oliver and was really looking forward to starting rehearsals with Jodie and the rest of the cast on November 3rd. You could see she was desperate to get to her family, but her Gran came over as we were about to have a picture taken and she was so sweet even though I think she did think I was a little insane to have travelled as far as I did for the concert but for me it was worth every minute.


Sarah was a joy to meet and made my weekend complete.

My Review of Hits of the West End!!

Sorry im so late with this, it's just I was away for the weekend and what not and had no time! I will just write my view on the show on Thursday and just a little about Tuesday - Im going to base it on Sarah mostly but the rest of the cast were amazing!



Well on Thursday I was going with the Larkabouts as I went with my friends on Tuesday. So I met Laur and Kim outside the Town House, they had gifts for me as I was a little bit upset which was so lovely(thanks guys). So we went in and we were just talking about how excited we were and I was saying how amazing Sarah was on Tuesday.



Then we went to our seats, we were 4 rows back I think it was...the place was filling up with not that many seats left empty - I thought BRILLIANT! We had our tshirts on(It's All About The Lark - well because it is haha) and we had glow sticks and fart whistles - strange people I know!! Then the band started to play some music so we were singing along to that, I was too excited! Then first song Sarah sang was 'One Night Only' this was just beautiful, I was glad I got to see it as I was late on Tuesday! Sarah looked amazing in this...ok ive saw it twice but I really do have a bad memory..I think she was dressed all in white actually no..ive been informed it wasn't white it was purple see what I mean - I think she just mesmerizes me that I can't remember anything else other than the performance lol..anyway just gorgeous. Up next was Niall with a delightful performance of 'Willkommen'then Emma after with a great performance of 'Mein Heir' with the other girls. Sarah came out from the top of the stairs with an amazing slighty different from IDA performance of 'Maybe This Time'the crowd gave her a massive applause and we were wooing of course! Emma and the girls then came back for 'All That Jazz'. Then came 'Cell Block Tango' with the 5 girls including Sarah - this was one of my favourite performances of the show. They were up on chairs during the performance I was sat going "omg I hope she doesn't fall" because she had massive heels on!! It was a great performance, very funny. Sarah got to show off her vocals, acting and dancing in this one, it got one of the biggest cheers of the night. Next was the school kids with Niall singing 'Any Dream Will Do' and 'Close Every Door' they were all amazing it was cute! Jamie then sang 'Jesus Christ Superstar' which was also great! Then I think I was actually about to pass out as I knew what was coming next - It was Sarah singing 'Good Morning Baltimore' there was Sarah in the middle of the stage behind a duvet with her hair in wee cute bunches - aww! When she started to sing I swear I thought someone was going to need to pick me up off the floor by the end haha as this was a song I really wanted her to sing. It was truly amazing she gets into character so well, I didn't want to look away incase I missed one little expression and during the performance she did this little adorable laugh - I have no doubt that she would be an amazing Tracy!! Next was Jamie with..'Nicest kids in town' with the rest of the cast joining in, we really got to see Sarah dancing in this one - just amazing she can really move! Niall then came back on stage with 'Music of the Night' I thought this was fantasic. We then moved onto Les Miserables with 'At The End Of The Day' which was most of the cast but no Sarah...then on she comes to sing 'I Dreamed A Dream' and omg I had a tear in my eye it was just gorgeous and she has this sparkle her eyes all the time - its just so moving. Then came the Director of the show Michael Martin with a wonderful 'stars' multi-talented this man is! All the cast then came back for 'Do You Hear The People Sing' which was great and then Emma again with 'On My Own' which was beautiful. Then a song i'd been waiting to hear Sarah sing the whole thing it was 'As Long As He Needs Me' this was just amazing! I mean WOW I loved it and the fact she is going to get to play Nancy at some point is just even more amazing. On came the cast for 'Grease' and then Emma sang 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' one of her best songs of the night. The guys then performed 'Grease lightnin' which got the girls screaming of course lol. They finished the first act with 'You're The One That I Want' with Sarah back on stage only dancing this time but she is an amazing dancer!



