Everybody Needs Somebody! Blues Brothers Are Approved!

REVIEW: The Blues Brothers - Approved, Mayflower, Southampton - Wednesday 6th March 2013

By Kevin Gover

kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk

I could simply say that this is a marvellous show, and you would be mad not to see it. Because that's exactly what it is. But the whole point about this show is the something extra, the bits from our past, the association; the hats, the music, the image...  

The thing about the Blues Brothers is that you remember Saturday Night Live, or you remember the film - or you want a whole new experience. And this is MOST DEFINITELY that experience. An opportunity to dress up too; many of the audience had done just that, from the very young to those-of-a-certain-age.

Right from the off we had marvellous vocal performances from Brad Henshaw and Chris Chandler - and I loved the Joe Cocker impression of his 'With a Little Help' Woodstock performance. There was also a HUGE sound from their backing singers 'The Bluettes', who had plenty of opportunities to shine in their own right, with huge smiles and dazzling costumes. Brad and Chris also took time to inject a little comedy into the proceedings. 'Rawhide' - who on earth saw THAT one coming?!

Then there are the songs. We knew them all, even if we had never seen the show before. There was plenty of audience participation and we were all urged to get up and dance. There were poignant moments too. The vocal arrangements on slowed down and gospel-like versions of songs we are familiar with at a breakneck speed were breathtaking. 

I loved the band; they were together, they were tight and they made a whole lot of blues and soul come alive. The brass section comprises just two players, but if you closed your eyes you would swear there were ten up on stage. I particularly enjoyed Ricky Mian's tenor saxophone playing.

There was a great light show, and the staging and lights made full use of the tall and wide stage that the Mayflower offers.

The stalls at the Mayflower were jammed - impressive for an opening night. Then we danced out into Commercial Road. Like I said, this is a marvellous show and you would be mad not to see it.

5 stars

(Continues until Saturday 9th March and then continuing on tour until May, including Bath Theatre Royal)