The Electric Light Orchestra are a band formed in 1970 and although the 70’s was a decade that featured in my early adult years I have to admit to not being a follower of this particular band, so I wasn’t sure whether I was going to enjoy a tribute to them as from memory I could only recall ‘Mr Blue Sky’ and ‘All Over the World.’
Kicking off with dramatic lighting and the above mentioned ‘All Over the World’ I have to say I was hooked from the start. Andy Louis performing on guitar and lead vocals certainly looked and sounded the part as he took on the role of the original ELO’s frontman Jeff Lynne. Supported by a brilliant band of musicians and adding to the backing vocals, were Jan Christiansen on lead guitar, Steve Hemsley – keyboards, Tony Lawson - drums & percussion and Pete Smith - bass guitar. With Liz Stacey on violin, there were also 2 other ladies playing cello who unfortunately, due to the applause from the audience, I was unable to hear their names to credit them and upon researching the group there are several names listed as playing cello with the band, so apologies to these two who played an enthusiastic part this evening. Stacey excelled with her violin playing and I really enjoyed her performance particularly during the rendition of ‘Roll Over Beethoven.’ There was a great rapport between the band members who appeared to be loving their work and enjoying the party. 
Hit after hit were belted out and I suddenly realised that I knew virtually every one of them, and was singing along and clapping with the rest of the audience to ’Evil Woman’, ‘Turn To Stone’, ‘Telephone Line’, ‘Sweet Talkin’ Woman’ and ’Livin’ Thing’ to name just a few of the songs, so considering I hadn’t been a fan it’s amazing how they had been instilled into my mind! There were screen projections at the back of the stage featuring an amusing clip of riverdancing chimps to ‘Rock ‘N ‘ Roll is King’, a cartoon of Lego characters to ‘The Diary of Horace Wimp’ and the inspiring song ‘Hold On Tight to Your Dreams’ featuring past Olympic winners.
Throughout the evening there were fabulous lighting techniques, perhaps expected with a name of Electric Light Orchestra, however, the name actually derived from the use of electric rock equipment and using cello and violin within the band hence a ‘light orchestra’ which give ELO their unique sound. The sound was spot on and I must mention the clarity of Andy Louis’s voice when addressing the audience along with his relaxed manner added to the interaction with them.
Rounding off the first half the audience were encouraged to purchase blue glow sticks at £1 each during the interval and available with other merchandise in the foyer. Returning to the stage performing ‘Twilight’ the theatre became a mass of blue light as the fans waved their glow sticks along to the music adding a party atmosphere.
The songs continued to come with another classic ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’ and culminating with the iconic ‘Mr Blue Sky’ which resulted in a standing ovation.
Considering I did not think I was a fan of ELO, tonight’s performance by this fantastic band has certainly changed my mind. The ELO Experience is not one I will forget and all around I could hear people saying they are as good as ‘the real thing’. As tributes go I was impressed and would certainly recommend going to see them. I had a great evening’s entertainment at St Helens Theatre Royal along with an enthusiastic crowd, many who had seen this tribute before.
For further information and tour dates https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/elo-experience.
Reviewed on: 22nd April 2016
Reviewed by: Lorna Weekes
