I once wrote here of Wicked that “it’s no surprise that this phenomenal production has become such a phenomenon”. Though I prefaced it by saying that “it may be a little bloated and indigestible overall”, you only need to sit amongst its youthful audience to see just how it seems to plug directly into speaking to them loudly so that they claim it as their own.
And just as the show becomes their personal property, so do its stars: last night I saw living proof of just how far that phenomenon transcends the show itself, to touch those that have associated with it with a fine green mist of popular appeal.
I have never seen the Shaw Theatre more packed - heck, I’ve never seen it packed at all, apart from one session of my “Spotlight on…” interviews there when I was interviewing Michael Ball - than it was last night for the second (in four nights) that Kerry Ellis is doing as part of producer Neil Marcus’s series of West End performers celebrating the Great British Songbook.
Ellis, of course, was standby Elphaba in the original West End company of Wicked, before succeeding Idina Menzel; she then did a stint in the Broadway run, before coming back to complete a run in the West End last month, for the last night of which her publicists breathlessly intoned, “the queues at stage door literally stopped traffic in Victoria”. And now I can fully believe it: the shrieks last night as she entered were quite deafening, and they continued for much of the evening. Some of those came from the stage itself: the volume was never subtle. (And if we were sometimes in danger of being rendered deaf, the seriously over-active lighting plot seemed to want us to go blind, too, being shone directly into our eyes at several points).
It was frequently like being at a teenybopper concert. And who would have thought it possible that someone who has paid her dues in musical theatre could inspire such a reaction? It’s not every musical theatre diva, either, who can get, as Ellis does here, Brian May to come on as her backing guitarist for two Queen songs at the end of her set; but then Ellis is no ordinary musical theatre performer, but a fully-fledged rock chic who - outside of a Lloyd Webber medley - relies instead on a pop repertoire of songs from the likes of Take That, Annie Lennox, Sting, The Feeling and Snow Patrol, plus a Bond medley that gives Bassey a run for her money (with powerhouse renditions of ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Diamonds are Forever’).
In the process - and accompanied by a stonking five-strong backing band plus backing singer - she brings a contemporary cabaret set bang up-to-date to speak to a younger generation. But the interesting question will be to see if, having reached beyond the musical theatre repertoire, she can also in turn reach beyond the musical theatre audience who have discovered her. While numerous pop stars have travelled the other direction, from pop careers to theatrical ones - from the likes of Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele and Petula Clark to Jason Donovan, Duncan James and Gareth Gates - how many begin in theatre and then attempt the reverse journey? Of course, a ten-year-old Britney Spears began her professional stage career as an understudy in the off-Broadway musical Ruthless in 1991; but musical theatre performers are often pigeon-holed by their origins.
Still, if anyone can do it, it will surely be Ellis, as last night’s funky, spunky appearance proved. And if it doesn’t work? There’ll always be work for her in musicals. She’s served her apprenticeship there, so at least there’s a long-term future out in them should she choose it. And Wicked has established her star status, even without having created the role.
By contrast, many of the performers in Britain’s Got Talent had their five minutes of fame - but have now had to go back to the day job. On Saturday, I was attending a wedding at a golf resort in Wales - and one of our waiters was Greg Pritchard, who only last month was one of the semi-finalists in the 5th show of Britain’s Got Talent. The public voted dancer Aidan Davis through on that show, and the judges had to decide between Pritchard and Hollie Steel, the out-of-tune 10-year-old who dried on the lyrics to ‘Edelweiss’, promptly burst into tears, and was allowed to perform her song again later in the show - thus causing a backstage technical pile-up that adversely affected Pritchard and his cape! Pritchard failed to win the judges’ vote, and is, for now, back at work at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel. On Saturday evening, he was star for a night (as he probably is every night) there, at least with the wedding guests who were impressed to see him.
When I texted a friend of mine who works on Britain’s Got Talent about him, he instantly replied, “Just don’t let him sing!” He made an excellent waiter, however; and was gracious with the photo-opportunities, too.
Thank you an update on Greg Pritchard, it is lovely to catch up with what he is doing at the moment. He is an amazing talent to us who support him and understand his talent, which obviously they didn't on BGT, but then you only have to look at the judges CV's to know they wouldn't understand what a unique gift Greg has, but the rest of the world has taken notice and he now has a world wide following just awaiting for him release an album or hit Broadway and really appreciate this amazing raw talent. For others who are interested in following his progress, please join us on www.greggpritchard.com, and so to say watch this space.
