NWTAC Theatre in Moston, North Manchester, had been made to resemble the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool as much as possible by creating a false brick arch at the rear of their already low-ceilinged and somewhat claustrophobic acting area, upon which they had scribbled the names of all the famous bands and artistes who have at some time or another graced the hallowed stage.
A three-piece band was on the perimeter (keyboards, drum kit, and guitar), and the lights and atmosphere ready for an evening of nostalgia for those old enough to remember, and for those who weren't, an evening reminding today's youngsters that "pop" music wasn't always dreadful and 'basically just loud noise to a beat'! This evening, I am more than happy to report, the sound levels were just perfect.
My music knowledge and interests have never truly been in the popular contemporaneous domain, and so I recognised some of the songs (but by no means all of them), and once Cilla Black and The Beatles had finished, was struggling to supply the names of any of the other bands / singers... except of course, there was a surprise entry in the second half of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', by Queen, who I had no idea until then that they had ever graced The Cavern Club's stage.
Headlining the evening was Beth Singh as Cilla Black. This was a young Cilla, in her 1960's heyday, despite her repertoire covering many of her later hits and covers too. Singh was actually very impressive as Cilla; it wasn't an exact impersonation but it was damned close! And we all believed she was the real deal, delivering a truly enjoyable set. Her a-capella close harmony with husband Prab (drums), and MD Ross (keyboards) during 'Yesterday' was just lovely!
All the other performers on stage this evening were taken from NWTAC Youth Theatre, and there was singing from James Burke, Alfie Cook, Georgia Anderson, Lilly Ife, Amelia Zatorska, Erin Carty, Maria Collins, Harry Gardner, and Poppy Evans. My personal favourites from this smorgasbord of talent were an original female-take on Gerry And The Pacemakers's, 'I Like It', Dusty Springfield's, 'Wishin' And Hopin'', and 'Isn't She Lovely' (and the only artiste I can pin this on is Stevie Wonder...did he ever play The Cavern Club??)
We also had backing dancers - four young ladies who truly got into the sixties' spirit with their cool and groovy moves, baby! These were Lilly Taylor, Isabelle Collins, Ese Umudi, and Stephanie Cannavan. I enjoyed this idea greatly, it really helped to ameliorate the songs, the mood, and the Cavern atmosphere.
There was a compere / announcer too, and so, when not singing himself, James Burke, gave us some interesting history and background snippets of the famous club, which also worked nicely.
The evening was set off superbly with some fantastic and psychedelic 1960's costuming and hair styles. We should definitely bring back the clothes, but maybe consign the hairstyles to history....!
The first half finished with a full company (and audience participation) 'Hey Jude', whilst we were sent home at the end of the evening in true Liverpool fashion, as it was not just a hit for Gerry And The Pacemakers, but was also (and perhaps still is) used as Liverpool Football Club's unofficial anthem too, as fans sang from the terraces in raucous, passion-fuelled voices..."You'll Never Walk Alone".
The first half finished with a full company (and audience participation) 'Hey Jude', whilst we were sent home at the end of the evening in true Liverpool fashion, as it was not just a hit for Gerry And The Pacemakers, but was also (and perhaps still is) used as Liverpool Football Club's unofficial anthem too, as fans sang from the terraces in raucous, passion-fuelled voices..."You'll Never Walk Alone".
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 25.6.22
on - 25.6.22
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