Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Vaudeville Theatre, London
Four leading stars of the West End and Broadway will perform exclusive Westway Concerts at the Vaudeville Theatre: Lee Mead, Cassidy Janson, Kerry Ellis and Aimie Atkinson. Aimie Atkinson (SIX, Pretty Woman) returns to the West End to perform songs from her new album as well as career defining hits.
Westway Sessions celebrates the very best talent of musical theatre and the recording label Westway Music that has become the home to leading stars of the West End, Broadway, and musical theatre.
It was a fitting stage for the launch of Aimie Atkinson’s new album ‘Queen’. On June 23rd, the original SIX’s Katherine Howard returned to the Vaudeville Theatre, the stage that launched her to complete stardom, to host her Westway Session.
I left the theatre with no words. Which, for a theatre reviewer, is unusual, but it’s a testament to the undeniable talent of Aimie Atkinson. Her vocals were electric and effortless, a commanding stage presence that captures the audience from the moment she steps onto the stage. Aimie has an ability to push out power songs and balance it with vulnerable ballads. Queen is not just an album title, but is a fitting description of Aimie’s command to hold the audiences' heart.
The audience were treated to an unexpected 20 minute opening act from Nathan Lorainey-Dineen, aka Lordin Music, who wowed the audience with original music, pop covers and musical theatre renditions; fitting given his current West End presence in The Devil Wears Prada. Lordin provided a set full of soft swagger, including a moving ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ from Grease the Musical.
After a quick interval, then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Aimie took the stage, opening the show with ‘Dare to Love’, the first track from her album.
Aimie was supported by a four person onstage band that delivered an impressively big sound, at times it felt like a full-scale rock concert. Lead by MD Nick Fitch, the arrangements elevated every song to an entirely new insane level with intensity and energy.
Aimie’s special guests included a myriad of close friends. Including fellow original SIX Queens Natalie Paris, Grace Mouat and Jarneia Richard-Noel. Their genuine camaraderie was both heartwarming and inevitable given their history - a bond many in the audience likely long to have for themselves. Aimie and Natalie’s powerful duet of ‘Alone’ was jaw dropping - undeniably one of the nights biggest highlights. The four part performance of ‘All You Want To Do’ with Sophie Isaacs, Vicki Manser and Hannah Lowther was a standout moment - each performer bringing a unique take on their Katherine Howard yet perfectly harmonising together. Friend, or more like chosen family, Johndeep More joined Aimie for a whimsical and tender performance of ‘Falling Slowly’ from Once. Friends, Vicky Hoyles and Helen Wint, provided backup vocals throughout, but Aimie pulled them into the spotlight several times - including the energetic fun finale of ‘Proud Mary’ that got the audience all up for a little boogie.
‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ was an especially magical moment. As Aimie told the story how it was the song she sung in an audition, the first time in her life she said ‘yes’ to something outside her comfort zone like that. ‘I Can’t Go Back’ from Aimie’s time in Pretty Woman was personally an emotional moment for her, as she sent a love note to the wings to fiancé and fellow West End star John Dagleish. Reminiscing how each night she would sing the lyrics ‘I want the real thing. Is that too much to ask?’ wishing to find her person, and now she has.
Aimie crafted a clear through line and narrative throughout the show, taking the audience on a journey through her career with personal stories before each song. As a performer and book lover, it’s no surprise she’s such a captivating storyteller. You could listen to her for hours - she’s down-to-earth and hilarious. Every song in the setlist clearly held personal meaning, marking different moments in her career leading back to this stage.
The beauty of a concert like this is the performers ability to show themselves, outside of the characters they usually play. And many in the audience would have relished the opportunity to learn more about her as an individual. Seeing a reflection of themselves, in the shy girl with a dream who made it happen. Aimie inspires and motivates people to dig deep, be resilient and go for what we desire most in life. And now she stood before us, not just as a performer, but a bona fide star.
Review by Jude
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