Review: Ruthie Henshall at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Ruthie Henshall received a standing ovation after a two-hour tour through her career in musicals – and then sat down to sign CDs and books for a long line of fans.
The West End and Broadway veteran said she had been given a "fantastic" reception after her debut appearance at Theatre Severn last night.
"I had a quick look around the town today," she added between signings. "I was dashing around to get a present for Mother's Day."
And had she managed it?
"I got her a bracelet," she said with a dazzling smile. "So I think I'm in her good books now."
The approachable star, who was more than happy to pose for pictures with fans and offer advice to those wanting to follow in her footsteps, had earlier delivered an energetic potted history of her 25-year career.
Accompanied by a three-piece band she performed songs from shows such as Chicago and Les Miserables, including a moving rendition of I Dreamed a Dream.
There were plenty of anecdotes too, including encounters with theatre greats such as Lionel Bart and Stephen Sondheim, and the time she found herself sharing a New York park bench with Tony Bennett.
And if she did occasionally lapse into luvviedom – just about everyone was either "brilliant", or "legendary", or both – she could be excused. After all, she does possess extraordinary talent and star power.
Her show lets her demonstrate her full range, from a sexy All That Jazz to a tender rendition of Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now. She could sing a restaurant menu and you'd be captivated.
She also told a story about a production where she and her co-star shared a lingering kiss every night, which impressed the woman sitting behind me no end.
"Tart!" she chuckled approvingly.
By Andrew Owen
