Magic Radio returned to the Royal Albert Hall last night with Magic at the Musicals, celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary.
A decade on from its debut, this much-loved concert event brings together stars from some of the biggest West End and touring productions, united on one of the world’s most iconic stages for one unforgettable night of musical theatre. It’s like West End Live, but for people who’d rather pay to watch from the comfort of a seat than battle the open-air elements.
Hosted once again by Magic Radio presenter, actress and comedian Mel Giedroyc and Magic Musicals presenter and West End star Ruthie Henshall, the pair seemed more in sync than last year but still woefully under-rehearsed. If you’re not going to learn how to pronounce the performers’ and characters’ names, maybe it’s time to hang up the cue cards and let someone else take the reins.
The presenting pair even interrupted the ending of Paddington The Musical‘s performance, forcing Bonnie Langford to cartwheel over to the podium to tell them the song wasn’t finished, which in turn allowed Tarinn Callender to have his big finish.
Matt Lucas (due to step into Fagin’s shoes from 22 September–1 November 2026) introduced the wonderful Simon Lipkin and the young ensemble cast of Oliver! a surprise, since Simon is currently on paternity leave from the show, having become a dad just a week ago. It felt like a missed opportunity not to mention that to the crowd, or to congratulate him.
The touring productions on the bill included Barnum, Miss Saigon, Blood Brothers, Waitress The Musical and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, with Jersey Boys closing the show. With the exception of Carrie Hope Fletcher‘s performance of “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress (possibly the best I’ve ever heard her sound) and Jersey Boys’ energetic finale, the other touring performances felt a little flat and out of character – literally. Miss Saigon’s “Last Night of the World” felt far too happy and out of keeping with the song’s sentiment, while Vivienne Carlyle‘s “Tell Me It’s Not True” from the iconic Blood Brothers lacked power.
The standout performances of the night for me were Astrid Harris‘s beautiful rendition of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanique – not only is her voice sensational, but she’s hilariously funny with it and Nathan Sykes, from the acclaimed Broadway phenomenon Hadestown, who gave a stunning performance as Orpheus with an air of David Bowie about his voice.
Other performances of the night came from Hamilton, Beetlejuice, Les Misérables, Wicked, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, MAMMA MIA!, Sinatra The Musical, and the soon-to-be-returning-to-London The Choir of Man.
For more announcements about the show, and to hear all the news first, listen to Magic Radio nationally on DAB digital radio, via the Rayo App, online, in London on 105.4FM, or by asking your smart speaker to “Play Magic Radio.”
If you’re a musicals fan, you can also listen to Magic Radio’s digital station, Magic Musicals.
Reviewed by West End Wilma
