UK Theatre Network

The Nolans: I’m In The Mood Again

The Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne

The most talked-about tour of the year took Newcastle by storm as Bernie, Linda, Coleen and Maureen – collectively known as The Nolans – proved that sisters are doing it for themselves with a concert that captured the girl group’s energy and spirit perfectly.

It’s incredible to think it’s now thirty years since their smash-hit single, ‘I’m In The Mood For Dancing’ stormed the pop charts and became a cult classic. It’s even more incredible that the quartet look and sound even better than ever.

The show is spectacular - their greatest hits, disco diva anthems and songs from their new album – and right from the beginning it kickstarts an evening that quickly develops into an enormous party.

Many of the girls’ original hits have been subtly updated and each number is choreographed carefully and performed with seven hunky male dancers - enough to raise the blood pressure of many a middle-aged woman in the arena.

Having slung the spandex, banished the boob-tubes and parted with the platforms, the costumes now are sophisticated, stylish and yet equally as sexy. And, for those who appreciate a bit of glitzy glamour, there are still sequins and stiletto heels to keep you happy.

As well as belting out their own back catalogue, the group bestowed the Nolan magic on Girls Aloud’s ‘The Promise’, Ernie K. Doe’s ‘Here Come The Girls’ and ‘Eternal Flame’ by The Bangles. Each of the siblings was also allowed to shine individually with a solo performance: Coleen kicked off with a playful cover of Alesha Dixon’s ‘The Boy Does Nothing’; Linda gave a true rock-chick rendition of Duffy’s ‘Mercy’; Maureen showed off her impressive vocals with ‘Valerie’ by The Zutons and Bernie completed with Pink’s ‘So What?’

It was a cracking comeback concert from the group who were giving us ‘girl-power’ long before The Spice Girls were even thought of.

Steve Burbridge.