Jason Robert Brown is one of the new breed of musical theatre songwriters who have been making their mark on and off Broadway. Songs For A New World made its debut in 1995 and is an abstract musical, a series of songs all connected by a theme: “the moment of decision”.

Brown’s music reflects a wide range of genres with gospel and jazz blending with gentle ballads and all demanding quality voices to do the numbers justice. This production did just that.

Seven young performers provided an evening of sheer delight with singing full of power, dramatic delivery, tenderness and even some humour. Their harmonising was exquisite while each artist got a chance to show off their brilliance.

Highlights included Natalie Darby’s Stars And Moon and She Cries, performed by Richard Hadfield. The sweet clarity of Eleanor Lakin’s Christmas Lullaby contrasted with the wit of the Kurt Weill pastiche Surabaya-Santa, wickedly delivered by Becky Munden.

Piano and percussion provided excellent accompaniment, although at first it tended to be over-powerful for such an intimate venue.

Coming at the end of the Fringe, it seems as though the best was kept until last. And it was well worth the wait.