Although live entertainment has faced its biggest crisis ever (even during the World Wars live entertainment kept going) there is no keeping the arts down. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, our much battered and bruised directors, actors, musicians and stage personnel have combined to take the theatre into cyberspace. This latest offering from Circencester’s Barn Theatre offers cabaret with a twist. Titled The Secret Society Of Leading Ladies, five mighty talents have been invited to a secret performing space which comes to life when they step upon it. The twist is, you decide who performs from a pool of 14 leading ladies and songs. Simple but fun.
Now I really don’t want to spoil for those playing it some of the music choices, but I will say there are some great musical theatre offerings in there. I might mention Sister Act, Kinky Boots and Waitress by way of just three of the shows from which songs have been culled. And if the material is first rate, then I can assure you the leading ladies themselves match it pound for pound. I think it would be ungallant to pick out a particular performer as they are all incredible voices in their own right. The 14 comprise (in alphabetical order so no diva tantrums are necessary): Jocasta Almgill, Lauren Byrne, Kayla Carter, Aoife Clesham, Allie Daniel, Abbi Hodgson, Aisha Jawando, Claudia Kariuki, Natalie Kassanga, Emma Kingston, Kayleigh McKnight, Ellie Mitchell, Jarnèia Richard-Noel and Kelly Sweeney. West End Wendys will recognise some of the performers, a few less so, but rest assured they all have the vocal chops to carry off their respective numbers. Undoubtedly the sassiest group of leading ladies to be found on the internet.
Creator Ryan Carter clearly knows how to develop simple ideas into a stylish online treat, and the beauty of this particular piece of entertainment is that it has the legs to develop and run, with more songs, more performers. The result could potentially be an unrivalled interactive archive of musical theatre performers captured for posterity. But little acorns must grow, and this initial offering (there are apparently 150 different combinations of songs to be had) will clearly be a winner with the musical theatre starved public. And a great way for families to enjoy some of their favourite theatre songs together.
This Secret Society won't be secret for much longer with performers like this at its heart, well done to the incredible ladies and the Barn Theatre for such a stylish and fun piece of class cabaret. Somehow lockdown seems that bit more bearable.
Online streaming tickets can be purchased here: https://barntheatre.org.uk/secret-society-of-leading-ladies
Rob Cope
