IT was a delight to see Chiswick trained star Paul Spicer perform among the West End's finest talent in the musical Notes From New York' which took place at the Donmar Warehouse in London on Sunday March 7.

Twenty-five thoroughly enjoyable musical numbers provided snippets of New York life including songs from the musicals Rent', The Last Five Years', Tick Tick Boom' and Songs for a New World'.

Themes included the ideals of the American dream, contrasted with the gloomy reality of mundane relationships, college life, marriage break-ups, and modern life.

Paul Spicer, Debbie Kurrup, Julie Atherton and Craig Purnell, played the exciting roles of four separate people, living and learning in contemporary Manhattan.

Spicer, who trained at Chiswick Arts Ed three years ago, delivered a sincere performance with his strong acting and beautiful voice that steered the audience's emotions from laughter to tears.

His favourite number was Louder than Words' which is taken from the musical Tick Tick Boom'.

Debbie Kurrup's stunning voice dazzled the audience, Julie Atherton, who has an equally wonderful singing voice, entertained the audience with her charm and wit, and Craig Purnell's resounding voice overpowered the auditorium.

It would not suffice to call these talented people good singers' or good actors' but rather performers with a combination of many talents.

Paul feels that this show allowed him to use his singing and acting abilities, but said: "My real talent is dancing which I did not get to exhibit in this show."

Undoubtedly, Chiswick Arts Ed equipped him with a multitude of skills and excelled his talents to the high standard that was demonstrated on stage at the Donmar.

They are all relieved at the success of the evening's performance and although they admit they were nervous, the spectacular performance did not give this away.

The show was the second in a unique series, which is set to continue throughout 2004 with shows in July, September and a special first anniversary gala in November.

Dates are not yet confirmed but look out for more information on the show's website at www.notesfromnewyork.co.uk.

For more information on Paul, log on to www.paulspiceronline.com and Arts Ed on www.artsed.co.uk