Sam Cassidy Rocks

As is evident from my other reviews, in the summer of 2009 I went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat a total of four times and absolutely loved the musical. One of my favourite actors in the show was Sam Cassidy who played Benjamin as well as Joseph on a Wednesday and Saturday matinee. Sam, along with much of the cast, left the show on 11th October 2009, and two of his loyal fans organised a leaving party for him, to which there was only 100 tickets and my family and I were lucky enough to acquire some. 

On 24th October 2009, my parents and I travelled 200 miles down to Eastbourne to attend the party on the evening. It was a highly anticipated event for all and was certainly not a disappointment.

Helping Sam out was a co-star from Joseph, Jason Denton (who had played  the brother Issacher) and the two sang duets as well as solos throughout the night, and also didn't hesitate to come around the audience, chatting, signing autographs, having photos and just getting to know each other. As well as Jason, other co-stars from Joseph had come to support Sam, Ross Witherden (who played the brother Gad) and Maria Coyne (who played one of the handmaidens and was the understudy narrator) as well as his father and brother.

There were a variety of different songs performed during the night, from rock songs - Bon Jovi's 'Bed of Roses' - to ballads - Luther Vandross' 'Dance With My Father' - as well as 'The Time Warp'. 

The audience comprised of a variety of ages, from the very young (approx. 7 years old) to the older ages and every single person in the party enjoyed the evening.

Sam and Jason also both participated in a Question and Answer session which let the audience get a bit closer to their favourite actors and ask them questions to our heart's desire.

There was however, a particular part of the night which I enjoyed more than others. As this event was 5 days before my birthday, my parents had a surprise in store for me. They had contacted the organiser before hand asking her to slip a message to Sam that it was my 16th birthday and ask him to either wish me Happy Birthday or to dedicate a song to me. However Sam went one step further, calling me out, and serenading me with one of my favourite songs (though he didn't know this), 'When You Say Nothing At All', he also danced with me and kissed me. It was obviously going to be a highlight for me, but it proved to people that actors are just the same as everybody else and are as willing as others to make people happy.

The night was long, but fun, with a lot of merchandise on offer, and the intimate, informal atmosphere made the evening even better. These sort of nights also prove to upcoming stars that they have a strong fan base behind them who will support them in whatever they do in the future and this encourages them even more to pursue their chosen career path.

I would recommend - not just for Sam Cassidy but any actor/singer - people to go to this sort of nights, they are fun, enlightening and a good night out, and it gives you a good chance to see these actors in a different way to how you normally would.