Review: The Unknown and The Unforgettable unearths hidden gems

The last time I went to an East Berkshire Operatic Society musical cabaret night of popular and not immediately recognisable songs from the musicals, I discovered ‘Come From Away’, which is now one of my favourite shows, so I was open to more undiscovered treasures on my return and I wasn’t disappointed.

Director Abi Burrows had not only put together a fine collection of, to me initially unknown but now, not unforgettable show songs, but also a tremendous set of singers who matched the Broadway and West End originals, with Abi herself giving a rendition of ‘Astonishing’ from ‘Little Women’ that was in fact, quite astonishing, in amongst a set of outstanding performances.

Memorable classics like ‘Over The Rainbow, ‘Summertime’, ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ and ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ jostled for recognition with lesser known songs, to this reviewer at least.

These included ‘If You Knew My Story;’ from ‘Bright Star’, ‘On The Night Bus’ from ‘Becoming Nancy’ and the aforementioned ‘Astonishing’, that will have me seeking out the shows that they originated from.

The intimate cabaret style staging of the show at EBOS’s Pinewood Theatre added to the atmosphere and allowed the performers to sing ‘to’ rather than ‘at’ the audience, and such was the high quality of each individual and ensemble performance, that it didn’t matter if you recognised the song or not, you were just so entertained by so much singing talent.

For a show that was primarily about seeking out hidden gems, it was quite fitting that the performers were the shining jewels on display.