Night at Eurovision

Author: Catherine Dixey

Information

Date: 1st August 2026

Society: Magpie Performers

Venue: Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich

Type of Production: Musical

Director: Rachel Hawley-Thomas

Choreographer: Leah Burn

This was a unique idea for a song and dance show, by putting together a well-loved mix of Eurovision songs from over the years. Then just like the real thing ask your audience to vote on their favourite. Cat Field and James Shave compared the evening, introducing all the acts. The amazing backing dancers, Rose Darby, Zoe-May Marjoram, Jaycee Meadows and  dance captains Alana Meadows and Codie Meadows were kept busy, appearing in most of the acts. Additional dancers were Molly Bird, Sophie Bloomfield, Cassie Elliston, Gabrielle Garnham, Elle Hawley-Thomas, Freya Lawrence and Caterina Lucock. Choreographer Leah created excellent routines in a wide range of styles, which were brilliantly performed with life and energy throughout.

There was a total of sixteen numbers, each one being performed by a different cast member, some solos and some by two or three singers. With so many I cannot mention all individually but I will pick out just a few of my favorite and memorable performances. James Oliver confidently performed ‘Arcade’ a song from the Netherlands. Freya Lawrence sang ‘All Kinds of Everything’. She had a delightfully sweet and clear voice, very similar to the original Dana sang which was the winner for Ireland in 1970. Way back in 1967 we actually won Eurovision, with Sandy Shaw singing ‘Puppet on a String’ and here we saw Alex Heywood giving a professional performance. Also Norway’s entry of ‘Queen of Kings’ here beautifully sung by Caterina Lucock who had the voice and range of Maddi Prior.

I cannot say I liked the head-banging song but can appreciate the enthusiastic performance from Ash Hawes with ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’. The young man in front of me was certainly enjoying this number. (It’s an age thing!) Franklin Dixon also gave similar, very energetic performance. Mention must also go to Sophie Bloomfield who was confident in her solo which was supposed to have been a duet but unfortunately her partner had to pull out at the last minute, so very well done to her for having the confidence to carry through with the song. The audience winner at this performance was ‘Save All Your Kisses For Me’ from three young singers Katie Baker, Emre Darby and Amiyah King. In summary, this all inclusive cast of adults and young performers, many with siblings or parents also involved, had clearly worked very hard to bring this musical show to the stage and will no doubt have gained valuable experience from doing so.

The hall had been decorated with flags from the competing countries and the central stage area was well lit. The backing dancers looked very smart in black costumes, with long curly ponytail extensions and a few added accessories to coordinate with the colour themes of the different singers’ outfits. Again, these all looked very effective including the fabulous bronze winged costume in the final song of ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.

Director, Rachel had only joined the group a couple of years ago and had never dreamed that she could perform on-stage or even direct a production, so well done to her to get out of her comfort zone and have the courage to organise and deliver a production such as this. Congratulations to her and all her cast and production team who helped bring her idea to life in such an enjoyable way. It was good to see you all again and thank you for such a warm welcome.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.