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REVIEW | Shanay Holmes in Concert, Cadogan Hall – London
- Harry Brogan
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Some performers simply have that rare ability to command a room from the moment they step on stage, and Shanay Holmes is undoubtedly one of them. Performing alongside the magnificent The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Cadogan Hall, Holmes delivered an evening filled with powerhouse vocals, elegance and genuine emotion that left the audience captivated from beginning to end.
From the opening number, Shanay’s voice was nothing short of sensational. Her vocal control, effortless power and ability to connect emotionally with every lyric made each song feel personal. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provided a rich, cinematic backdrop throughout the evening, filling Cadogan Hall with beautifully balanced, soaring arrangements that perfectly complemented her voice.
One of my favourite moments came at the start of the second half. Shanay emerged in a stunning glittering gown that immediately evoked the glamour of a classic Bond film. It was a striking entrance, full of confidence and sophistication, setting the tone for an unforgettable second act. Both of her outfits throughout the concert were absolutely beautiful and perfectly matched the elegance of the evening.
Holmes’ newly released single, No One Is Alone, a beautiful adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s beloved song, was another standout. It showcased not only her remarkable vocals but also her ability to bring fresh emotion to a well-loved classic. As the mum of an 11-year-old daughter who lives and breathes musical theatre, it was particularly special to watch her leave the concert feeling so inspired. Shanay is exactly the kind of performer young aspiring West End stars can look up to, demonstrating not only extraordinary talent but also warmth and authenticity.
Among the evening’s highlights, I Will Always Love You was delivered with breathtaking control and heartfelt sincerity. Another unexpected favourite was Maybe from Annie. Hearing an adult performer interpret a song so often associated with childhood gave it an entirely new emotional depth, making it one of the most memorable performances of the night.
If I had one small criticism, it has nothing to do with the performance itself. After a couple of hours, the seating at Cadogan Hall became rather uncomfortable. Thankfully, the quality of the concert more than made up for it.
The evening concluded with a thoroughly deserved standing ovation, recognising not only Shanay Holmes’ outstanding performance but also the incredible musicians of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. With her new album due for release in October and already available for pre-order, this concert felt like an exciting glimpse of what’s still to come.
Overall, this was a beautifully curated evening of exceptional music, world-class musicianship and unforgettable vocals. Shanay Holmes proved exactly why she is one of musical theatre’s most respected performers, and I have no doubt she inspired countless future stars in the audience, including my own daughter.
★★★★.5
Shanay Holmes' album 'Becoming' is available to pre-order now, and will be officially released in October this year: https://www.shanayholmes.com/
