James McCartney concluded his tour at Camden's hidden gem 'The Barfly' pub on 15th December. This was his second tour but was my first time seeing James perform. To tackle a career in music when you have such parentage as James means there was a lot of pressure upon him, but he certainly rose to it. McCartney's music is a mix of rock and folk which shows off his vocal talent and his craft at playing the piano. Although seeming to lack in confidence James soon seemed to relax into his set as the small audience of around 30 cheered him on. This included his family who shouted out support and James kept his eyes on them, allowing his bond with them to help create a fantstic atmosphere.
As the audience arrived Beatles music was played showing how influenced James is and also how proud he is of his fathers work. This is also shown in some of his music particularly the song entitled 'I love you Dad' a moving song which showed the bond between father and son. The whole concert was filmed and I would urge anyone to search it out and have a look at a talent that is definitely on the way up. Overall a wonderful night, which was helped by standing next to Macca, as we all danced the night away.
Sunday 1 January 2012
Thursday 1 December 2011
'Backbeat' - The Beatles forgotten era
Not many people are aware of The Fab Fours previous existence, many seeing them as merely a glorified boy band. This is far from the truth as the new musical Backbeat highlights. The London based musical recently started its run in the West end and has been playing to sold out audiences. It is a wonder how many of the audience come in expecting a nice show about The Beatles full of sing a long songs and a bit of a boogie. Wonderfully the real thing is the complete opposite, as audiences are faced with a recount of the events of The Beatles early life in Hamburg struggling to make it as a band. One of the main messages that comes through this is that The Beatles earnt their fame, working every night for at least ten hours trying to entertain some very diverse audiences.
Originally being meant for film I wondered how well the script would transfer to stage. However it truly worked particularly as the actors portray The Beatles very well. The only downside sadly is that Daniel Healy (Paul McCartney) wasn't left handed, understandable a difficult thing to find in an actor who also needs to have other McCartney attributes. Apart from this the cast worked well together and managed to convince the audience completely. One person who truly stood out to me was Nick Blood (Stuart Sutcliffe) whose acting was wonderfully moving. This was particularly prevalent towards the dramatic end. Blood not only managed to have the looks of Sutcliffe but also brought the softness and likeability that Stephen Dorf embodied within the film.
Writing for film is one thing but transforming it to stage is completely another, particularly after seventeen years have passed since its creation. However Iain Softly manages to do this with ease and if you weren't aware that this was a film first then you would be none the wiser. The set worked well as all of the stage was used to create an intimate feel particularly when the actors came and danced around the audience.
One thing that makes this musical stand out is the risqué nature of the story. Not only do we see bare bottoms during some very intimate scenes but we also see strippers and members of The Beatles having sex. Some of the audience seemed to become uncomfortable at this but it is part of the nature of Hamburg at that time and without this Backbeat would have lost its honesty.
Overall the stage version of this wonderful film is worth a look even if just for Blood's wonderful acting and some of the raw talent of the musicians.
Sunday 10 July 2011
Dylan Moran - 'Yeah Yeah' tour
` Ever since Bernard Black had me laughing hysterically in 'Black Books' I have been an avid fan of Dylan Moran's work. His quick wit and Irish charm has always delighted and for quite a while I have had the desire to see him live.
Moran's new 'Yeah Yeah' tour captivated the audience from the start with a slide show of his musings. These highlighted his artistic talents and remained up on screen for the entirety of the show. Perhaps a comment on how comedians should be viewed as artists too. Long before he came on stage the audience could see his interest in humanity and it was enjoyable to view his often strange thoughts through his artwork.
Moran entered the stage with a glass of red and a big smile whilst the audience seemed to sigh at the familiar sight of the Irishman. Unlike a few of Moran's contemporaries, some of which he critiqued in well humoured fashion, politics and society were discussed at length during the show. Moran possesses the ability to do this and yet keep it hugely entertaining. From how Southerners believe Northerners to live in pies then comparing snoring to rhinos shagging in a vat of crisps, Moran had the audience eating out of his palm.
He kept the show very tight, almost short and sweet, which although worked did give the impression that Moran felt out of his comfort zone. His comment about Michael McIntyre rolling in money perhaps highlighted his concern that he is no longer one of our top comedians and struggles with performing.
One of the main differences that stands out about Moran is his ease with the audience. It is almost a similar feeling to visiting an uncle and watching him drink copious amounts of alcohol and tell anecdotes. The audience seemed to welcome this dying sense of comedy and particularly enjoyed Moran's humanistic side after picking up chocolate thrown on to the stage and eating it.