Act two opened with the school kids back singing 'Santa Evita' and 'Money Kept Rollin' both great and then there was a spotlight at the top of the stairs and on came Sarah in the most gorgeous dress she looked really beautiful! She sang 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' I didn't look away for one minute I was mesmerized by this performance! Emma and the girls then came back on stage for 'Yes' with an amazing dance routine following them was Jamie singing 'Hungry Eyes' I really liked this. 'Time Of My Life' was next with Niall and Sarah singing this it was quite a fun performance and sang amazingly by both. We were making loads of noise when Sarah first came on stage for this and she was smiling and gave us a thumbs up lol bless! The song ended with a little kiss - awww! Emma and Jamie duetted with 'As long as you're mine' from Wicked and then next was the performance of the night for me, it was Sarah singing 'Popular'! This gave Sarah the chance to show off her funny and quirky side it was an outstanding performance she had everyone laughing and her facial expressions were classic - she would make an amazing Glinda, oh and we also stood up to clap for this!!. Another song from Wicked with Emma singing 'Defying Gravity' I loved this a bit much thought it was her best performance of the night., I was ruining it a little by singing along haha. We then had a little bit of Mary Poppins with Niall singing 'Step In Time' and some of the cast doing some great dancing. Then on came Sarah to sing 'Tell Me Its Not True' it was so emotional and deffo a tearjerker - I had a little tear, I tell you its her eyes, she has the most gorgeous eyes and she does something with them. The rest of the cast then joined in it was an AMAZING performance. Some songs from We Will Rock You came next, first was Niall with 'I Want To Break Free' I thought this was his best song of the night - he has an amazing voice and hes a bit gorgeous aswell...haha. Next was the cast all in white for 'Radio Ga Ga' the choreography for this was just WOW I loved it plus I was dancing away in my seat - everyone was clapping along. Then it was Niall supported by the cast for 'We Are The Champions' the audience really started to get into it by this point most were waving there arms in the air it was great! Then I knew what was coming the song I really wanted Sarah to sing('The Winner Takes It All') my heart actaully started to beat faster I thought I was going to need an ambulance LOL then she came on and just WOW my heart was still beating faster(No singer has ever made that happen before - she must be a bit special) it was sung so beautifully with loads of emotion(you could hear it in her voice) and THE EYES again..I need to ssssh about the eyes but eek just love her performing to be honest! At the end we had all the cast for ' Mamma Mia' and the 4 leads singing 'Dancing Queen' and then to end with 'Waterloo' the audience were all clappin and singing and dancing it was a great atmosphere! Then the cast took a bow with Sarah last she really did get the biggest cheer, we all stood up when it was Sarahs turn and so did the people behind us and we were making so much noise. So that was it finished then everyone was cheering when they went off stage and then the woman next to me said "You were brilliant and she really was amazing" then a woman came over to me and said "your friend was outstanding she really was" I was just like "my friend?" haha! Then when we were walking out a man goes "that little blonde is really oustanding" I was like oh I know haha. Then we walked out a bit more and I swear half the audience must of been saying how truly amazing Sarah was I could hear loads talking about her it made me smile!



Just to end on Tuesday Sarah was just as outstanding as she was on Thursday and im sure she was just the same all week - her voice never fails her!



Also I got to meet Sarah both nights, she really is a lovely, genuine, down to earth person. She is happy to speak to everyone and get pictures and shes really funny aswell. She is STAR, she has the most amazing voice and I can't wait to go see her perform again. Oh we had her a tshirt made which she was happy to put on she loved it loads - as you can see her with it on in the picture below. Oh and I got a high five from THE LARK oh yeah haha.



Julie xx

When the Larkabouts met Uncle Mike the ledge!!

Well on Thursday night some of us Larkabouts met a wee legend that is Sarah's Uncle Mike! He told us what he thought of the show and another few things... here they are...picture above(nevermind me I don't know whats going on there haha)

So we asked him what he thought of the show? He said..
He thought everyone was great and he really enjoyed it.

