WATCH: A look into rehearsals for the tour of A Spoonful Of Sherman

20 Feb
2018
Posted in: Features

The cast of A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN are off on the show's first tour now, wowing audiences all over the UK and Ireland. A few weeks ago with the hype growing and rehearsals drawing to a close, Caroline Hanks-Farmer was lucky enough to see a sneak preview of what's in store and she shares her thoughts (and a few video clips!) on what to expect...

There is no doubt that the music of the Sherman brothers is renowned, and transports you back to childhood when heard. Robert B and Richard M Sherman, sons of famous Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman, wrote more motion picture scores than any team in film history. Film scores of the Sherman Brothers include Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web and The Aristocats. Their most well-known work, however, remains the theme park song “It’s a Small World (After All)“. According to Time.com, this song is the most performed song of all time.

In a celebration of a 100 years of ‘The Sherman’ dynasty, this is now a full musical stage show by Robbie Sherman. This production is a fitting tribute to his grandfather, uncle and father. It also proves the sentiment of ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ as some of his own beautiful compositions are showcased here, demonstrating that the third generation of songwriting is continuing its legacy. 

I could wax lyrical about the show but I felt it best to show you. Below are some video clips taken with my iPhone (so please do forgive the quality).

Caroline also had the opportunity to have a quick chat with cast member Mark Read and she asked what his favourite song was.

There are about 50 songs in this show spanning 100 years and three generations of Sherman’s. From Al Sherman, to the Brothers and now son Robbie. There are medleys from different decades and individual films. Before I started rehearsals my favourite was "That’s What Friends Are For" from The Jungle book. Some Trivia for you, the four main characters in Jungle Book we’re based on The Beatles. They really wanted them to do the voices and so did The Beatles, but unfortunately they just couldn’t coordinate their schedules. There is a beautiful barbershop quartet which we do in the show.

But now having worked on the songs I’ve so many new favourites and my new favourite is probably a beautiful song called "Mother Earth and Father Time". Another is "Suddenly It Happens" which is from The Slipper and The Rose. And another is "What A Comforting Thing to Know", again from the Slipper And The Rose.

We're sure you’ll agree when we say this is an absolutely charming show! Does it head to a venue near you? Check on the official website, HERE.