West End talents unite to create ‘Hush’, a new original song and dance film

Talents from across the West End have united to create an original song and dance film.

Hush aims to highlight the mental health challenges many face as a result of lockdown and raise awareness of the brilliance of the UK’s performing arts at a time of mounting concern for the sector.

Hush was written by musical theatre composer/lyricist Kath Haling with additional musical arrangement by Harry Haden-Brown, and vocals provided by West End performer Leo Miles (Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables).

Choreographed by Erico Montes, former First Artist of the Royal Ballet, the film features dancers from the Royal Ballet including Benjamin Ella, Harry Churches and Giacomo Rovero, who perform together for the first time since lockdown began.

You can watch Hush below…

Hush songwriter Kath Haling said: “2020 has been an extremely chaotic and challenging year with many people feeling anxious about factors beyond their control. Add to this the noise from social media and pressure of so-called ‘toxic-productivity’, there is little respite from what can all-too-often feel like a tsunami of pressure and negativity. The idea for ‘Hush’ came from a need to find peace and quiet in amongst the overwhelming ‘noise’ felt by many during lockdown.”

Haling added: “We wanted to help people remember that no matter how chaotic and overwhelming things can feel, we have the power within ourselves to take a moment, sit still and breathe. ‘Hush’ is about the understanding that finding that sense of peace is never out of our reach.”

Choreographer Erico Montes commented: “After months of doing ballet classes alone in my living room, it was very special to work again with fellow dancers and performers. I was inspired by Kath’s lyrics which talk about a yearning for space as well as physical and mental freedom – something we can all relate to, most especially during lockdown.”

The work is looking to support Acting for Others, an organisation who provide financial and emotional support to industry workers in times of need, through 14 member charities. Those who feel able to do so, can donate here: www.actingforothers.co.uk.

Hush features Music & Lyrics by Kath Haling, Piano and Arrangement by Harry Haden-Brown, Vocals by Leo Miles, Song Mastering by Andrew Furze, Choreography by Erico Montes, Ballet Dancers Benjamin Ella, Harry Churches & Giacomo Rovero and Filming & Editing by Peter Saunders with Behind the scenes stills Photography by Kate Scott and Rehearsal and performance space provided by Cre8 Studios/Stour Space Hackney.