What was his Favourite performance of the night from Sarah? He said..
Popular( I have to agree it was outstanding)

His favourite show Sarah has ever been in? He said..
That it was Snoopy!(I'd of loved to of seen this)

His favourite IDA performance? He said..
It was Midnight Train To Georgia!

Who was his 2nd favourite Nancy? He said..
It was Samantha!

Favourite song he's ever heard Sarah sing? He said..
There's A Fine Line - from Avenue Q.

Just want to say thanks to him for this and he truly was a lovely man! Ledge!!(and he does know it) LOL.

Julie xx.

Kims Hits of the West End review - Yeaaah!

"Hits of the West End"...What a show!!
It took us back to the 1800's of East End London in Oliver, fast forwarded us
to 1900s Germany in Carbaret, and to Argentina in Evita.
We watched them fall in love in Dirty Dancing, saw High School sweethearts in Grease
and saw the pain and sorrow of Blood Brothers. We danced with ABBA and rocked with Queen,
and got thrown into the fairytale of Wicked! We woke up to Hairspray, and joined the barricades
of Les Mis. Whatever was being performed, by whoever was performing it, theres no denying the versitility
of this amazing cast.



The cast consisted of four mainleads; Sarah Lark, who has the mose amazing voice. Niall Sheehy - who stepped on a nail
during dress rehearsal on Monday, but battled through the pain to perform with true star quality. Emma Kelly - Who will
be playing Sharpay Evans in the new touring production of High School Musical, though I would love
to see her as Elphiba in Wicked!, and Jamie McKillop, who I am sure will be gracing a West End stage in no time!!



The show opened with Sarah performing 'One Night Only' from Dreamgirls, it was an absolutely amazing opening, with a funky
little dance routine. Next up we got our first glimpse of lead male Niall with a cheeky little performance of
'Willkommen', which led us to Emma and the girls with 'Mein Heir'. Up again came The Lark with a truly
gorgeous performance of 'Maybe This Time' - we saw her do this during I'd do anything' but watching it live
just made me go 'WOW!!'. We then had Emma and the girls back for the Chicago classic - 'All that Jazz' which
led to one of my favourite performances of the night, 'Cell Block Tango', which feature the female cast of Louise McCarthy,
Grace Harrington, Pippa Higgs and Katie Lowe as well as Emma and Sarah. It was the perfect opportunity for them
all to show off their singing, dancing and acting, with solos each, and the routine consisting of some
tricky chair choreography, it was a truly showstopping performance.
We then got shown some local talent, in the form of Schoolchildren. They were used in 'Any Dream will do'
and 'Close every door' with Niall on lead vocals. We then get our first real introduction to Jamie, who doesn't
disappoint with his rendition of 'Superstar'.
Up next, and another favorite of mine, was 'Good Morning Baltimore' with Sarah taking the role of Tracy, she
plays the loveable dancing geek perfectly - a future role? I think so!! It was a very quirky performance with
four dancers emerging from behind Sarahs duvet. Staying with Hairspray we got 'Nicest kids in town', with Jamie playing the
cheesy Corny Collins to perfection, it was an absolutely brilliantly choreographed performance!
Niall then came back on stage with 'Music of the Night', which I though was fantastic, though he was sure he couldn't hit the
low notes, I can assure him it was truly fab!!
This then took us to my favorite musical - Les Miserables. They started with a great rendition of 'At the end of the day',
and then onto Sarahs ' I dreamed a dream' - which (without being biased), was probably one of the best versions of it I have
ever heard, Sarah does the most amazing performance with her eyes, and you just become mesmerized in them, stunning.
We then got a real treat with a performance of 'Stars' from the Director Michael Martin, the cast came back for 'Do you hear the
people sing?' Following that came 'On my Own', probably one of my favorite musical songs of all time, I was gutted when I
heard Sarah wasn't singing it I was a bit gutted, but Emma did an amazing show stopping performance, this led to the cast
performing 'One Day More', which, again, was one of my favorite performances of the show.
Up next was The Lark with 'As Long as he needs me', this was made better by the fact that Sarah had just been announced as
first cover for Nancy in the upcoming Cameron Mackintosh production of Oliver. Really exciting times for Sarah!!
On came the rest of the cast for 'Grease', leaving Emma on the stage to perform 'Hopelessly Devoted' which really was a
'WOW' performance! On came the boys with 'Greased Lightnin', with Jamie playing Danny, Niall as Kenickie and the rest of the
guys; Ross Fountain, Ross Carpenter, Billy Mitchell (who is goooorgeous in real life) and Gavin Eden, performing
a brilliant rendition of the classic. Back came the girls to finish the first half with 'You're the one that I want'.


