Oh my goodness, those creative minds behind the original Musicals in the Multiverse 2023 have been buzzing; Helen 'Bells' Spencer and Matthew Clare have devised and co-created a highly anticipated Wharfemede Productions sequel presented in a short recent run at Theatre @41, Monkgate, York.

Iconic musical theatre hits such as As Long As He Needs Me (Oliver), Dear Bill (Operation Mincemeat) and Mr Cellophane (Chicago), to name but a few of the many songs delivered with such feeling, were given unexpected twists, with this interdimensional journey revealing surprises at every turn.

Act One opened with the Full Company delivering Façade, a musical number from Jekyll and Hyde, with power and passion, followed Jai Rowley’s poignant interpretation of As Long As He Needs Me by an emotional twist on the musical number Where The Lost Things Go from Mary Poppins Returns, featuring Matthew Warry, supported by Laertes Singhateh and Emilia Charlton-Mathews.

The black box space was used to good effect, enabling the use of chairs brought on as and when needed, keeping the pace of the show flowing, and projections to accompany various numbers.

I was, however, disappointed that the brilliant live band who delivered Matthew Clare’s diverse musical arrangements, so masterfully directed by James Ball, remained hidden behind thick black curtains for the entire show and weren’t given a curtain call (or reveal!) at the end.

Nevertheless, the band were definitely heard if not seen and created wonderful light and shade in their playing, moving seamlessly from Nick Sephton and Helen 'Bells' Spencer’s tender rendition of I Don’t Need A Roof (Big Fish) to the fabulous Friends Like Me (Aladdin) featuring Connie Howcroft (who also choreographed the dance numbers) and the Dance Core, which ended Act One with some much-needed razzle-dazzle after all the poignant ballads.

Act Two opened with a marvellous medley of Queen songs (We Will Rock You), with the full company filling the stage with energy and fabulous singing and dancing. Mickey Moran was “the most” as he passionately sang lead for most of the song (also featuring Emily Hardy, Rosy Rowley, Matthew Warry and Nick Sephton) and played an impressive guitar solo too. You can’t beat good live rock and roll!

The Winner Takes It All (Mamma Mia) featured James Ball, who sang with heart-breaking emotion to Richard Bayton’s impassioned rendition of Not Just Now (I Love You because); it was a real highlight of the show.

Don’t Rain On My Parade (Funny Girl) was a show-stopping number featuring Ben Holeyman and the Dance Core, followed by Life Is a Cabaret (Cabaret), where it was no surprise to see Zander Fick strutting his stuff in fishnets and red high heels (I’d last seen Zander giving an outstanding performance as drag star Loco Chanel in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) surrounded by the Dance Core. His dark interpretation of this song sung by Sally Bowles sent shivers up the spine.

Then in complete contrast, there was a poignant delivery of Slipping Through My Fingers (Mama Mia), which had me swallowing hard; as a mum and now grandma, I could completely empathise with the sensitive delivery of Abba’s gem of a song.

A fabulous finale featuring the Full Company (featuring Mickey Moran and Rosy Rowley), performing Blame It On The Boogie (MJ the Musical) with joyous zeal, left us all on a high.

The “creativity, camaraderie, and commitment” of the 22 cast members who delivered an astounding 24 musical numbers in this show was clear to see. Bravo all.