(seen at the performance on 5th April 2025)
This dynamite musical theatre and television star has captivated the monkey since her first TV appearance on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Oliver!” casting show, “I’d Do Anything.” She didn’t win, but went on to play “Nancy” on tour, to “Pretty Woman” on Broadway, “Elsa” in “Disney’s Frozen” for three years at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and of course immortalise “Eponine” in the film version of musical “Les Misérables.”
Then there was her first concert, in May 2023 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Ms Barks sparkled then, her debut solo show. Since, she has toured the world, most recently taking China by storm. Now this Isle of Man lady lays claim to the pinnacle of variety concert stages.
With the help of some close friends, she produces an unforgettable evening. The monkey won’t repeat itself describing “the voice.” It will note once and once only that it is a singular instrument, capable of the softest regret or punching glory to the back row of the upper circle, as the singer chooses.
Making fine use of an on-stage orchestra and two excellent backing vocalists, all under monkey favourite MD Adam Hoskins, she kicks off with an enthusiastic interpretation of Justin Timberlake’s “Can't Stop the Feeling!”
The long grey dress swirls for next number “Lose Control” before young fans are delighted with her first choice from “Frozen The Musical,” “Dangerous to Dream.” Familiarity makes it thrilling, and Barks praises Disney for how they allowed her to continue - supporting her through her first pregnancy, and on to film the show for Disney TV.
Revealing that her second child is on the way, a fabulously contemplative ABBA cover “Slipping Through My Fingers” takes her forward in time to her own children growing up, but also back to her recent spell as a judge on “I Have A Dream” to find a Sophie and Sky for “Mamma Mia!” in the West End.
The Sophie selected, Stevie Doc, makes a sensational guest appearance. Hearing her take centre Palladium stage to sing “Journey to the Past,” from “Anastasia The Musical,” it proved to be. Doc was like watching the early years of Samantha Barks. Hopefully, she will go on to similar success, it would be well deserved.
On to a Billie Eilish cover, “What Was I Made For?” before a real surprise of the evening... Lucie Jones.
Apparently, the two teenagers met on the tube – both heading for “Les Misérables” auditions. They got the roles, and spent a year together not only learning their craft at “the University of Les Misérables” as Barks quips, but also being totally disgusting with a loaf of bread and jar of white chocolate every night. No more said.
There’s an excellent “girlie number,” the pink-lyric Sabrina Carpenter “Please Please Please,” in a karaoke style from the pair, before a true highlight of the entire evening.
With Lucie Jones as Fantine, Samantha Barks as Eponine, the roles they played that year together, their “I Dreamed A Dream / On My Own” mash-up is unforgettable.
Sensibly, Barks follows it the only way she can, ending act one the same way she did so for three years... “Let It Go” from “Frozen The Musical” shakes the walls, bringing the curtain down to ringing cheers.
Second half, and we learn “What Baking Can Do” (a Jessica Vosk number) and how Samantha’s 18-month-old son is just as into it all as his mother.
More memories, and “Maybe This Time” (from “Cabaret”), a perfect rendition of a number she claims she hasn’t sung since she was 17. Older now, it has far more meaning and is a sultry song of regret.
Introducing the original Jane Seymour (the only one he truly loved – rude) from “Six The Musical” we get a stunning duet of P!nk’s “Love Me Anyway” with irreplaceable Natalie Paris.
Pausing to cheer on a friend in the UK’s Eurovision band for 2025 and making a Tik-Tok live on stage, another highlight sneaks up on us as Stevie Doc joins the pair for a hilariously terrific “I Know It’s Today” from “Shrek The Musical.” Barks takes the final lines, and hopefully casts herself as Fiona in any revival.
Solo again, one of those songs the monkey loves but always has to Google to remember the title, “I’m Not Afraid of Anything,” from “Songs for a New World” is always a contradiction, in which this singer finds the truth.
Repeating a number from her Drury Lane show, “Into the Unknown” is her pitch for the lead should “Frozen 2” hit the stage.
Speaking of, Britney Spears number “Hit Me Baby One More Time” is an unexpected curtain closer. This is how the song should sound, with the voice of a theatrical Dame in waiting.
Finishing on classic encores, “Don’t Rain On My Parade” (from “Funny Girl”), “here I am” sums up the whole event. This really is “One Night Only” (Dreamgirls), from a dream performer.
Time and experience have polished to a slick shine an unforgettable evening of warm personalities, fun stories and most of all the voice of a musical theatre generation.
5 stars. Standing ovation given.
Set List:
ACT ONE
Can't Stop the Feeling! (by Justin Timberlake)
Lose Control
Dangerous to Dream (from “Frozen”)
Slipping Through My Fingers
Journey to the Past (from “Anastasia The Musical). Sung by Stevie Doc.
What Was I Made For? (by Billie Eilish)
Please Please Please (by Sabrina Carpenter). Duet with Lucie Jones.
I Dreamed A Dream / On My Own. Duet with Lucie Jones as Fantine, Samantha Barks as Eponine.
Let It Go (from “Frozen”)
ACT TWO
What Baking Can Do (by Jessica Vosk)
Maybe This Time (from “Cabaret”)
Love Me Anyway (by P!nk). Duet with Natalie Paris.
I Know It’s Today (from “Shrek The Musical). Trio with Natalie Paris and Stevie Doc.
I’m Not Afraid of Anything (from “Songs for a New World)
Into the Unknown (from “Frozen 2”)
Hit Me Baby One More Time (by Britney Spears)
Don’t Rain On My Parade (from “Funny Girl”)
One Night Only (from “Dreamgirls”)