Part Two kicked off with the schoolkids coming back for 'Santa Evita' and 'Money kept rollin' in', everyone one left the stage
to a spotlight shining to the balcony with Sarah stood there in the most AMAAAAZING ballgown, performing 'Don't cry for
me Argentina' - this really showed off the powerfulness of her voice and it genuinely made the hairs on the back of my neck
stand on end!
We were then treated to Emma and the girls doing a fab performance of 'Yes' with a catchy dance routine and fab vocals, following
that came Jamie with 'Hungry Eyes', which was simple but beautiful. Up next, Niall and Sarah doing 'Time of my life' with
the rest of the cast treating us to some 'Dirty Dancing'...we we're spoiled by the tremendous vocals and the fantastic
choreography!
Emma and Jamie duetted with a fab 'As long as you're mine' from the musical Wicked! It really was a heartfelt performance,
which led to another or my favorite performances of the show - 'Popular', it gave Sarah the chance to show off the
cheeky and playful side of her fantastic acting abilities...It made me giggle from the start to the end..(especially the
cross eyed bit!!) ... Following this came the showstopper 'Defying Gravity', which was sung by Emma...I think this was her
best performance of the night, and for her to sing with such power and enthusiasm, I have no doubt she would make an
AMAAAZING Elphiba, with Sarah as Galinda, pleeease!!
We we're then treated to a but of Mary Poppins in the shape of Niall donning his best cockney accent and performing
'Step in time' which had one of the best routines on the night!
Next, my favorite performance of the whole entire show....'Tell me it's not true' from the tearjerker Blood Brother, with Sarah on
lead vocals being back up by the amazing cast, it really was one but bring a tear to your eye.
Next up Niall with a great 'I want to break free'.... He really does have an amazing voice, I only wish we could have seen him dance!
Following thins, and with the award for the best choreography came 'Radio Ga Ga '.....I don't think I could put into words how
great it really was. We we're then treated to Niall on vocals again with 'We are the Champions, supported by most of the cast.
Last but not least we we're given some 'Mamma Mia' in the shape of 'The winner takes it all' from Sarah, a group performance of
'Mamma Mia' and then to finish the show a quartet performance of 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo'.



The show really was an amazing event, and it showed how incredibly versatile those performers really were.
To top off an already amazing evening, I got to meet most of the cast afterwards. They were all so lovely and
happy to pose for photos, and we're interested with your opinions of the show!



I have no doubt that the whole cast will move on to bigger things, because they all did a truly amazing job!
And a big clap for the backstage cast too!



Now, plllleeeaase tour with the show! =D

Hey Hey Hey + Sarah is Nancy cover in the West End!!

Hey everyone! It is very late, 2:20am as im writing this and im not long in from seeing The Lark again very tired and probably slightly drunk lol for now I just want to say she is an amazing lady! I am away for the weekend so it will have to be monday before I post my review for both Tuesday and Thursday night plus maybe others from the other Larkabouts + pictures + a little something from a wee legend we met last night - not Sarah though :P but she is a legend!!

Oh and can I just add BRING ON THE LARK IN OLIVER!! Yes that's right sarah will be cover for Nancy in the West End production of Oliver plus in the Esemble every night. CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah! She seems really really happy and of course the Larkabouts are SQUEEING and EEEING! haha.

Catch you in a few days!

Julie xx.

Jeanne's Review of Hits of the West End!!

Just want to thank her so much for this review - Who went on Monday. I also went last night but im going on Thursday again so I am going to hold off my review but I will just say Sarah Lark is a STAR.

Here is Jeanne's review...

