Written By: Emma Bowles
Format: Music Show
Genre: Pop
Date: February 7 2020
Location: Parr Hall, Warrington
The 80’s are a decade that everyone has heard of. Whether you were experiencing those iconic tracks the first time round, born in the 80’s or a recent discoverer of this retro period thanks to Stranger Things, it’s a decade full of varied, eccentric and flamboyant music and what better way to combine them all together with a trip to see 80’s live at Warrington’s Parr Hall.
Arriving to the show last night I immediately got the flavour of the evening straight away when I saw everyone arriving in fancy dress. I knew we were up for a party and what a party we had. From the 2nd song, 90% of the crowd were off their seats and dancing away as the cast thoroughly encouraged us all to do so. The show started with the full company onstage kicking it all off with Don’t Leave Me This Way and from that point on it was a total express ride through the 80’s leaving no bad fashion choice unturned. As each number was performed it was delivered by 1, 3 or all of the 5 vocalists with a head turning outfit almost as accurate as the original artist(s).
Some of the songs included in the first half were, Love Shack, Venus, a segue of Madness hits, Never Gonna Give You Up, Only Way Is Up and finishing off the 1st half with an explosive ending of soft rock classics, Final Countdown, You Give Love A Bad Name and Living On A Prayer. The graphics on stage were displayed on 3 seperate screens and they were well thought out and presented with typical 80’s designs and colours. I especially appreciated the nod to Ah-Ha’s ground breaking music video during Together In Electric Dreams.
The show is held together by a 4 piece band ‘Electric Dreams’ consisting of drums, guitar, keys and percussion. However, the percussionist also doubled as the compere, and furthermore sang a good number of solos in the show. Is there any end to this guys talents?
Also making up the cast were 5 vocalists who all had equally strong voices in their own right and the ability to blend as a group. Sometimes when there are this many vocalists onstage it ends up being a bit of a sing off but everyone held together and complemented each other well. The choreography was well put together with enough movement to make sure everyone was included and still gave the performers a chance to freestyle showing off their own moves! At times, I did think that the vocalists mics were a tad too loud almost drowning out the band and there was occasional feedback when the whole cast and band were onstage.
The second half explored more 80’s songs with a mention of those often overlooked such as Sweet Little Mystery. The show finished with a tribute to Wham with the cheesy costumes and dance moves. The 2 male singers gave an energetic performance and it really did end the show on a high.
Overall, it was a high energy, well produced and varied show. Everyone in the crowd had a great time and it certainly got everyone up dancing. The band were excellent, the vocalists gave a fantastic performance and their stamina kept up throughout a show which was clearly a tour de force.
A perfect night out for any 80’s lovers and particularly suited for a group outing. Don’t forget your leg warmers.
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
