Review: Beyond the Barricade, St George’s Hall, Bradford

“…an evening full of heart…”

Beyond The Barricade 25th Anniversary Year tour, St George’s Hall, Bradford, Thursday 11th July

by Jennifer Burkinshaw

On their 25^th anniversary tour, the cast and musicians of Beyond the Barricade are anything but jaded. In fact, the further they got into their sets, the more energised these four talented singers seemed to become!

In an evening full of heart, the ensemble led a rapt audience at St George’s Hall  Bradford through a generous array of some of the best songs from musicals as old as West Side Story and as new as Come from Away.

As well as singing some superb solos, including Bring him Home from Les Miserables, David Fawcett MCed the evening seemingly effortlessly, delivering  choice snippets about the musicals and a few jokes of varying quality!  Andy Reiss provided further joy and the most memorable character acts of the night, including as George III in You’ll be back and the inn keeper in Les Mis.  Keeper of the House was also one of many  highlights from the versatile soprano, Sarah Ryan, whilst Katie Leeming’s Don’t Cry for me Argentina was a personal favourite.

When, at the close of the show, David Fawcett announced their anniversary gala concert in at Birmingham Symphony Hall on 31 October,  it was hard to find any good reason for not being there!

Jennifer Burkinshaw has loved live theatre ever since she can remember. She has taught English and Drama in various places, including Paris, and directed productions. Since then, she’s published two young adult novels which she take into schools for writing workshops. Her debut, Igloo, won the grand prize at Eyelands International Book awards 2023. Her thriller, Happiness Seeker, was published a year later. Both stories were inspired by places she knows and loves: the French Alps and Morecambe Bay. Jennifer continues to enjoy the mountains, seaside and her growing family – sadly not all at the same time!