THIS musical revue directed by Keith Thompson with musical direction by Malcolm Dorling, assisted on the second piano by Christine Newman, featured a variety of songs by composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who collaborated with Leonard Bernstein, Mary and Richard Rogers and Jule Styne in writing the music.

The title song was derived from the show Company.

A common theme throughout, usually marriage and relationships, linked all the songs from various Sondheim musicals together, the Narrator, Clive Weatherley, providing background information on why, where and how.

The cast – Dan Breeze, Rachel Dawson, Natalie Gordon, Maz Greenbank and Des Turner – opened the evening with Comedy Tonight from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum followed by Des Turner singing You Must Meet My Wife from a Little Night Music, with the emotive Send in the Clowns sung by Rachel Dawson.

Numbers from Follies included Losing My Mind and Could I Leave You? and Broadway Baby sung by Natalie Gordon, who also performed the naughty Can That Boy Foxtrot.

Some of Leonard Bernstein’s memorable music from West Side Story – A Boy Like That (Maz Greenbank and Rachel Dawson) as well as some less familiar numbers were scattered throughout the performance as the cast continued their marathon entertainment, the performers switching between a variety of roles.

I have always considered Sondheim musicals an acquired taste, but this show was an opportunity to listen closely to the clever, witty and poignant lyrics, particularly as I was sitting in the front row where every word was audible.

As such, I have been converted to becoming a fan of this composer, so thank you The Barn for providing this production.