Sadly the comments made by the Britain's Got Talent employee to Shenton highlight just how little understanding there was of this young performers remarkable vocal talent.
The old saying "pearls before swine" comes to mind and seems very appropraite.
Author looks pleased that Greg Pritchard forced to return to his routings..
This is sad, that Greg can't afford his singing schoolarship and continue to work as a waiter. Sad, sad..
This anonymous BGT employee, who maybe nobody there, is saying HIS
opinion? And author of this article by his " five minutes of fame..." is trying to say, that Greg Pritchard now is on his right place ????
OK, OK... Mark Shenton and you, anonymous BGT employee ( I don't want to know your name ) - FIVE MINUTES OF GREG'S PRITCHARD FAME WERE SO
LOUD,. SO POWERFUL , THAT MANY MILLIONS - MILLIONS !!!!! - HEARD HIS AWSOME SINGING, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WITHOUT SOME SPECIAL MUSICAL EDUCATION WERE CAPABLE TO APPRAISE BEAUTY OF GREG'S VOICE AND HIS TALENT..
A also is extremaly sad , that author kindly shared with us this anonymous
disabled BGT employee opinion. Disabled ? Yes. Soul in cement crust and
bananas in ears...
Not being a BGT fan I had never heard of Greg Pritchard, but reading these passionate defences of his voice I went to "YouTube" to seek him out. What I found was a nice young man who does Nessum Dorma in falsetto - not exactly earth shattering. True he has some fine notes, but generally his singing lacked precision, breathing was undisciplined, and the voice was under-supported (even without a "special musical education" you can hear when a voice is strained). 5 minutes was just about long enough, and perhaps the Greg Pritchard fan club above should tear themselves away from their 42" plasmas and get themselves to the theatre (a shocking notion, I know) to hear opera sung with genuine conviction and skill.
Brian: You may have some valid points--even Greg admits he does not have the training he needs. That is why he so wanted to attend Italia Conti in London. What you are missing is the fact that this young man is multitalented, gracious, confident has stage presence and loads of personality. Does he need a helping hand? Yes. And his myriad fans are more than willing to help him. What do you have to offer other than criticsm?
I agree with Diane.
Sorry, Brian, but negativity seems to be the root cause for many of our contemporary problems.
You have Greg, a male soprano- albeit untrained- and a tone quality that sparks interest all over the world . And what does the Brit do? Starts putting it down, either from lack of understanding said talent or from pure maliciousness. Why on Earth would I bother to log and post a comment, if I was so dissinterested in the fate of Greg Pritchard, BGT contestant? What is with people that they cannot accept taste is different and let others be happy- in the end of the day, music is subjective, no?
If Greg Pritchard has fans - it's neither Brian's nor the author's problem. Good to Greg. Enjoy his musical style if you dare to be different or wish Greg luck and leave it at that. It's sad we have to pick on young, promising talent to show our own 'superiority'.
I , for one, love Greg's voice and singing style and will be joining his 'cult'.
So, there.
OK, here goes ...
1. Just because someone is a nice person does not mean they are entertaining or insiring to watch or listen to. Reality TV has propogated the idea that being a nice person or having a big personality is enough to make you fame-worthy.
2. I posted my comment to inject some balance - the praise for Greg's talent seemed at odds with the performance I saw. You are right that taste is subjective - my taste is as valid as anyone else's.
3. When I encounter genuinely remarkable talent I do celebrate it - I recently saw a performance of Turandot in which the role of The Prince was sung with astounding grace and passion. The theatre was less than half full.
I am sorry if my comments upset anyone, but I do feel that the praise lavished above is a little unwarranted, when so many far more talented performers are virtually ignored because they practice their art on a smaller stage.
First off, I only saw Greg and others via youtube as I live in the USA.
Secondly, I didn't see any tears...odd imho. When I watched it I felt it was a marketing ploy, but then again, I am only watching it via youtube. But to mess up, then have a remarkable comeback, w/no tears, how very unusual. Pulling the heart string card out of the bag perhaps - or not - again jmho.
But, Greg, make some home vids of you singing and post on youtube. Get yourself out there. The world is your oyster! I hope you get into that school you want.
For Bryan.
