Songs of the Season | St Phillips Cathedral

Songs of the Season makes a bold and promising debut as an annual Christmas concert at St Phillips Cathedral in Birmingham. This event is the brainchild of Birmingham Theatre's pride and Joy, James Edge (the founder of well-known theatre blog West End Best Friend AND the CEO and Artistic Director of The Old Joint Stock, an award winning pub theatre just minutes away from the cathedral). Songs of the Season feels like the ultimate festive experience, with hymns, Christmas songs (and the cheeky musical theatre number), performed by incredible vocalists, Jack Carr and Caprice Lane and hosted by the charismatic Edge himself.

Edge's hopes for the future of this annual concert is to bring the community together, and true to his word, the concert also features students from the SOTE (School of Theatrical Excellence), providing them a platform to perform as well. The student choirs are formed of those undertaking training (9-18), and the other formed of students on the Foundation course (18-20). 

St Phillips Cathedral is a grand venue, with a stunning interior that is made even more special with the world famous Birmingham Christmas Market on its doorstep. There is something so beautiful and stirring about hearing these festive numbers and hymns performed in the Cathedral, with audiences gathered together on the pews, that makes the night feel even more exciting. 

The tech team have done a commendable job, ensuring that the vastness of the venue doesn't affect sound quality. The pre-recorded orchestrations (by the incredibly talented Callum Thompson) and the live vocals are blended well together, creating a real sense of intimacy in the space. Although the sound can feel a tad too loud at moments, it sweeps through the Cathedral, bewitching the entire audience. The tech team have also gone all out with the lighting, bringing in colourful flashing lights and atmospheric disco ball effects, all whilst keeping the performers well illuminated. 

Thompson has created a memorable setlist, filled with the most beloved of Christmas numbers such as All I Want For Christmas, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and many more. However, Thompson has also created several gorgeous and original medleys, bringing musical theatre numbers and Christmas carols together, that feels even more remarkable. Thompson also orchestrated and performed all the backing tracks, which are just as pleasing to hear as the wonderful vocals.

Edge is the perfect host, refusing to let the shy audience bask in silence, taking it upon himself to get the audience laughing, clapping, singing and even dancing before too long. Edge often "wings" his moments of audience interaction, but this allows for his own sense of comedy to shine through, along with his natural charm that truly can win anyone over. Edge also manages to melt even the coldest of hearts as he dedicates a number to his grandmother, performing it to her whilst holding her hand. Edge's hosting capabilities not only ensures that the audience have a good time, but also the performers as he playfully banters and embarrasses his fellow cast members, or plays up to the student choir keeping them in high spirits throughout. 

Caprice Lane and Jack Carr have both previously worked with Edge before, appearing in productions at the Old Joint Stock, with the latter making his professional debut earlier this year in the critically acclaimed Be More Chill.

Lane is a beautiful performer, delivering angelic vocals and a touching sincerity behind her songs. Lane's rendition of many beloved Christmas vocals allows audiences to listen to their favourites with a renewed love. Edge transforms as a performer, shedding his charismatic nature for a sensitive soul when he begins to sing, with a surprisingly strong and powerful voice. Edge's heartfelt performance of Have Yourself A Merry Christmas has the audience weeping. 

Carr, who graduated this year and has continued to take audiences by storm, blows the very tall roof off of the cathedral with his vocals. Carr, a usually adorable and shy performer, has powerhouse vocals that has the audience mesmerised. Carr demonstrates his heavenly vocals throughout the show, but somehow ascends even that description to create one of the most moving renditions of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables to have ever been performed. Performed as a medley with I'll Be Home For Christmas, these few minutes of Carr's performance has the audience in a respectful silence as they take it in. 

A major highlight of the evening is the Act Two numbers which are performed by the students of SOTE. The foundation choir performed a rendition of Carol of the Bells that was a true show-stealing moment, as their gorgeous vocals were beautifully layered together to create a scintillating performance. The second performance included both choirs coming together to form a medley of two popular musical theatre numbers, For Good from Wicked and Seasons of Love from RENT. The latter brings the two songs together to create something beautiful and anew that shines with positivity.

Songs of the Season may only be in its first year, but it's already boasted its promised powerhouse potential as a firm Birmingham Christmas celebration. Songs of the Season is a bringing together of community, to remember and celebrate love, family, friends and festive cheer.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review