PAPER Hearts is a new, original musical with the book, music and lyrics written by Swindon’s Liam O’Rafferty.

The cast for this 40-minute concert version were leading man, Atticus (Damien Edwards), who is a seasoned professional with a good voice. Lilly and Alex were played by Bindy Baker, who performs with David Alacey’s The Rat Pack Is Back and with Vocal Works Gospel Choir.

The chemistry between these two was good but I felt direction could have been better, even for this concert version, in the limited space.

Issac was played by local actor Robert Felstead, who also has a good musical theatre voice.

While I can understand Liam’s passion for his project and the huge amount of enthusiasm and work that has gone into it over the past four years, it was sometimes difficult to understand where the magic would be in this piece of theatre.

It is only my opinion but I do feel there is a lot of work still to do on the score. At times it seemed a little disjointed – but maybe that was just me.

I enjoyed the up tempo numbers more than the ballads, none of which stood out as a true belter of a song.

Musical theatre is my passion. The best of the best cost millions to come to fruition on the major stage. It takes a great many talented people to achieve such a goal.

I wish Liam luck in his task and hope that one day I’ll be sitting in the audience of a West End theatre to see his baby all grown up.

ROS HOLLANDS