Soul Train
Format: Music Show
Genre: Soul
Review Date: January 17 2020
Performance: January 17 2020
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Duration: 140 Minutes incl. an interval
Age Rating: 8+
Soul Train is a show that has an extensive run of top-notch, funky and famous tunes covering a wide range of performers, eras and genres, and it succeeded in every way during its recent visit to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre.
Description
A highly-talented group of six singers, three males (Wayne, Erin and Marco) and three females (known as The Soul Train Ladies, consisting of Ashley, Claire and Heather), took to the stage to cover many of the all-time great soul classics from down the years. Amongst the performers whose legacies were recognised here included Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, The Righteous Brothers, Donna Summer, Lionel Richie, KC & The Sunshine Band, Al Green, Whitney Houston and plenty of other stars. Indeed, when it comes to honouring a plethora of legends, this show has as strong a soundtrack as any other.
As for the songs themselves: all six began by singing Love Train and Signed, Sealed, Delivered before The Ladies took centre stage for Sweet Talking Guy; If I Could Build My Whole World Around You (complete with a brief mock wedding scene) and Midnight Train To Georgia. Wayne returned for You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, and then we had a section dedicated to Aretha (The Queen Of Soul) with (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and I Say A Little Prayer. All six came together for 634-5789 and Something Old, Something New (with the cast saying that it was time for “the official sing-song”), before Ashley hit us with a show-stealing rendition of I Will Always Love you, which was something incredible to hear and witness. The Sound Of Philadelphia; When You’re Young And In Love; Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) and River Deep Mountain High rounded out the very energetic first half.
The second half opened with Love Really Hurts Without You and Mountain High, Valley Low, before it was back to The Ladies for a Motown section, which included Heatwave; You Keep Me Hangin’ On; Needle In A Haystack; and Tainted Love. Erin then introduced a romantic tune, that being I’m So In Love With You, during which Wayne and Marco headed to the floor of the Epstein to slowly dance with some audience members, and Wayne even got a telephone number (for Jackie from Halewood and her friend who was celebrating a birthday)! All six came together for (fittingly) Let’s Sing Together and That’s The Way (I Like It), further providing an old-school, 70’s-esque feel to proceedings. By now, the crowd were regularly on their feet dancing between seats and in the aisles, which included It’s Raining Men, during which the male singers almost revealed something surprising! I’m So Excited; Hot Stuff; Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel; Hold Back The Night; Young Hearts Run Free; and I Love You (It’s So Hard To Say) led to the finish line, with the encore being the ever-popular Love Train.
Analysis
The entire cast of singers were all incredibly talented and versatile vocalists, who were there to ensure that the audience enjoyed themselves, and they definitely achieved that! The background screen showed a mixture of song titles, screen effects, lyrics, photographs and even LPs for the original releases of certain songs. Lighting was effective in setting the tone of a particular hit, with an example being the flashing lights prior to It’s Raining Men. The men wore classy, elegant suits, whilst the women varied in sporting dresses of different colours mixed with eye-catching glitter. We occasionally got some background information on a few songs, mixed with audience interaction and gentle humour between the cast. The dance moves also garnered some big cheers, while the music itself was handled in the background, ensuring that our focus remained on the singers themselves. Add to that some cool small touches such as soul songs playing over the PA before and after the show as well as during intermission, and also a free meet and greet with attendees after the final song, and you have all the makings of a great show.
Summary
Soul Train is a tremendous night out, especially for older audience members who loved these songs from back in the day. If you get a chance to check out Soul Train (the show returns to the Epstein in January 2021), I strongly encourage you to do so!
Target Audience: Age 35+
Content: 0/5 – No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation: Yes
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
For more information about Soul Train, click here.