Reviews / High calibre and a lot of fun
Our reviewer Carol Jamieson thorough enjoyed the entertainment served up at this year’s Student Showcase
THE STUDENT nights at Mareel are always fun. You can watch the players develop and improve as the year passes. The Student Showcase though is more of a buzz.
The UHI Shetland music and film students have finished their assessments, the deadlines have been met, the work is assessed, the stress is over and it’s time to enjoy.
It really worked well having the films interspersed with the music items. It kept our interest, and the smoothness of the transitions made the night fly pastIt was clear they had a lot of fun making these.
It was a quiet start on Thursday night at Mareel from a nervous Billy Smith but as his set continued, he became more and more confident, and his voice really shone through.
Next up, a group calling themselves SNAAP. A great little band comprising of piano, guitar, flute and two vocals. It was a big and enjoyable sound with interesting arrangements. The piano and guitar gave the singers plenty support and the occasional flute added that nice bit of colour.
Andy Anderson was up next with three songs sung with enthusiasm and sincerity. The charming simple arrangements had an honesty about them which the audience really enjoyed. He had a lovely rapport with them and spoke well.
Andy was followed by Hope Williamson. The beauty and wonderful control in her voice shone through from the start. The songs she chose really suited her; she made a big impression on the audience. It would be good to hear more of this young lass.
A student night wouldn’t be a student night without the obligatory rock band, and we were not disappointed in the least by Magnus McGinlay’s group. Consisting of guitar, drums and bass (the bass player was singing), it was well rehearsed with a big energetic sound full of life and youthful exuberance. The audience were delighted with this set and wanted to hear more.
Up next was Peter Thompson. Nice rapport with the audience and absolutely owned the stage while he was singing. He likes his show songs and acts them as he sings them. This is something you must do with show songs. He sang Misty (a bit low for him but he coped well), and Cabaret which he threw himself into. Very entertaining.
Next group to grace the stage was Ella Robertson’s fiddle group. It had quite a few invited guests ranging from one very young girl with a lovely voice and good dancing feet while in a costume of straw, and older members who have been on the scene for quite some time. The fiddle playing was vibrant and technically demanding.
Last, but not least as they say, was Mark Okendon’s group. Again, members were drafted in to work with him, so the band consisted of two very capable singers with great voices as well as guitar and bass (who also played synth with his feet!). Mark played drums. Great sound, and very professional. Certainly, a band that could tackle the gigging world now.
At Mareel, we are spoilt with the very high calibre of lighting and sound, the crew always lift any show with their professionalism and ensure this night, and every night, goes without a hitch.
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