So, thanks to Glasgow being not the easiest place to navigate (I got lost twice); the guy not being at the reception desk in the hotel (so it took me 20 minutes to get booked in); & then getting the wrong door 1st time (it’s the glass doors at the side, not the main entrance) I ended up missing the first ten minutes of the show. I ran up the stairs and walked in, and there she was… Sarah Lark, dressed all in white, centre stage, rocking it up. I barely paid attention to the nice lady who was showing me to my seat, & I was so mesmerised by Sarah that I didn’t register what song it was (I think it might have been One Night Only).
Finally settled in my seat (front row of the gallery, sandwiched between 2 groups of old women), I had a good look around the hall. It’s a small, intimate venue, so even sat up in the gallery you can clearly see the stage, set out with a central staircase up to a little balcony. It was about 2/3 full, & I think the audience was mostly the families of the kids in the show (plus a large amount of OAPs).


Anyway, back to the show. There were a couple of group songs from Cabaret (Willkommen & possibly another one) then the lights faded and the spotlight drew the audiences attention to the balcony, there stood Sarah Lark, whose mic wasn’t working, unfortunately, but her voice carried well enough without it to be able to recognise Maybe This Time… It didn’t take long for someone to hand her a handheld mic and we could finally hear her properly. She made her way down the stairs onto the stage to sing the rest of the song. Her performance wasn’t as powerful as when she sang it on IDA, but it was absolutely beautiful & note perfect (which goes without saying really, & was the case with all of her performances). And she really is so small, the stage isn’t all that big and much as she does completely own every inch of the stage, she seemed ever so small stood there on her own.
There was another song, but I don’t remember what, All That Jazz, possibly, I’m assuming it was a Chicago song, ‘cos the next female group song was Cell Block Tango… Sarah had ‘Annie’s part, lamenting (with endearing, wicked humour) about her ‘single’ Mormon husband who had 6 wives. The performance involved a rather complicated dance with chairs, Sarah slipped at one point but she recovered so gracefully & seamlessly that it looked as though it was part of the routine. I must admit, I was a bit worried about her being up on the chairs - especially after her little slip - they were quite high & spaced quite far apart and she’s only got little legs.


The male ensemble did a little song or maybe this was where Jesus Christ Superstar fit in…. if it was, I wasn’t impressed with the guy who sang it.
Then Sarah appeared, with her hair in bunches, looking truly adorable, stood behind a makeshift ‘quilt’ for Good Morning Baltimore. By the chorus, we find out why she has such a radiant grin, as the quilt is moved aside to reveal 4 men hiding behind there. It was clear that Sarah was absolutely in her element with this song, & the group song of You Can’t Stop The Beat (I think) which followed. This was Sarah at her absolute bubbly, happy, confident best, and the dance routine was amazing – that girl can really move! I am now convinced that she would be amazing in Hairspray, & I believe that she would thoroughly enjoy every second if she was in it too.
Now my memory fails me, I think once the Hairspray songs were finished, the children came on stage for Any Dream Will Do & Close Every Door from Joseph. I could be completely muddled though, I don’t remember where the Joseph songs came at all.
Sarah’s next song wasn’t one that I recognised, a soft, simple ballad, something about dreaming a dream, possibly. Whatever it was, it was absolutely beautiful and almost made me cry. Another song (or was it 2, I forget) that I didn’t recognise, probably from the same musical as the dreaming a dream song, but I honestly couldn’t tell you what they were.


There may have been more, or maybe this was where the Joseph songs fit in, but Sarah’s next solo was As Long As He Needs Me. She was wearing the red dress that she wore in the Wicked mission & every inch of her, from head to toe, just screamed ‘Nancy’. Again, her performance was not as intense as on IDA, but that’s probably ‘cos it wasn’t such an emotional moment. And I don’t know whether the orchestra was too fast, or what it was, but she seemed to be rushing through it… No long notes, barely a pause to breathe, but beautiful & emotional none the less. It truly tugged at my heartstrings and I feel honoured & proud to be able to say that I have seen Sarah Lark perform all of ALAHNM live on stage – even if she doesn’t get a chance to be in Oliver, for those few minutes, I got to see her as Nancy.
The first half of the show closed with a little medley of songs from Grease, starting with Greased Lightening, then into You’re The One That I Want, which Sarah joined, again, looking as if she was completely in her element; immersed in the mood & character of the song.


