The World's Most Popular Musicals: The Westenders (Theatre by the Lake, Keswick)

There is something about seeing songs from classic musical theatre productions performed live that really brings these numbers alive much more than when you hear them on a CD or via streaming.

The Westenders are talented performers who met while working on Les Miserables in London. They now tour with four hugely talented musicians performing some of the best-loved songs from the big shows that have graced the West End.

It's semi-staged - there's no scenery but many of the songs are 'acted' out by the six-strong group.

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber featured heavily with songs and medleys from Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and Cats. There were also numbers from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, West Side Story, Sweet Charity, South Pacific and Mamma Mia!

Les Miserables featured heavily. The cast pointed out it is a musical about 'triumph over adversity'. This was something they felt Keswick had shown after the floods and the group donated part of their profits to the flood relief fund.

It was a tight and professional performance with all six singers chatting between songs and introducing the numbers.

Overall, a warm and enjoyable show on a cold February night.

Andrew Thomas