“James is outstanding as Lou; her childhood trauma is laid bare, and we see her frustrations mount as her mental health is trivialised. Together, they express complex characters and their chemistry as a couple is believable.”

Paranormal Activity (WhatsOnStage)

‘The mantra “You’re going to be a star” is insisted to Louise, but Melissa James ensures this is true of her own dynamite performance. Her complex characterisation is just as impressive as her final reprise of “Let Me Entertain You”, a spectacular display of physical and vocal bravura which culminates in her spinning around the auditorium on the crane.’

Gypsy (WhatsOnStage)

“She is mesmerising from the moment she arrives onstage (or, rather, is brought down from the heavens) and makes you feel every single emotion she feels over the course of the show.”

Moulin Rouge (The Mancunion)

“Yet the major discovery may well be Melissa James, whose imperious Anita has a jazz voice to die for ” plus the acting chops to gain real purchase on a role that leads the story towards more sinister depths than even Shakespeare had in mind”

The Guardian

“Melissa James sings and acts beautifully as Rachel’s overshadowed sister, Nicki” The Scotsman