After the interval, the show re-opened, with the children again, and some big group songs from Evita…. Now, I only know 3 songs from Evita, & they weren’t those, so I don’t know what they were. Sarah’s absence in these group song seemed wrong somehow, the whole ensemble (including the kids) were ‘reunited’ to re-open the show, and Sarah wasn’t amongst them. However, I knew that it meant another solo was coming up. Everyone left the stage, and there she was, up on the balcony, in the most beautiful ball gown, looking every bit like a Disney princess (in a really good way, a classy, breath-takingly beautiful Disney princess). She managed to tackle one step on the stairs, but the skirt was so big that if she’d tried the whole staircase, she might just have fallen. So, from the top step, she gave a heart-wrenching rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.


There were (possibly) one or two more songs, before one of the other female singers did a great job of Defying Gravity, and as she was leaving the stage, we saw (for the first & only time in the show) a little hint of acting as Sarah ‘accidentally’ bumps into her with a chair, and we hear how brilliant Popular would be, if Sarah were in Wicked! & it would, indeed, be wicked… Sarah has a humbleness about her that belies the lyrics of the song, and gave it a rather hilarious, endearing charm, and I was grinning and laughing through the whole performance. It was, by far, my most favourite performance of the whole night, & I would give an arm & a leg to see her in Wicked.


Another group song, maybe just the men but I don’t remember (my memory is so bad), and then a duet. Sarah stood at one side of the stage, the lead male stood at the opposite side, with the rest of the performers doing some wonderful dancing, as Sarah & the guy sang The Time Of My Life beautifully. & they even had a little kiss at the end…. Aww, how sweet.


Sarah’s next song (honestly, I’m gonna stop trying to tell you what happened between Sarah’s songs, ‘cos I just do not remember) was Tell Me It’s Not True…. & her audition video did not do justice to how wonderfully Sarah sings that song. The song started as a solo, then one by one the rest joined her as ‘backing’ singers. Even with every voice singing, it was Sarah’s that could be heard resonating above the rest. That was true in every group song that Sarah participated in, her voice carried loud & strong above everyone else.


There was a We Will Rock You medley next, which finally, got the audience participating with some clapping going on.
And from Queen, to Abba, with Sarah singing The Winner Takes It All…. Again, her mic wasn’t working, & again, her voice carried well enough without it to be able to identify the song. A young man brought her out a handheld mic, and it seemed to take her a second to realise that she needed to sing into it – lol. I’m sure there was another Mamma Mia! song, it may have been Mamma Mia… I forgot. The show ended with everyone back on stage for Dancing Queen, with Sarah, the 2 main male singers & the other main female singer doing a quartet of sorts. And there was some brilliant dancing going on too.


Everyone took a bow, one by one, with Sarah last… looking a bit lost & humble - not quite used to being the ‘star’ just yet - and almost desperate to get everyone else to join her from where they were stood at the sides of the stage. So she beckoned them all to join her, much as she did to the Olivers in Together Wherever We Go, and the took a bow together then danced happily off the stage to rapturous applause.


All in all, an amazing show, even with the sound problems they seemed to be having throughout the night. I’m a little disappointed that Sarah didn’t get to sing with the kids, since she has such a natural, easy rapport with children. But, it was definitely worth the 7 hours of train rides & the getting lost in Glasgow, and it has definitely made me even more desperate (if that’s even possible) to see Sarah where she belongs; shining brightly as a leading lady in the West End.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

xx.

Tonight's The Night!

Well tonight is the opening night for Hit's of the West End(I think Glasgow knew The Lark was coming the suns out haha)I can't wait to see the show tomorrow night and see what Sarah is singing! I will try my hardest to get some videos or even some pictures but I don't know..

I just want to say 'break a leg, Sarah!' All the Larkabouts are sure you will be AMAZING!

Anyone else going have an amazing time.

Julie xx.

