A few of our favourite things (aka the bestest songs ever to be heard in a musical)

There are, without a doubt, stacks of lists already out there compiled by learned people with learned opinions on all things musical. They know the tiniest details about  things we should probably be taking into account before putting together any kinds of lists. Things such as  - are the songs we mention worthy enough? Do they have enough  musical merit?  What is the orchestration like? The composition in general...? You know, all the arty crap. The bottom line is, we don't care. As long as a song touches our hearts or makes us happy it makes the list. So with that in mind, please indulge us for a moment.

And in no particular order...

Anthem (Chess)  Karina is the Queen of Cheese and knows every single lyric to every single Abba song ever written. Ever. And despite Tamsin's utter loathing of Mamma Mia she is partial to the odd Abba tune. So imagine our joy when 'Chess' materialised. Anthem, however, is far from cheese. It is complete and utter CLASS. Benny and Bjorn wrote one of the songs of the century and we're pleased they did. This piece of musical genius from the men who also wrote 'Ring Ring' and 'I do I do I do' (they must have been drunk). Astonishing. The version sung by Josh Groban makes grown women blub. And we dare say men too. Now imagine a version sung by Drew Sarich. Or David Thaxton. Then melt into a puddle of goo.

He raises us up.
Pass the tissues.

One Day More (Les Miserables) The most awe-inspiring, motivating, uplifting song in the entire world. Many a time have the fairies wanted to join the revolution and wave red flags dressed in tricolour sashes. And storm the stage at Queens to march on the spot proudly. And would do so if they didn't run the risk of being banned for life from all theatres nationwide. That is, however, the only thing holding us back. This song is also a staple of many car journeys and late night singathons.
Frankly, this song should be the  British national anthem even though it's about French revolutionaries.
This song is, simply, THE BEST. Just saying.

Lego Miserables
With a percentage of the dreamcast. Days of glory.

Come what may (Moulin Rouge) So, not strictly speaking a stage musical (yet). However. This song is beautiful in its simplicity. The film is a theatrefairy favourite and for some reason, though not the best singer, Ewan McGregor makes this song so, so touching. The fairies have cast this film as a stage musical on many occasions in their dreams and think Mr Lee Mead would make a wonderful young poet (as soon as he regains his sparkle, otherwise he'll be cast as the greasy Duke if he's not careful. Or the Bohemian with narcolepsy. He has been warned). So get sparkling, Meady. You know you want to.

Awwww. And then she dies.
Poor Satine.

Don't Rain on My Parade (Funny Girl) Love her or hate her but a list of this nature can't be complete without Auntie Barbra and her unbelievable vocal chords. This song is a belter and the best one for releasing the inner diva. Forget 'I will Survive' because should there ever be a song made to banish the blues, THIS IS IT.  It's made to be sung loud and listened to loud. A great one for annoying the neighbours with. Try it. 

It works. 

Hey Mr Aaaaaarnnnsteeeeinnn...
HERE I AAAAAAAMMMM....!!!
She deserves an oscar for this. Oh. She got one.

I Know Him So Well (Chess) The fairies don't sing karaoke, ever. However if they did, this would be the song of choice. Another classic beauty from the Chess archives and a deserved megahit for the Abba boys. What's not to love about this song?? A great tune and lyrics you can fit around any single broken heart scenario you care to think of. The original version with Grand Dame Paige and the gorgeous Barbara Dickson is the definitive and best. The theatrefairies never get tired of hearing it. Beautiful.

Loving the frosted tips.
Mind the shoulder pads...



Secret Love (Calamity Jane) As connoiseurs of all things theatrical, this little gem cannot pass unmentioned. Doris Day is one of the sunniest, loveliest people in the world, and this song is one of the happiest ever written, oozing feel-good factors and romance.  The theatre fairies openly admit to wanting to be Doris-like when they grew up...and especially like Doris as Calamity. An oldie but a goodie.

Shout it from the highest hills, Doris!
with everything including the delectable Howard Keel!!!

Gethsemane (Jesus Christ Superstar) Probably not one for the serious churchgoers, but a firm favourite of ours.  This song has everything.... fantastic lyrics, great build up and ANGER!!!! We like our Jesi with a belting rock voice and a proper screeeeeeech.  And just to prove that we are not TOTALLY Drewcentric, we give you Mr Steve Balsamo.  Who actually is Jesus. And now plays in a band. Who knew?

God. Almost literally.

Tonight (West Side Story)
Another gift of a song - much in the vein of One Day More but with more emphasis on sex and streetbrawls.  A fabulous singalong number - but you need to pick your part (or your starting key) carefully to keep up!!!
A classic.

She didn't really sing ya know

.

Who will you be???????

As long as he needs me (Oliver)
Tamsin loves a song with build up, and this has it in spades.  Karina may hate the musical, but there's no denying the emotion, the tears, the utter Eastender-ness of this song.  And its in our key!!!! Bring it on!

Just leave him already!!!!!

 Not convincing as a Cock-er-ney, but we'll forgive her....

Luck be a Lady (Guys and Dolls) This was a toss up if we're honest.  It was either this or "Sit down you're rocking the boat" but we had to include something from the only musical to star the Brando.  In the end, spiritual enlightenment and becoming a born-again Christian loses out to gambling in a sharp suit.  For the love of a good woman.  1,2,3,aaah....

They don't make 'em like this any more.

Not the best singer, but ooooooh 

I still believe(Miss Saigon)   Heartwrenching and beautiful.  Not quite sure why 2 such wonderful women should fight over Chris, he really doesn't deserve it.  But boy, do they sing it well.  When oh when will they bring this wonderful musical back???  Tamsin would like to play both parts please.

We love a good love story.

 We're crying already.

All I ask of you (Phantom of the Opera) We're not sure if Connie does this part justice in this recording, but Mr Mead, back when he was shiny and new, certainly does.  However, we have to give her credit for remaining standing when faced with the full force of the Lee-gaze. "You know I do...."
Oh yes.  We do now.

Yum.

We definitely believe him.

Of course, this list may be subject to change at any time.  On a whim.