We are not takling about Greg Pritchard personality only. We're takling
about chance for talent to be noticed . Greg has natural, rare , not trained voice , but even now it' s beautiful. Some BGT employee told author " Don't let him sing !" Why ! Why ?!?! BGT doesn't want to be funny ?!? Because BGT
has no professional vision of real talent ?!?! I'm positive, wedding guests
could ask " How come Simon Cowell didn't recognize some very unusial talent. " Does Hollie Steel look professional ? Come on.. On BGT stage there are no professionals. Everybody have to work on their voices..I was insulted by author tone... Five min of fame, but now go to work.. Greg made an exsellent waiter and was gracious with photos....I could mark it, but words are not acceptable on media..
Greg is dreaming to sing and dreaming to attend to some school, but can't afford it. Greg Pritchard clearly understand nesessity of voice training..
Bryan, don't waste your sour-bitter words to protect your position...Greg has no this or that.. Greg know everything , you're talking about. Maybe without so deep terminology..
I believe , Greg 's Pritchards fans want to support him in his willing to be a professional singer. Your position , Bryan and so on , is just opposite - ironically smile and comment about undiscipline voice and nice done waiter.
Bryan,
looks you're understand something in profi singing.. But it obviously,
you're too cold blooded to educate and support people like Greg Pritchard.
That's why ... your words..
I recently saw a performance of Turandot in which the role of The Prince was sung with astounding grace and passion. The theatre was less than half full.
or
so many far more talented performers are virtually ignored because they practice their art on a smaller stage.
That's why our teen prefer rap music , theatre is less then half full and
talanted people are ignored and perforning on small stages..
O !!!! Then shows like BGT are trying to discover a new talents and then
profi like Bryan are crashing them..
Sorry Bryan, but I have also something to add... Have you asked yourself how did those professional singers get to be so good? They have had training!!! They may have sounded as unprofessional as Greg when they started out. It is unfortunate when you can only enjoy trained voices and not to see potential... and not even bothering to encourage our future stars on the opera stage!
Greg has opened a new world for me, I occasionally listen to opera and classical music but I've discovered countertenors for myself. What a rare and wonderful talent!
Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa.
I shall in future keep my cold blooded and over educated opinions to myself.
You said it , Brian . Which is mean - keep quiet.
I don't remember Greg Pritchard ever saying he wanted to be an opera star. I do recall him saying his dream was to become a 'world wide performer'. That's my first gripe with all those who aren't happy unless they can say something nasty. Second, the name of the show is Britains Got TALENT...not 'Britain's got only professionals'
I've got news for you; Greg is very entertaining. He's also got talent. In addition to that talent, he's sweet, kind, funny and just plain terrific. As for your comment that being nice isn't enough...blah blah blah...it is one of the things that makes Greg Pritchard's fans from all over the world love him, and cheer him on to make his dreams come true. All of us 'got it' We know he's not in the same category as other opera singers, but then they are certainly NOT in the same category as him.
As for me, I don't know anything about opera. The only opera singer I've ever listened to is Montserrat Caballe, and only because she sang Barcelona with Freddie Mercury. I had never heard of Barcelona either until Greg Pritchard sang it. I happen to love BOTH performances and listen to them both several times a day! I don't compare Greg Pritchard to Montserrat Caballe. That would be like comparing a clock and a camera. Why would I do that? Why can't I enjoy them both? If given the chance to see either one of them perform, my first choice would be Greg Pritchard. WHY? Because he's fantastic!
Brian, this is what you wrote ""What I found was a nice young man who does Nessum Dorma in falsetto - not exactly earth shattering. True he has some fine notes, but generally his singing lacked precision, breathing was undisciplined, and the voice was under-supported (even without a "special musical education" you can hear when a voice is strained). 5 minutes was just about long enough, and perhaps the Greg Pritchard fan club above should tear themselves away from their 42" plasmas and get themselves to the theatre (a shocking notion, I know) to hear opera sung with genuine conviction and skill.""
You sound like a bloody snob. You say you found a 'nice young man' as though that's a terrible thing to be. Then you say his performance was 'not exactly earth shattering' Then the rest of that stuff sounds like a stuffy school music teacher..and SUCH a snob! You insult the members of his fan club? We should tear ourselves away from our computers and go see a REAL opera? We'd like nothing more than to tear ourselves away from our computers and attend one of Greg's performances! The problem is it isn't possible YET, but if we have our way,it will be soon. (a shocking notion, I know!) Maybe you should remove that pole that's up your butt and have a little fun! You see there are some of us who would pay to see him perform the Happy Birthday song or anything at all...because we think he's wonderfully entertaining! I'll tell you what, the next time Montserrat Caballe is performing in Las Vegas, you buy me a ticket and I'll check her out....ROFLMBO
""I shall in future keep my cold blooded and over educated opinions to myself."" Too bad that over educated mind of yours never grasped manners!
