Published Public Reviews and Testimonials about Tom Watkins as Musical Director, conductor and concert leader in England

Musical Director for theatre companies:

Return to the Forbidden Planet for Gatepost Theatre Company at The Guildhall Theatre:

●  "Musical Director Tom Watkins led his band through this space odyssey with conviction. Never missing a cue or a note, and especially as he and some of his band couldn’t actually see one another; this was no easy feat. From the mean guitar riffs to the foot stomping beats, every song got everyone tapping and moving along. So much so that during the finale, a couple were spotted out in the aisles duckin’ and jivin’!" Playhouse Musings Reviews

●  "The band are exceptional... confidently performed" The Derby Telegraph

●  "...but none of this or the brilliance of the singing would have been the same without the backing and input that came from the terrific band" National Operatic and Dramatic Association

CATS! for Creatio at The Derby Theatre

●  “Tom Watkins is the musical director and audiences are told to expect a dynamic, uplifting and colourful show with amazing make-up and lots of big musical numbers, all sung to a live orchestra” Derby Telegraph

●  “Musical Direction by Tom Watkins and what a fantastic orchestra he led. Not one note out and just the right sound level. Perfection. A total standing ovation by the end.” Kev Castle Theatre Reviews

Made in Dagenham for Gatepost Theatre Company at The Guildhall Theatre

●  “10 of the Best, and Made in Dagenham from Gatepost is number 1!’ from the 10 best things to see in The Midlands

●  “Fun first night of Made in Dagenham. Great to be working for a band under the direction of the superbly talented Tom Watkins” Adam Parrish, organist, pianist, oboist, composer and musical director for various organisations, worked with John Rutter, Russ Dennet (The Human League), Nikki French (Eurovision), Bob Chilcott and no.1 selling soprano Rebecca Newman, had his compositions performed in York Minster and the Annual Oboe Festival in Sydney (Australia)

Phantom of the Opera for Creatio – Derby Theatre

●  “I was left speechless - the orchestra are absolutely amazing. I can’t wait for everyone who’s booked tickets to come hear” Emily Scarlett Cox, active principle/lead stage performer/opera singer

●  “Opening night tonight, full house, standing ovation and that is down to a number of things. Principally the vision of a young director Matt Powell and the MD Tom Watkins.” Paul Wheddon, Derby Theatre Stage Manager

●  “Musical Director is Tom Watkins in charge of the 26 strong orchestra. The glorious lush arrangements spill into the auditorium and from the first throbbing notes of the title song, the music pulls you in and swallows you up.” Kev Castle Theatre Reviews

Chris Toon benefit concert

●  “I don’t think I’ve EVER seen/heard so much talent in one room before! Amazing evening! Well done Tom Watkins for organising such a fabulous event for such a good cause!” Julia Booth, active stage performer

●  “Thank you Tom Watkins for a very moving and quality musical concert in support of a true hero” Amy Sadler, support staff

●  “I can’t believe the amount of talent that was in one room, and the amount of love and support for Chris was touching. Bravo Tom Watkins for bringing it all together.” Rob Hill, professional musician and teacher

●  “I’ve sung in a few concerts over the years but nothing comes close to how truly amazing last night was for a truly amazing guy. Thank you so much Tom Watkins for organising a great night!” Gemma Ryan, active stage performer

●  “Tom, that was amazing well done! The whole evening was an enjoyable event. You guys and everyone concerned worked so hard. I was really proud to be a part of it.” Paul Brown, high profile drummer, worked with many famous acts and household names

●  “Tom, I really hope some karma pays you a visit for this – you deserve it. Awesome effort for a fab guy.” Ben Henderson, freelance trombone specialist, and brass leader for Derby Music Centre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels for Long Eaton Operatic Society – May Hall

● “Long Eaton Operatic Society always use top musicians for the rounded sound their orchestra produce. It seems to get bigger every time I have the pleasure of seeing their shows. Under the music direction of Tom Watkins with assistant musical director Rob Upton, these layered arrangements for the songs sounded beautiful. This is Tom’s first time working with LEOS; I have a feeling it may not be his last.” Kev Castle Theatre Reviews

Oliver! for Creatio Arts – Derby Theatre

● The musical standard of this show was stellar and the Musical Director, Tom Watkins, has obviously worked very hard with the whole cast. His orchestra sounded really good and accompanied the performers sympathetically and with no over dominance. This was another outstanding production from Creatio Theatre Arts. Theatre Online

