Review: EMERALD STORM at Emerald Theatre

I must have walked past the Emerald Theatre hundreds of times over the years but had absolutely no knowledge of the venue or its history. Like many London houses, it was built as a Music Hall opening in 1898 when it entertained Edwardian audiences with cabaret, vaudeville and screenings of early moving pictures. After a stint as a full-time cinema, it returned to scheduling live theatre performances and now plays host to this song and dance cabaret.

First billing in the programme, but I confess, completely unknown to me, was Tom Ball whose biog suggests became a global star as runner-up in Britain’s Got Talent TV show in 2022. Quite what makes a perfectly average lounge singer a global star, has clearly changed since I was a youngster, but the man can carry a tune and makes every effort to be part of the group. Next up in the billing, a lady called Olivia Graydon who we are reliably informed has been Irish dancing since the age of 4 and who mentions an association with Michael Flatley repeatedly in her programme biography. That aside, I couldn’t determine any stand-out feature in her technique or delivery which would warrant the status. Thirdly in the billing is a lanky New Zealander by the name of Bayley Graham who after several company numbers, broods onto the stage delivering a louche, Nicholas Brothers inspired, loose leg style which had some audience members swooning and caterwauling. It certainly introduced a fresh and slightly competitive element to proceedings.

In all there were 24 numbers/routines delivered to the exuberant crowd gathered to witness an evening of energy and playful fun. If you like the thunderous sound of close-up Irish dance, supplemented with a gaggle of singers and the odd semi-comedic interlude, you will undoubtedly have a ball. The venue very much conforms to a cabaret style lay-out and if you arrive early enough a trio will keep you thoroughly entertained over your first drinks with excellently rendered, instantly recognisable pop standards.

The question which ran through my head as I observed the wry grins and askance glances shared between company members as others (higher in the company hierarchy) joined them onstage, was how on earth does this cruise ship material still generate sufficient audience to be commercially viable at a London venue? Being alternately cajoled or upbraided into applauding by one of the leading dancers because she clearly doesn’t feel the audience is imbuing sufficient energy is irritating and potentially counterproductive. It certainly switched me off completely. However, I should like to pay homage to four individual company dancers who work their absolute socks off during the course of the evening and deliver individual style and personality, which suggests they were really paying attention during their years of training. They are James Wakeling, Hayden Woodcock, and especially Olivia Leanne Grainge and Lizzie Pitt whose line and finesse are deserving of better things. Anyone casting a dance heavy show, please note.

EMERALD STORM continues at the Emerald Theatre until 14th December.