A SHOW which was born in humble beginnings as a charity fundraiser back in 1997 and has since developed into a leading touring concert met with a warm reception when staged in Hereford for the first time last Sunday.

Beyond the Barricade featured songs from 16 top musicals performed in a concert setting, with a rousing, fitting climax from the most popular of all, Les Miserables.

It was when performing in the London production of Les Miserables that Andy Reiss and David Fawcett came up with the idea of producing the show for the charity Mencap and it was first staged in a draughty school hall.

Now in their sixth year of touring, Reiss and Fawcett have been joined by Amanda Leigh Smith and Gina Price in giving audiences the songs from the musicals which mean so much to many throughout the country.

And they did not disappoint at The Courtyard with performances from Starlight Express, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Blood Brothers and many others, including Written in the Stars, a number from the new version of Aida from the musical knights, Tim Rice and Elton John.

I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home and, of course, Beyond the Barricade were among the songs which completed an evening of fine entertainment.