West End stars come to the screen in Moment by Moment for London première

A new musical film featuring some of the West End’s most recognisable performers is heading to London this Monday. Moment by Moment celebrates its UK première at Genesis Cinema on 19 October, ahead of its streaming release on VHX on Friday 23 October. For audiences eager to discover it, pre-orders are open now.

Directed by Louis Rayneau, the film brings together ten strangers in New York City, exploring the ambitions, anxieties and relationships that sit beneath their everyday encounters. Alexander Sage Oyen’s songs give voice to what these characters cannot always say aloud, turning seemingly ordinary moments into windows onto much bigger emotional worlds.

There is particular excitement in seeing this musical reach the screen. First presented in concert at New York’s 54 Below in 2013, Moment by Moment has travelled from a live performance shared in one room to a feature that audiences will soon be able to experience at home. The songs remain central, but cinema offers another way into the story: through the intimacy of a camera, the detail of an expression and the imaginative possibilities of music and movement.

Across its interwoven stories, everyday encounters become vivid dream and nightmare sequences. That approach makes the film an intriguing prospect for anyone interested in how musical theatre can develop beyond the stage. Rather than simply recording a live production, it reimagines the material for film, allowing the characters’ inner lives to shape what audiences see as well as what they hear.

West End cast and transition to screen

The cast will give theatre fans plenty of familiar faces to look forward to. Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson, known for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and & Juliet, plays Allie. She is joined by Olivier Award nominee Cleve September (Hamilton; The Little Big Things), Collette Guitart (SIX; Why Am I So Single?) and Olivier Award nominee Jarnéia Richard-Noel (SIX; Play On!).

Also appearing are Chloe Saracco, Jordan Donnelly, Katie Tonkinson, Lois Gay, May Tether and Ross Harmon, bringing together performers whose experience spans West End productions, touring musicals and television. Broadway star John Cardoza, whose credits include The Notebook and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, performs the end-credit song.

Behind the camera, Rayneau reunites with choreographer Rachel Sargent following their award-winning musical film In Pieces. Their latest collaboration continues an interest in bringing new musical writing to cinema, giving stage performers another platform and audiences another route into the genre.

Following its New York première at SVA Theatre, Monday’s London celebration marks an important moment before the film reaches a wider audience. Its arrival on streaming means viewers can discover an original musical without needing to travel to a theatre or wait for a local production.

Whether you are drawn by a favourite performer, curious about Oyen’s songwriting or looking for something new for your next film night, this is one to put on your watchlist.

Pre-order Moment by Moment now, ready to stream on VHX from Friday 23 October. The film runs for 70 minutes.