THE MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS - YMCA THEATRE - APRIL 2010 (As well as performing, James also produced and directed this show)
“Supernova highlight of this production is James Aconley singing Gethsemane, the eve-of-crucifixion aria from Jesus Christ Superstar.

As compere Michael Courtney says, it’s a song that a sixteen-year-old shouldn’t be able to sing. But by golly, James does it, with a passion and dramatic instinct that’s uncanny. My problem is, having reviewed him many times before, I’m running out of ways to describe his voice. You have to hear it to believe it. Even then, you won’t believe what you’ve just heard.

His fellow singers are West End professionals Michael Courtney and Susan Freebury, YMCA regulars Nathan Jenkins, Rebekah Kelly and Katie Gregson, and 30 enthusiastic and captivating children from the Stagecoach school.

The show, directed and produced by James Aconley and Bill Mustoe, is a selection of songs from 25 of the world’s best musicals, including Sunset Boulevard, Les Mis, The Sound of Music, Phantom and Spamalot. So if there’s any you’re not familiar with, you’re bound to know the next one that comes on. It’s a well chosen mix of composers, eras and moods.

Michael is the perfect musical theatre vocalist (and does a brilliant impression of Frank Spencer!) Rebekah delivers When You’re Good To Mama with terrific punch and come-and-get-me choreography. Katie brings a lovely, sweet-voiced charm to Popular, while Susan invests I Dreamed A Dream – the SuBo song – with exactly the right level of pathos. Nathan’s High Flying Adored is marvellously sung, with perfect control and technique. It didn’t escape me that everyone uses the voice as an acting, as well as a singing, tool.

Ensemble numbers are bolstered by James’s huge, huge voice, booming away in the bass, but he never lets it dominate. Comedy numbers like Pick a Pocket are interspersed with the big dramatic stuff, and many songs receive spontaneous standing ovations. James and Katie’s All I Ask Of You, is – honestly – the best version I’ve ever heard.

It’s been good to see, over the years, these talented YMCA singers maturing into seasoned, confident performers, and there’s no doubt whatever that they’ll go on to great things.” - Jenny Drewery, Scarborough Evening News

ALADDIN, YMCA Pantomime 2009-10
"And then there's the cape-twirling Abanazer. This is James Aconley, about whom I am always raving. (When is he going to be famous? It can't be long.) Here he gets the chance to show off his speaking voice. Just like his singing, it's so deep and resonant it sounds like he's calling from the bottom of Scarborough Castle's well. His villainous laugh sends you scurrying for cover under your seat. A marvellous, thespian performance." - Jenny Drewery, Scarborough Evening News

YMCA - 'A Breeding Place for local talent'
"Current names to watch out for are teenagers, James Aconley, Nathan Ellis, Jordan Lonsdale and Jodie Willett who are among the latest crop of stars of the future coming through the YMCA's ranks." - Joel James, BBC Blast Reporter, BBC York & North Yorkshire

FAMILY SHOWTIME - SUMMER SEASON 2009
"As ever, James Aconley's world-class voice leaves me speechless." - Jenny Drewery, Scarborough Evening News

THE MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS - YMCA THEATRE - MAY 2009 (As well as performing in this show, James helped to produce and direct the show)
"After months of preparation, this was set to be an audience pleaser with songs from more than twenty musicals. The cast was outstanding and surprised the audience with their talent and achievement. The standing ovation at the end of both performances showed how much the audience appreciated the young singers and dancers. Some of the greatest songs of musical theatre were brought together with the stunning vocal talents of James Aconley, David Nicholson, Jordan Lonsdale, Kerry Nicholson, Katie Gregson and Dani Thompson. It was a night to remember. The three female vocalists were something special. Katie Gregson left the audience speechless as she sang challenging songs from some of the most famous musicals, Dani Thompson impressed the audience with her note-perfect vocals and Kerry Nicholson performed with a strong, professional voice and fantastic stage presence. The three lead males were also very impressive. James Aconley had the audience in tears with his rendition of Music of The Night from Phantom Of The Opera and hit the audience hard with his professional attitude and commitment in helping to produce and direct the show. Jordan Lonsdale sang very challenging songs and stood out like a true professional, and David Nicholson as compere impressed with his stunning vocals and witty sense of humour. In the Joseph section the cast were joined by the Stagecoach choir who were brilliant both on their own and when added to to vocals of the lead vocalists. I would love to see this type of show again, and if YMCA and NAP Music were to join forces once more, I would be first to book my tickets. This show should become a regular production at the YMCA as it makes a nice contrast to the other brilliant shows put on there, and promotes the young talent that the YMCA supports and assists" - Scarborough Evening News

FAMILY SHOWTIME - SUMMER SEASON 2008
"Paint It Black, an unexpected choice of song for the galactically talented, operatic-voiced James Aconley, suits his range amazingly well." - Jenny Drewery, Scarborough Evening News

BARISTA CONTINENTAL CAFE CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2008
"(James) was fantastic - the customers were very impressed and donated a great amount."

VARIETY SHOWTIME - APRIL/MAY 2008
"As for the unbelievably, prodigiously talented young James Aconley, if he doesn't have a glittering singing career ahead, I will eat not just my hat but my coat and boots as well." - Jenny Drewery, Scarborough Evening News

LADY LUMLEY'S SCHOOL
"I listened to James last night, was very impressed... I am pleased James did so well in London and I hope he continues to develop his very strong talent." - Richard Bramley, Headteacher

COMEDY SHOWTIME - SUMMER SEASON 2007
"We really enjoyed it and didn't realise we had such a talented person down our road!" - Neighbours!
"Singer, James Aconley, at 14, has an amazing voice." - Jenny Drewery, Scarborough Evening News

DUNOLLIE NURSING HOME - PRIVATE BOOKING SUMMER 2007
"Many thanks for the splendid musical show that you kindly presented. We all really enjoyed your performance and our residents have chattered most of the weekend about his age and outstanding talent, Many Thanks". - Yvonne Webster, Manager

ESKDALE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - MARCH 2007
"Very enjoyable and entertaining.. You sing really well... you look as if you are enjoying the performance!" - Christina Thomson, Adjudicator

SNOW WHITE - PANTOMIME 2006/07
"Many thanks for all your efforts and for producing a fine Prince." - Chris Gray, Director