In the world of musical theatre, new doesn't always mean good. Michael Bruce's Unwritten Songs is an album full of new compositions by a new songwriter - and it's extremely good.

Bruce won a competition in The Stage in 2007 looking for a new British musical theatre writer. And listening to this CD, it's clear that the best man won. This is a CD that sounds fresh and original and not, in the case of so many new composer CDs, a succession of "oh, that sounds like..." numbers. Sure there are 'pastiches' on this CD - intentionally so, and they are very good. 'The Musical Theatre Song' has more than a nod to 'Getting Married Today', and 'Continental' sung by Emily Tierney is a wonderful take on operetta.

The CD features 13 songs, running at a rather slim 46 minutes, and features (admirably) a live band - although at times, the sound is quite minimal, and I was actually surprised to see such a large array of musicians had been involved. However the arrangements and instrumentations complement the songs perfectly.

Not only is this CD full of extremely listenable songs, they are sung by some of todays brightest musical theatre stars. One of my favourite tracks on the CD is 'Looking Back', which is performed here by Daniel Boys and Alexia Khadime. Daniel was of course part of TV's search for Joseph (Any Dream Will Do?), and has gone onto success since. This CD features its fair share of TV talent show 'also rans', who hold their own and deserve more exposure than they are getting. One noteable one is Sarah Lark, who should have won the Nancy search in I'd Do Anything, and is immeasurably more talented than the actual winner.

But the highlight of the whole recording is 'Portrait of a Princess', a wonderful Disney pastiche, performed by our greatest theatre talent at the moment, Julie Atherton.  I won't say anymore than to point you to portraitofaprincess.com. Magical.

9

Ian Gude