Spring Awakening for Regis Theatre Company – The Duchess Theatre

●  The band was excellent and the Musical Director Tom Watkins is to be congratulated for gathering together such excellent musicians and then ensuring that they accompanied the performers with great sensitivity. The balance between the band and the performers was just right. The standard of musical performance was very high throughout. The final whole cast song “The Song of Purple Summer” was so beautifully sung that it left the audience silent for a moment before breaking into enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.” Theatre Online

●  “Tom Watkins is the Musical Director and the band sounded gorgeous.” Kev Castle Reviews

From public concerts (professional societies and schools):

● “It was obvious from the start that the cast were really enjoying themselves on stage as much as we were in the audience... The production team did a superb job of putting everything together and making sure everything ran smoothly...The band sounded very good and accompanied the performers well with the sound balance being good... This was an excellent concert” Theatre Online

●  “Even seeing a midnight showing of the new Star Wars film couldn’t overshadow the school concert last night – sheer joy from start to finish with some astonishing highlights. Thanks for a brilliant evening to some amazingly talented and dedicated musicians, loony presenters and the mighty Mr Watkins” Dave Halford, Education Business Development Manager for Coach House Pianos, previously was buyer and seller for Steinway, Bechstein and Yamaha

●  “Hear hear! Probably our favourite Ecclesbourne show to date” Mark Jennison-Boyle, active published composer musicals.

●  “We just wanted to say a personal WELL DONE on the fantastic production of West Side Story last week, it was wonderful! The standard of the singing, dancing, acting and musical accompaniment was so impressive, as was the set, we were all wowed. Thank you for all the time, energy and hard work that went into coaching the vast number of students - it is such an ambitious show & all the hard work paid off, you must all be totally worn out! You should be very proud of yourselves as it all came together brilliantly and the students really did you proud.” Gianluca Sergi, Associate Professor of film studies, lecturer, and author of ‘The Dolby Era: Film Sound in Contemporary Hollywood’

●  “It was a lovely occasion. The music choices seemed really well suited to the ensembles. Clearly there were some new opportunities & challenges for many of the students & they all looked like they were really enjoying performing. Obviously it did not happen without a great deal of inspiration and hard work! Thank you again.” Kathryn Prescott, Librarian for Derby Music Partnership

●  “Tom, I don’t know how you have managed to get a group of students to play such a difficult score so brilliantly! Congratulations on such an amazing job! Many thanks and much respect.” Dave Partridge (stage name Dave Covey), former West End star, leader of National Youth theatre projects and active director/principle/lead actor and singer in many local theatre productions

●  “I love how many kids are involved in the Ecclesbourne concerts nowadays – just look at that crowd! Thanks so much again to Tom Watkins, and the team of fantastic teachers and kids who put on such a spectacular show for us.” Dave Halford, Education Business Development Manager for Coach House Pianos, buyer and seller for Steinway, Bechstein and Yamaha

●  “Mr Watkins, this is the first time I’ve felt compelled to write to you or The Ecclesbourne School but such was the high standard of accomplished playing and leadership in the recent Spring Concert that I believe it needs to be recognised beyond just enjoying a wonderful musical programme. There were many highlights including strong individual performances and contributions. In my view, all students played at their very best and clearly enjoyed entertaining us with a widely varied programme. It is noticeable that they are all stepping up to a more challenging repertoire produced by yourself, the peripatetic staff and senior students; some of the performances from senior musicians were truly close to a professional approach. I would not be surprised to see some of the students start successful musical careers in due course! On top of the performances, we were very impressed by the mature way in which a few key Sixth Form students picked up the baton and demonstrated excellent leadership skills in rehearsing and conducting some of the groups. If they carry on this approach and level of motivation into further education and the world of work, they’ll undoubtedly do well in any field. It was clear that the audience was impressed with the musical quality. This musical evening will last long in the memory and will take some matching! Many thanks and we look forward to many more impressive evenings.” Paul Sewter, artist and former percussionist and drummer for county bands and orchestras.

●  “One of the most inspirational and best conductors I’ve ever worked with as I make my way into professional performing. Not only clear direction, but clear insight into understanding the music to take me to the next level of musicianship and performance.” Hannah Prescott, earned a DipABRSM while in school, regular performer with The National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain and professional musician

●  “I had to express how fantastic our whole family thought the concert was on so many levels. The music of course was wonderful, but the anecdotes and chat in between, the atmosphere, the stuff going on alongside... just combined to make it a truly memorable and moving event. Congratulations and thanks for what must have been an astonishing amount of work on your part (how many instruments do you actually play?!)” Dave Halford, Education Business Development Manager for Coach House Pianos, buyer and seller for Steinway, Bechstein and Yamaha

●  “Yes another cracking night” Mark Jennison-Boyle, published composer of currently active musicals.