“SHA-BOOM”
Where do I start? This was the most amazing night of music. These boys have it all and can do it all.... The production took place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and was their third night on this tour and it did not disappoint.
Music, dance, mic-ography was impressive....
The audience was in its element and the place was buzzing from the very start. On came the band who got screams and wolf whistles and then The Overtones to more of the same. Sad to announce that one of the boys isn’t able to make the tour this year and a poignant moment at the beginning of the show when Lachie announced that Timmy was unwell and taking care of himself in London but that his Irish spirit would be with us all night, making sure we enjoyed ourselves... And that we did!
Brilliant doesn’t seem enough somehow but these lads gave it all they had and more seamlessly linking from one song to the next with just the right mix of music – their signature doo-wop repertoire intertwined with Christmas classics happy, upbeat numbers perfectly followed by more sentimental ballads. My personal favourite had to be ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’ beautifully sung by Lachie. Their voices just make your heart skip and the mellow tones blend so well.
Then once again, it was up out of your chair time with a bit of ‘Pretty Woman’ and more (I won’t share more songs with you as if you are going to see this concert – and you SHOULD – it would spoil it for you).
The rapport these lads have with their audience is superb – it’s like you are the only one there. They know how to talk to you and make you feel special. A smile, a wave and heartfelt nod to the crowd was sending the audience wild and we were a very varied bunch, “from 1 to 92” – we had a young child next to us who seemed to know everything and was very excited at the start.
The friendship between the guys was apparent all the way through, bits rehearsed, bits not. Fun and laughter with the sound crew who, by the way, did a fantastic job (not one blip – WELL DONE). Whilst on technical side of things, I loved and was very impressed by the simple, but effective set using a video wall on the back to show pictures of Christmas amongst other things with a wonderful surprise too (won’t spoil it). Lighting was again, simple, but very effective. The band were superb and led extremely well by MD and drummer, Ricci Riccardi - very impressive sound which didn’t once outdo the performers.
There is no denying that individually these boys have talent, but together they really are a force to be reckoned with, and not only in this style of music...
I really do encourage you to join them on their exhilarating, exciting, sentimental journey at ‘the most wonderful time of the year’... I certainly will be going to see this fantastic group again, Lachie, Mark, Mike and Darren and hopefully they will be reunited with Timmy. Best wishes Timmy, take care and get well soon. You are missed xx
Reviewer: Hazel Bumby
Reviewed: 28th November 2016
North West End Rating: ★★★★