Overall Moran has captured yet another audience and will continue to delight through his epic stories and hilarious jokes.
Moran's new 'Yeah Yeah' tour captivated the audience from the start with a slide show of his musings. These highlighted his artistic talents and remained up on screen for the entirety of the show. Perhaps a comment on how comedians should be viewed as artists too. Long before he came on stage the audience could see his interest in humanity and it was enjoyable to view his often strange thoughts through his artwork.
Moran entered the stage with a glass of red and a big smile whilst the audience seemed to sigh at the familiar sight of the Irishman. Unlike a few of Moran's contemporaries, some of which he critiqued in well humoured fashion, politics and society were discussed at length during the show. Moran possesses the ability to do this and yet keep it hugely entertaining. From how Southerners believe Northerners to live in pies then comparing snoring to rhinos shagging in a vat of crisps, Moran had the audience eating out of his palm.
He kept the show very tight, almost short and sweet, which although worked did give the impression that Moran felt out of his comfort zone. His comment about Michael McIntyre rolling in money perhaps highlighted his concern that he is no longer one of our top comedians and struggles with performing.
One of the main differences that stands out about Moran is his ease with the audience. It is almost a similar feeling to visiting an uncle and watching him drink copious amounts of alcohol and tell anecdotes. The audience seemed to welcome this dying sense of comedy and particularly enjoyed Moran's humanistic side after picking up chocolate thrown on to the stage and eating it.
Overall Moran has captured yet another audience and will continue to delight through his epic stories and hilarious jokes.
Saturday 25 June 2011
The Railway Children
A children's classic from E.Nesbitt has been brought to life in the heart of Waterloo Station. This venture from director Damian Cruden has won an Olivier award for best entertainment and yet I still had my reservations. After all a play set on the tracks of the ole Eurostar station seemed a bit like a gimmick. These reservations however were immediately lifted.
The sixty tonne steam locomotive 'Sterling Single', which could easily be argued to be the star of the show, didn't apear until the end of the first half. Instead smoke and sound effects were used which gave the play a magical feel. The set is based around the track with large wooden blocks placed over the top of it, allowing plenty of movement. This mixed with the breaking of the fourth wall created a modern and interesting twist on a classic story.
One downside was that the actors were at first hard to connect with, being very similar to children's presenters in their acting. This seemed to work after a while and gave the play a strange sense of charm. Marcus Brigstocke's role as the station master 'Perks' allowed for comic relief from the main plot. His ease in the role showed and he was confident and enthralling to watch.
Although a show aimed at children and train lovers, I thorougly enjoyed this piece of the theatre and believe that it is worth a visit even if just to see how the reclaimed site works as a theatre.
The sixty tonne steam locomotive 'Sterling Single', which could easily be argued to be the star of the show, didn't apear until the end of the first half. Instead smoke and sound effects were used which gave the play a magical feel. The set is based around the track with large wooden blocks placed over the top of it, allowing plenty of movement. This mixed with the breaking of the fourth wall created a modern and interesting twist on a classic story.
One downside was that the actors were at first hard to connect with, being very similar to children's presenters in their acting. This seemed to work after a while and gave the play a strange sense of charm. Marcus Brigstocke's role as the station master 'Perks' allowed for comic relief from the main plot. His ease in the role showed and he was confident and enthralling to watch.
Although a show aimed at children and train lovers, I thorougly enjoyed this piece of the theatre and believe that it is worth a visit even if just to see how the reclaimed site works as a theatre.
Tuesday 21 June 2011
Ringo Returns
Ringo Starr headed home on Sunday night to play at The Liverpool Empire to a packed audience. This seemed to be a brave venture for the Scouser who hit the headlines three years ago after slating Liverpool on the Jonathon Ross show. Ringo ironically began his show by shouting, 'It's good to back' and all it seemed was forgotten.
A man of few words, Ringo let his music take control of the evening and although perhaps one of the less popular members of the Beatles, RIngo showed that his songs are just as important as his fellow bandmates.
Ringo's choice in the musicians surrounding him was an excellent one, with Edgar Winter (The Edgar Winter Group), Rick Derringer (the McCoys) and Wally Palmer (The Romantics). A line up anyone would be proud to have. This 'all starr band' showed just how talented they are, playing songs such as 'Broken Wings' and 'Dream Weaver' with impressive vocal and musical talent.
Ringo managed to get the right balance between his hits with The Beatles and his new bands own talents. The crowd were wooed with hits such as 'I wanna be your man' and 'Boys' making everyone from young children to the sound man to Ringo's own Aunt Ev sing along.
