BLAKE at THEATRE SEVERN

BLAKE THEATRE SEVERN SHREWSBURY SUNDAY 

What a great way to end the day. Blake at Theatre Severn Shrewsbury. First time I have had the chance to see them other than the odd TV appearances. Not just hi brow Italian Arias but also a number of pop and rock tunes such as Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" and U2's "With or Without You" all given the Blake treatment. Special guest was Camilla Kerslake who possessed a great singing voice. Also appearing adding backing vocals as well as doing their own numbers was a local choir.

The 3 guys that make up Blake have great chemistry between each other and had a great repoire with the audience. I was unsure how much I would like the show before I arrived but having had the experience I wouldnt hesitate seeing them over and over again.

For details of other shows at Theatre Severn visit www.theatresevern.co.uk

ALED JONES at Theatre Severn

Just returned from Theatre Severn Shrewsbury, Monday 12th October having seen Aled Jones. Although he gave a well polished performance I was dissaponted to say the least. Opening the show was a 15 year old Norwegian girl who posessed a beautiful singing voice but had no stage craft at present. She was introduced from backstage, following her 30 minute spot Aled took to the stage with his musicians. Personally I think he should have opened the show and bring the girl on stage halfway through.

Although not the greatest singer in the world Aled still has a fine voice and had a varied repetoire of hymns, folksongs and also sang in Welsh, however, his performance although polished is somewhat straight - extending his arms to acknowledge his musicians then like a puppet that has had its strings cut he flops over to take a bow. Whilst a nice gesture occasionally would be ok but not after every song.

His patter between songs raised laughs and he recalled stories from his presenting jobs on TV but having an autocue didnt cut the mustard for me. The whole of the second half was just Aled but was again rather short and soon it was the last song "You Raise Me Up" before being called back for an encore.

Whilst I appreciate his singing and presentation as a concert it didn't raise me up and the encore number left me flat. I have always believed that the sign of a good concert is when you leave the venue and you cannot get that final song out of your head.

Would I go again? I certainly wouldn't be first in the queue but never say never! But thanks again to Theatre Severn for bringing another top name performer to the area.

RIP OLE UNDERTAKER

Heard the sad news that my old friend Geoff Nugent of 60s group The Undertakers passed away yesterday following a heart attack. R I P Geoff