UK Theatre Network

Jane McDonald In Concert

The City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne

It seems like the synopsis of a rags-to-riches romantic novel – a working class club singer lands a job on a luxury cruise liner, is spotted by a television crew, and makes the big time. In fact, it is the amazing true story of one of this country’s best-loved songstresses, Jane McDonald.

Legions of loyal and loving fans filled Newcastle’s City Hall to see her perform in concert and she rewarded them with more than two and a half hours of top notch entertainment, proving that she really knows how to get a party started.

Demonstrating an astonishing versatility, Jane performed numbers from virtually every genre. Big ballads, disco floor-fillers, country classics and songs from the shows were all sprinkled with the McDonald magic, making each and every one a showstopper. She was supported by a trio of talented backing singers, Sue Ravey, Stephen Foster and Jo Boyne, and a brilliant orchestra.

One big thing that distinguishes Jane from other performers is the rapport she has with her adoring fans, some of whom frequently announced their love for her at the top of their voices during the show. She is, obviously, a lady who does not take their support for granted and graciously acknowledged their declarations with charm and humility. The affection that they have for Jane is genuinely reciprocated.

As well as sounding fantastic, Jane looked fabulous, too. At times, the sequins on her gorgeous gowns were outshone by the sparkle of her smile as she strutted her stuff across the stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

The songs were interspersed with amusing anecdotes and risqué revelations, which were all delivered with the brand of Yorkshire charm, warmth and humour that has become Jane’s trademark.  

In addition to cementing her reputation as a sensational singer, the self-confessed “cruise ship cover-artist” also displayed her innate talent as a songwriter with a selection of her own compositions. I defy even the most hard-hearted cynic to listen to her performing ‘Not A Day Goes By’ without a lump in their throat.

The evening was brought to a close with a disco medley, rapturous applause and a well-deserved standing ovation for the legendary Jane McDonald.

Steve Burbridge. 

Elaine Paige: Celebrating 40 Years On Stage

THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE

Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 February 2009

The legendary star of the West End and Broadway, Elaine Paige, is celebrating forty years on the stage with a magnificent concert in which she recreates many of her starring roles in the biggest musicals of the modern era.

The diminutive diva wowed last night’s audience with a powerhouse performance that included just about every song that she is famous for.

Paige looked stunning, in black trousers and a silver three-quarter length coat, as she made her entrance on stage to demonstrate just why she is renowned as the First Lady of musical theatre.

It is amazing that such a powerful voice emanates from such a petite lady – she stands at only 4’ 11” tall – and Miss Paige, herself, acknowledges in a rhyming couplet: “I may be short, I may be svelte but, bet your ass, this bitch can belt!”

Her lack of height and the problems that it posed early in her career are summed up in a witty song, written for her especially by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, entitled Small Packages.

In addition to the songs, Elaine also shared some fascinating anecdotes from her illustrious career, including the occasion when she was presented to the late Queen Mum and got stuck in a curtsy.

Paige performed some new material from her latest album, but it was her showstoppers that really brought the house down. She proved that, at 61, she still has what it takes and renditions of I Don’t Know How To Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar), Hello Young Lovers (The King and I) and Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita) received rapturous applause.

The second act opened with Miss Paige reprising the character of Norma Desmond, from Sunset Boulevard, in her original costume from the Broadway production, and delivering a fabulous performance of As If We Never Said Goodbye.

She also belted out numbers from Sweeney Todd, Anything Goes, Les Miserables and Piaf. The evening came to a close with Memory from Cats, With One Look from Sunset Boulevard and a standing ovation that elevated from the stalls to the gallery. Encore!

Steve Burbridge.