Tag Archives: concert

Let it Be, Prince of Wales Theatre

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Let is Be is not a musical – if you are after a narrative explanation of the Beatles’ life as a band it is best to seek out BackBeat. This production is an all-music journey, two hours of the most popular and famous hits. Interestingly only since Michael Jackson died (he owned the rights to a majority of Beatles tracks) have producers been able to use this famous band’s songs in productions. They seem to now be taking full advantage.

There are two bands who share performing duties across the week. I watched Michael Gagliano as John Lennon (guitar and vocals), Ian B. Garcia as Paul McCartney (bass guitar and vocals), John Brosnan as George Harrison (guitar and vocals) and Phil Martin as Ringo Starr (drums). All four men try hard to be convincing as their Liverpudian alter-egos (cue accents and gesturing) and they all have notable talent, but this show doesn’t show that off to the full.

I find that there is little to comment on… the lack of story and acting means it is like watching a good cover band. Indeed in some ways this group of musicians appear more versatile than the original fab four. The cast have character, and the frequent costume and wig changes help… but branding Let it Be as a show doesn’t make sense. I expected more, but once I accepted the lack of drama I began to relax and enjoy the music more.

Occasionally there is a fifth, extra, plain dressed musician lurking in the background providing the orchestral vibe on a keyboard. He a) doesn’t get much credit and b) looks a bit draft when obviously everyone knows there were only four Beatles. It is not well planned and distracts the viewer from believing the band’s reincarnation.

I enjoyed the song choices, most of my favourites and the cast worked hard to encourage the audience to rise to their feet and join in the choruses. Towards the end I even began to have fun.

For Beatles fanatics this is a must see, and it is perfectly adequate as a fun musical night out, but perhaps more of a show for tourists, there is just not enough in ‘Let it Be’ to keep Londoners entertained.

Continues until 19 January, book here.

Prom 70: Desert Island Discs 70th Anniversary, Royal Albert Hall

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I try to attend at least one night of the Proms each year… this annual festival of music is one of the many things that makes London so special in the summertime. The line-up this year featured a glorious list of high calibre performers and delicious programming. On September 3rd fans and followers of Desert Island Discs assembled in the great Albert Hall to listen to an evening of the famous radio show’s most popular castaway choices.

Most people have some kind of affection for Desert Island Discs. The show is a permanent Sunday morning fixture in my family household, and it truly makes me smile, wince or weep every weekend. Kirsty Young manages to successfully extract touching stories alongside an album of beloved tracks from the world’s most familiar names. The show is unique as it is purely for enjoyment with no endorsements or advertising for the guests, no one gets paid instead it is an honour to be invited on the show. I always thought, when I was younger, that the ultimate dream was to be successful enough to be on Desert Island Discs, only then have you really ‘made it’ in your field!

The audience were treated to a star studded evening of guest appearances and Desert Island favourites. Shipwrecked celebrities included Darcy Bussell, David Attenborough, Sir Michael Parkinson, and Patricia Routledge. Each voicing their passion for music, recalling memories and chatting to presenter Kirsty Young. We listened to classic pieces like Bach’s Toccata and Fugue and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, tracks which have been chosen frequently on the show.

The compilation was played by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by the energetic and joyful Keith Lockhart. The orchestra played with compassion, effortlessly excelling in every style of music. Soloists included the stunningly voiced Ailish Tynan who sung two Puccini arias exquisitely, and virtuosic pianist Peter Donohoe who illustrated complete command over the instrument and played with a relaxed and confident tone.

As an added bonus for the night, we welcomed Bryn Terfel as a last minute performer; due to illness Sir Willard White had to drop out. He was a witty addition to the night, singing Coleridge-Taylor’s scenes from ‘The Song of Hiawatha,’ filling the auditorium with his rich and captivating voice. The night finished with the jubilant world premiere of ‘Desert Island Hits’ and Coates’ ‘The Dam Busters’.

Unlike most Prom evenings, the selection of music was not specialist, instead we listened to a diverse collection of compositions from every era. It was the best way to celebrate this wonderful radio show’s 70th anniversary and to remember it’s incredible legacy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms

Laurie Anderson, Southbank Meltdown Festival

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I am certainly not an authority on Laurie Anderson and experiencing the rapturous appreciation and applause in the spooky candle lit Royal Festival Hall at the end of her concert, I realised I was surrounded by fans who really know and understand a lot more about this eccentric performance artist than I do.

Performance art can be difficult to grasp and enjoy and yet with Laurie Anderson I felt swept up into her world of magical sounds and was mesmerised by her fluid and imaginative show. Performing as part of the Southbank’s Meltdown Festival in a one off performance, it felt truly special to be witnessing her presence and creativity. Anderson is an American experimental artist and a pioneer in electronic music, often creating her own devices to develop certain techniques and noises. She is most famous for her 1981 track ‘O Superman’ which reached number 2 in the UK pop charts.

Anderson’s show at Southbank, entitled Dirtday! was weird and wonderful from start to finish. Stationed predominantly centre stage behind her desk of equipment, she singlehandedly creates and manipulates a massive sound world. She plays an electric violin and speaks clinically into an often distorting microphone… at times it is scary and odd, occasionally joyful and passionate but always captivating.

She refers to numerous controversial themes, America’s healthcare, Darwin, the Catholic Church are the most memorable for me post show. Stories take on a vivid form through her music, and the moody lighting and visuals help to conjure an ethereal atmosphere.

Laurie’s late dog Lolabelle has a short slot in the show…Laurie’s beloved pet is shown in YouTube videos playing the piano while Laurie commentates on the animal’s difficult and inspiring death process.

There is no interval in Dirtday – a decision which made complete sense to me: Anderson’s audience are enveloped entirely by the world of this most important of performance artists. I felt I experienced a rare and special show in an evening that is impossible to forget.

Visit the Laurie Anderson website here.