Fra Fee

Yes, I was there - talk about polar opposites, from feeling a positive youngster at Me & My Girl on Saturday night to feeling blooming ancient at this last night, lots of young women enjoying the evening.

I enjoyed it a lot, much more than expected in truth. It was a bit all over the place but in a good way - if it was supposed to represent an evening in a bar with your mates on different instruments and some really fabulous vocals, it was a hit! Alex Parker as Musical Director trying to keep Fra on track with the set list. Killian Donnelly as stage hand ensuring the correct music was on the stands. Fra and Killian did a duet together that was sublime. Fra played piano while Killian sang. Both my highspots of the evening.

Fra was extremely emotional talking about growing up in Northern Ireland as a young gay man and finding solace in music, musical theatre - his sister Nan did a couple of excellent songs with him, one very Irish melody and the finale with Nan / Kate Bush's Don't Give Up (with Fra on piano) - Fra said he's worked with his sister in Scotland with her doing a Kate Bush type tribute (that sounds weird, based on that one song last night I think it would have been very good). His parents were in the audience too, his management company, the Director (?) of a film he's worked on earlier this year (Animals-?).

Fra was backed by a guy on a bodhran (irish drum), a fabulous guy on a cello, fabulous woman on violin, fabulous woman on flute/tin whistle (his flute teacher when he was 13, she's got her own album (?), a complete star on guitar (you'll have to check Twitter for names, sorry). Fra fought Alex Parker off the piano for a couple of tunes. There's a photo of the set list on Twitter that's got wine stains on - probably the best indicator of the evening!

It was very good, ran longer than I had expected, a very good vibe from those around me. Sorry if I'm vague as to songs sung and other stuff, there was a lot going on! Dear Evan Hanson, Sunday in the Park with George (Lesson Hashtag 8 it shall now be called).

He's off to New York in 2 weeks for The Ferryman on Broadway - good luck to this lovely talented young man.

Great mix of music and guests, wasn't sure what to expect beforehand but I think he got the tone just right. Felt like being with friends, perfect for the style of show it was.

I teared up a bit when he started talking about growing up in Northern Ireland. And the song he sang after (can't recall the name) was just filled with emotion.

BTW the guy on guitar was Declan Bennett, recently seen as Jesus in Regent's Park. He's also a great singer/songwriter. Recommend checking out some of his music if you get the chance.

I knew nothing of Fra until I went to West Side story at the Proms a few weeks ago. He really stood out with his charisma in the minor part of A-Rab. Last week I was fortunate to be there again for On the Town where he was in the major role of Chip. This time he was really able to shine and he was terrific. I'll really look out for him now.

I thought the acting in Dalgleish was woeful on the whole this week. Not sure they have got the tone right at all