A little more info about Betwixt!

As I already posted Sarah is going to be in the show "Betwixt In Concert" Which I believe is nearly sold out!!

Some more info from the Facebook Group..

Will be on the 14th of October 2008 at the Ambassadors Theatre, London - can purchase tickers off Ticketmaster.

After a successful run at the King’s Head Theatre this year, Betwixt will be performed in the West End for one night only in support of the amazing work done by TheatreMAD, featuring Rosemary Ashe, Tim Howar, Sarah Lark, Sheridan Smith and David Bedella as the Great Garbo, it promises to be a great show! (More Cast to be announced soon!!)

BETWIXT! tells the story of Bailey Howard, a writer of fairy tales for adults and his flamboyant friend Cooper Fitzgerald, who are magically transported to the kingdom of Taravatania. Their arrival fulfils an ancient prophecy that the oppressed land and its kidnapped Prince Haydn will be rescued by a conquering hero and a great queen.

TheatreMAD is the committed response from the British theatre community and its audiences. We draw upon its talents, resources and generosity though exciting events to raise money and awareness to help people affected by HIV, AIDS and other critical illnesses

Betwixt! Is written by Ian McFarlane with Direction by Kate Golledge, Musical Direction by Robert Emery and Choreography by Lucie Pankhurst.

Sarah will be appearing in the original new musical Betwixt!! - One night only

Sarah will be appearing in the original new musical Betwixt when it's in the West End for one night only on Tuesday 14th October at the Ambassadors theatre.

Tickets went on sale this morning on ticketmaster!!

Click the link below to purchase tickets...

BUY TICKETS


Will post some more info about the show later..

xx.

3 Family tickets to be won for Hits of the West End!!

This competition was in Wednesday's Wishaw Press, Sorry im a bit late with this but there is still time to enter!!

All you have to do is answer this question...

Q:
Which of the following has been a huge box office hit this summer?
A:
a)Mamma Mia
b)Joseph
c)Chicago

TO ENTER BY POST
Send your answer,name,address,postcode and telephone number to
Hits Of The West End,
Wishaw Press, Press Buildings,
Campbell Street, Hamilton ML3 6AX.

TO ENTER BY PHONE
0901 154 1727
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON LINE.

TO ENTER BY TEXT
To enter by text message, text WPCOM4 followed by a space, then your answer, name, contact telephone number, house number and postcode.
send to 84080

COMPETITION CLOSES MIDNIGHT 15TH OF SEPTEMBER!

Click the image above to view the competition in the Wishaw Press.

Sarah to perform in Cabaret In The House!

Someone posted this over on the Sarah forums so I thought I would post it here for you all!! I will post more info when I find out about it!

Sarah will be the featured performer in the Sunday 9 November 2008 edition of Cabaret In The House, commencing at 4.30pm.

Tickets (usually unreserved) are priced at £13 (concessions £11).

More info should be posted here shortly:
http://www.lauderdalehouse.co.uk/events.asp

Lauderdale House
Highgate Hill
Waterlow Park
London
N6 5HG

xx

Hits of the West End - Special Offer!!

As Hits of the West End opens next week - well the 22nd, they have a special offer!! All remaining tickets have been reduced to £15! Click the picture above to view the ad from the Daily Record - Scottish Newspaper of the year! So i'd imagine these tickets won't be around for long!!

Fan video of pictures...

Hey hey! Being honest, unfortunately I have nothing to post about! Sarah is currently busy in rehearals for Hits of the West End. Hope that's going well!!

So I thought I would post this fan video of some pictures that I made months ago...



Also...I asked about having a camera at the Hits of the West End show but they have said they don't permit cameras as most hirers don't allow them! I am gutted about that as I wanted to get some videos for you all! I will still try though! lol.

xx.

Sarah Lark Appreciation Group on Facebook...

Hello eveyone,

As a lot of you probably know Sarah has an Appreciation Group on Facebook! It would be great if anyone with Facebook could join and show The Lark your support.

Just click the link below to go to the page...

SARAH LARK APPRECIATION GROUP

Thanks for reading, Julie x.