Show: Perfectly Frank – Swinging The Hits Of Sinatra
Event: Liverpool Theatre Festival 2021
Location: Bombed Out Church, Liverpool
Date: Thursday September 2 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 140 Minutes
Age Rating: 10+
Performer: David Knopov
This is our theatre review for Perfectly Frank – Swinging The Hits Of Sinatra at Liverpool‘s Bombed Out Church. Now, this is the second show of Liverpool Theatre Festival 2021. So, let’s take a look at Perfectly Frank – Swinging The Hits Of Sinatra!
Perfectly Frank – Swinging The Hits Of Sinatra
Background
Look who’s back in town? Well, it isn’t old Mackie – it’s David Knopov as Perfectly Frank! Bringing the swing of Sinatra alive, this show pays tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra. David has been playing to global audiences for over 30 years and is a well-regarded creative and respected musician across the North West.
Fresh from lockdown, David and his supporting swing band comprising piano, saxophone, double bass and drums would play a selection of Sinatra classics in the wonderful venue of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church as part of the 12-day Liverpool Theatre Festival. The weather would remain dry and the lighting was atmospheric as the September sky would darken.
Analysis
Suitably suited and booted, looking cool in the obligatory fedora, Perfectly Frank transported us to the 1950s. The first half of the show opened with Fly Me To The Moon. We were then treated throughout the rest of the evening to Sinatra masterpieces: Summer Wind, The Lady Is A Tramp (accompanied by a very funny story), I Get A Kick Out Of You, It Was A Very Good Year (pass the tissues), Mack The Knife, Nice ‘n’ Easy, One For My Baby (and one more for the road) and That’s Life along with many others. I particularly loved the jazzed-up version of My Funny Valentine.
Knopov, the band and the audience were suitably warmed up by the second half of the show. Smooth and silky as chocolate vocals from David, with outstanding solo performances throughout the night from each member of the very talented band; Tony Judge (pianist and arranger), Mike Smith (Sax), Matthew Owens (Bass) and Eryl Roberts (Drums). There was lots of banter from David who really engages with the audience and made us laugh. He would also provided some background information about the songs and arrangements, which added to the experience.
Summary
The audience would really appreciate the show, giving a standing ovation. And their reward was two encores. So, we would hear New York, New York, and of course My Way. For the second encore, we would hear Tony Bennett’s I Lost My Heart In San Francisco. What an era that was! It was an emotional rollercoaster of an evening for me as Sinatra and Bennett were my father’s favourite artists and he sadly died suddenly this year. He would have appreciated this evening as much as I did. So, I can’t wait to catch Ol’ Blue Eyes (Perfectly Frank) again soon. Indeed, Perfectly Frank was just perfect!
Notes
Target Audience: 10+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Did you see Perfectly Frank – Swinging The Hits Of Sinatra? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
