Film in Footlights with Cinephile Mike

From iconic movie soundtracks turned stage revues to full-blown adaptations, I’ll be diving into what makes these stage versions tick — the performances, the music, the storytelling — and how they bring something fresh to the stories we already love.

Reviews are alphabetical!!! Keep checking back for new additions!!!


007: Voices of Bond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Musical Revue
Production Companies: Night Owl Shows
Rating: 12+ / Run Time: 50 minutes
Language: English
Starring: Maia Elsey

     So many musical artists are synonymous with James Bond — Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Adele, and Billie Eilish. But did you know there were other names once in the mix? Julie Andrews, Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, Eric Clapton… all potential voices of Bond. Surprised? This is just some of the fascinating background woven into 007: Voices of Bond, a stylish musical journey through more than fifty years of Bond theme songs.

Following the musical blueprint laid out decades ago by Monty Norman and John Barry, these themes are more than just opening credits — they build atmosphere, set up intrigue, and sometimes give us a glimpse into the villain’s mind or even Bond’s own emotional state. In this production, we meet “004,” played by the luminescent Maia Elsey, who launches the show with a powerhouse rendition of Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever.” From there, she guides us through the history of Bond music, delivering nearly a dozen iconic tracks with a mix of glamour, precision, and storytelling.

Having seen Voices of Bond in both 2023 and 2025, I can say the set list changes over time — just like the actors stepping into Bond’s tuxedo, the songs may shift, but the essence remains. Elsey’s performances only seem to get stronger: sultry in “Nobody Does It Better,” heartbreaking in “No Time to Die,” and consistently magnetic in her stage presence. She doesn’t just sing the songs — she makes you feel like you’re watching the title sequence unfold before your eyes.

At just 50 minutes, the show is brisk — almost too brisk — leaving you wishing for a few more deep cuts from the Bond songbook. The 2025 version also adds a welcome surprise: a cameo from Peter Marchant as “006.” His arrival brings the sole true duet of the night, a fiery “Another Way to Die,” plus a reimagined pairing on “You Know My Name" that blends both voices beautifully.

All in all, fans of Bond will delight in these songs and the structure of this short collection, as well as be fascinated at the behind-the-scenes information shared. If you are not as familiar with Bond, Elsey will change that.

Review by
Cinephile Mike

Performance seen 8/11/25
Edinburgh Fringe Festival

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