UK Theatre Network

Encore

The Customs House, South Shields

The popular singing group, Encore, have enjoyed massive success at The Customs House and last night they were back with their unique style of entertainment and a brand new show.

I have never seen the group perform before and, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had a pleasant surprise ahead of me!

From the start, the group delivered their musical numbers with charm, panache and fantastic vocal skills. Of the nine performers, there was not one weak link. The show is divided into several themed segments; the first focused on ‘The Four Seasons of the Year’ and included April Showers, Summertime, Autumn Leaves, A Winter’s Tale, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Calendar Girl. In addition to performing in harmony as a group, each of the nine stepped into the spotlight alone and proved their individual worth.

Encore are streets ahead of similar groups in the genre because their shows are carefully constructed, well-rehearsed and perfectly performed. The attention to detail encompasses the simple, but sophisticated, stage settings, the lighting that magically matches the mood of each song and the sound system that showcases the vocal strengths and talents of each performer consummately. The choreography is slick and stylish and special mention must be made of the fantastic band that accompanied the group sensationally. Andrew, on keyboards, also sang Ain’t Misbehavin’, Music Was My First Love and Can’t Smile Without You. His voice is exquisite and I couldn’t help feeling that he was not fully utilised – he should have been upfront with the rest of the group.

The integration of comedy into the show added another dimension and worked effectively. I particularly enjoyed Hi, We’re The W.I. and The Ballad of Freda and Barry, which was originally written and performed by the inimitable Victoria Wood. She’d have given the thumbs-up.

The show fizzes and froths along like sparkling champagne and includes ‘Songs From The Musicals’ such as I Can Do Without You, I Hate Men, Don’t Rain On My Parade, Last Night Of The World, A Spoonful Of Sugar and Consider Yourself At Home; ‘Country Classics’ – Country Roads, King Of The Road, Rhinestone Cowboy and Stand By Your Man; ‘Fifties and Sixties Favourites’ – Good Vibrations, Only The Lonely, Young Girl, The Young Ones and Great Balls Of Fire.

The audience were tapping their feet and singing along as the auditorium pulsed with unbridled pizzazz. This show is designed to delight and entertain and it does so, in equal measure, on both scores. All in all, it is simply a great night out!

Steve Burbridge.

Performances

Tuesday 13^th May 2008 – Saturday 17^th May 2008

Evenings at 7.30pm

Matinee at 2.30pm (Saturday 17^th May 2008 only)

Tickets

£12, £10 (concessions available at certain performances)

Venue

The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1ES

Box Office: (0191) 454 1234

Online: www.customshouse.co.uk