A Night Off with Alex Young and Jennifer Whyte

A Night Off with Alex Young and Jennifer Whyte
*****
Bishopsgate Institute


I don't often have time to pop along to one-night-only performances, but I've seen Alex Young recently in Follies at the National Theatre (review to follow soon!) and she is just wonderful to watch, so I knew I couldn't miss this night.

Performing songs from the well-known hits of Sondheim and Rogers and Hammerstein, to hilarious self-adapted songs, Alex was no less than masterful. Vocally, she is simply outstanding; having trained in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, Young's technique is powerful, sweet and somewhat flirtatious. The words 'acting through song' are continuously batted around in this industry - it's supposedly a fairly straight-forward skill - however very rarely do you see it done with such heart and mischief. From literally crawling through the audience having a breakdown (yes, it was as hilarious as it sounds) to unquestionable heartbreak, Young put 110% into every word, and the audience lapped it up. It is worth mentioning: Alex Young is hilarious. If I wasn't near to crying, I was laughing hysterically at everything she said. Her shining personality and charisma are infectious, and I would challenge anyone to spend 2 hours in her company without coming away feeling warm and fuzzy. As a side note - she also makes the most incredible mince pies... really, it's worth making friends with her just for a continuous supply of Christmas goodies.

Jennifer Whyte was Miss Young's wonderful accompanist for the evening, however we were also treated to a few of Whyte's original compositions. With extensive credentials as Musical Supervisor and Musical Director, Whyte is currently pianist for Follies alongside Young. She is such a beautiful player, with every number so careful and heartfelt. You could see the love she poured into her music, and the way in which she spoke of her own pieces and what they mean to her was inspirational. With a premier performance of a number form her own musical 'Underworld', as well as singing a deeply personal song, with lyrics written by her own father, we were privileged to have witnessed Whyte's talent and collaboration.

It's hard to pick a highlight of the evening, however "I Won't Mind", originally written for the musical The Other Franklin and covered by Audra McDonald in 2000, was simply exquisite. The pain of 'Aunt Lizzie' watching her godson grow up, knowing she cannot bear children herself, was etched onto Young's face and echoed in every word she sang.

I am so glad I was able to experience the joy of Alex Young and Jennifer Whyte as a duo, and I hope they will continue this partnership with more events in the future. 

More info on both (including Jennifer's album Stories) can be found here: 
Alex Young: www.missalexyoung.com
Jennifer Whyte: www.jenniferwhyte.co.uk


NG x