Ending on Lennon's 'Give Peace a Chance' reminded the audience of just how important this man is to history, being a part of one of the most influential bands of all time. Ringo will perhaps never match up to the showmanship that Paul McCartney has but he certainly delivered on every front to an audience who welcomed him back with open arms.
A man of few words, Ringo let his music take control of the evening and although perhaps one of the less popular members of the Beatles, RIngo showed that his songs are just as important as his fellow bandmates.
Ringo's choice in the musicians surrounding him was an excellent one, with Edgar Winter (The Edgar Winter Group), Rick Derringer (the McCoys) and Wally Palmer (The Romantics). A line up anyone would be proud to have. This 'all starr band' showed just how talented they are, playing songs such as 'Broken Wings' and 'Dream Weaver' with impressive vocal and musical talent.
Ringo managed to get the right balance between his hits with The Beatles and his new bands own talents. The crowd were wooed with hits such as 'I wanna be your man' and 'Boys' making everyone from young children to the sound man to Ringo's own Aunt Ev sing along.
Ending on Lennon's 'Give Peace a Chance' reminded the audience of just how important this man is to history, being a part of one of the most influential bands of all time. Ringo will perhaps never match up to the showmanship that Paul McCartney has but he certainly delivered on every front to an audience who welcomed him back with open arms.
Sunday 12 June 2011
Ringo Starr - Europe Tour
Next week I have the pleasure of attending Ringo Starr's European tour in his hometown of Liverpool. I will be reviewing this next Sunday so please have a read!
Friday 3 June 2011
John Cleese - The Alimony Tour
One of the greatest comedians to grace our tiny island arrived in Liverpool on Tuesday 1st June at the prestigious Liverpool Empire. The theatre has hosted British wonders such as The Beatles and Julie Andrews with visiting stars such as Frank Sinatra. This epic theatre therefore was the perfect host for one of Monty Pythons tallest, John Cleese. I have always enjoyed everything the Pythons have produced, finding their comedy some of the most surreal and hilarous pieces of madness around. Their wit and stupidity intertwines so that even the grumpiest of people laugh hysterically. It is with this knowledge of Cleese that I wondered what his very independent show would consist of. It worried me somewhat that perhaps the show would be self indulgent and that Cleese would be far removed from his audience. I was pleasantly surprised that the show was one that highlighted Cleese as an 'everyday man' who simply needed a tour to earn money to pay off his cruel ex-wife, a story he so readily informed us of. Starting the show in this way did seem a little odd as most stars appear to love being on stage without any other purpose. However cleese's honesty did him justice. After a few anecdotes about his family, who were orginally named Cheese, John moved on to discussing some of his favourite work. This felt far more personal after hearing such in depth details about his heritage.
Cleese has an easy nature about him which draws the audience in and makes you feel as if the theatre is his living room and you're discussing old times over a bottle of red. It is this mixed with some wonderful clips of his work that make the two hours literally fly by. You could hear the sighs from the audience as Cleese announced the end of the first act. A personal highlight was watching a clip from Graham Chapman's memorial service in which Cleese stretched the boundaries in a funny and moving way, which only he could pull off. His well timed swearing shakes everyones silence and grief and turns it into fits of laughter, proving Cleese's comedy genius.
Overall this was one of the funniest and most moving events that I have had the opportunity to attend and I thoroughly reccomend it to anyone, particularly those who have seen any of John Cleese's brilliant comedy and laughed so hard they thought they might burst.
For those of you who want to see John Cleese perform check out: www.the johncleese.com
In memory of Graham Chapman have a peek at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsHk9WC7fnQ
Cleese has an easy nature about him which draws the audience in and makes you feel as if the theatre is his living room and you're discussing old times over a bottle of red. It is this mixed with some wonderful clips of his work that make the two hours literally fly by. You could hear the sighs from the audience as Cleese announced the end of the first act. A personal highlight was watching a clip from Graham Chapman's memorial service in which Cleese stretched the boundaries in a funny and moving way, which only he could pull off. His well timed swearing shakes everyones silence and grief and turns it into fits of laughter, proving Cleese's comedy genius.
Overall this was one of the funniest and most moving events that I have had the opportunity to attend and I thoroughly reccomend it to anyone, particularly those who have seen any of John Cleese's brilliant comedy and laughed so hard they thought they might burst.
For those of you who want to see John Cleese perform check out: www.the johncleese.com
In memory of Graham Chapman have a peek at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsHk9WC7fnQ
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