I would rather pay to hear Greg Pritchard perform than read off-the-mark comments from people like Brian even if the latter costs me nothing.
This "nice young man" did more to publicize and support opera than a thousand stuffed shirts.
I didn't even know what a countertenor was. Now I want to go see one perform live and buy opera cds.
Anyone into opera should be thanking this bad boy for bringing the magic to a new generation.
LOL Mark and Brian .. you've heard it from the fans! And certainly there will be more comments to follow. He certainly has our votes! Yes, he is a very sweet person and I'm sure he's an excellent waiter, but GOOD GRIEF~ Greg Pritchard belongs on stage!! What is wrong with those people who work at Britain's Got Talent?? With Greg's 6-octave vocal range, his perfect pitch, his knock-out looks, dynamite stage presence, charisma, other musical and performance abilities that we haven't even had the chance to see yet ... what more do you want??? I for one want more of Greg on stage! Thank you!! He is amazing!! The people at BGT, particularly Simon and that bloke who told you not to let him sing, must be jealous or ignorant, that's all. The only thing I'm grateful about BGT is that he has become world-wide famous from that show. He has amazing chops, and we invite people to join his official fan forum at www.greggpritchard.com (the extra G for gorgeous). Greg Rocks!
And I believe that if you're not convinced yet ... you will be in the years that follow.
OK .. OK..-
you , cold blooded and over educated (?????) Bryan-
enjoy .... YOURSELF....-
- Mark Shanton , I have some hope on you. ..
Contacting with millions of people , to be in hot situations as a journalist , to be able to pick up some news hit , could accumulate in you A WISDOM..
which is making you an exellent journalist.. Experience is the wisdom to see this , but not ignore that.., to be extremely balanced , but not affaid of loud
voices. And names..A wisdon is ability to make some corrections in your point of view. Smart people will count 2 x 2 = 4. That's right, 4. This is karaoke math
But if someone will tell you that 2 x 2 is 5 , you need sometimes to turn on all your wisdom to understand, why is that so. OK You can ask youself - OMG !
Is this really so? No, no.. your mind is perfectly OK. But why people say that 2 x 2 is 5? When you'll understand why , you will say , 2 x 2 = 5 .
.GREG PRITCHARD IS FIVE.. 5! Talented, unusial, bright FIVE .. And he's not karaoke..
Mark Shanton - please, turn on your WISDOM..
anonymus - please, turn on your SPELL CHECKER!
'Brian', 'Shenton', hope 'for' (not 'on'), 'connecting' (not 'contacting'), 'excellent', why 'do' people say, 'afraid', 'wisdom', 'the' ability, 'yourself', 'unusual'.
Also 'extremely balanced' is an oxymoron - 'extremely' denies balance - perhaps 'perfectly balanced' would be better.
Not to mention the inventive grammar of "But if someone will tell you that 2 x 2 is 5 , you need sometimes to turn on all your wisdom to understand, why is that so".
And 'anonymous'.
Perhaps before you rail against the over educated you should look at your own education first.
PS: I think Greg Pritchard is lovely.
Cunning,
knowledge doesn't replace human being position. You're just another
bloody snob.. Greg Pritchard is not PS.
Sorry ***, I have no idea what you are trying to say, though I'm sure it is heartfelt and sincere.
Why am I called a snob for asking someone to express themselves clearly?
Also, I'm not sure you understood the abbreviation "PS" - it means "post scriptum" and refers to a sentence added after the main body of the text. I was not calling Greg Pritchard rude names (though what rude names P.S. may stand for I can't imagine. Possum Strangler? Parliamentary Secretary?).
Then again, perhaps you were trying to say that Greg Pritchard is not an afterthought, in which case I retract my statement above; though you should have said "Greg Pritchard is not a P.S" (there I go, being a snob again).
Finally, why is it that there are so many anonymous postings here (especially as all the names are made up anyway)? And the anonymous ones are those that attack the previous correspondent. I'm sure a psychologist could shed light on this.
I do hope my comments are received in a spirit of gentleness and bonhomie.