(seen at the evening performance on 28th October 2023)
A good measure of any concert is the fans who attend. How they behave and interact with their fellow audience members before and during the show. Are they so fanatical that they forget they are not the only ones who paid good money to see and hear the show? Are they outgoing and striking up conversations with everybody around them to share the fun? Are they simply violent and crazy?
S Club (sadly no longer 7) have a fan base who grew up with them and are - unlike those of artistes who have been around for decades – still mostly in their 20s to 40s. They are simply entertainers who produce a lively party vibe for anyone to enjoy.
It is therefore no wonder that the show is not only suitable for all but has a happy, family atmosphere in the arena as the songs you remember from your school disco snog are performed live by the poster performers on who you had your first teen crushes.
Having attended Madonna’s extravaganza exactly two weeks before at the same venue, comparison is inevitable. This time there is a simple stage at one end, performance area in the centre of it, between stairs on two sides leading to an upper performing platform. Video screens behind and on all flat surfaces for projections. Three costume changes – “Quality Street Wrappers” to appropriate black mourning to final white angelic flourish.
What Madonna spends on fishnet tights for a single show is probably equal to the entire tour budget, with change over for a McDonalds Happy Meal after... and oddly that is what makes this show so special.
Without the artifice, the five are forced to concentrate totally on the performances, work hard together and channel the most precious commodity of all in their art – pure heart. They succeed and make it look effortless.
It is very much an ensemble effort. Lead vocals alternate between the group even mid-song, and the harmonies are proof of how close they all are when working together.
Opening and closing the show, “S Club Party” promises “the best party” and they are not far wrong. Slipping into “Love Ain’t Gonna Wait For You” before a little 70s psychodelia and first use of the staircase reminding us “You’re My Number One”.
Rachel takes the lead for “Natural” before John gives us “Sunshine” with a graphic image projection as strong as his voice.
Back even further in visual look to the 50s for “You” before a solo from the Purple Clad One (in-joke) on “Stronger” with a real kick.
“Friday Night” has the gang on the upper stage together with a little rap from Brad. “Don’t Stop Movin’” rocks the venue as always, before the pace hits contemplative and “The Good Times” becomes a tribute to Paul Cattermole, moving and appropriate as the band appear in black on the upper stage.
“Bring It All Back” lifts the mood as he would have wanted, and is followed by a classic ‘phone lights on’ to bring starlight twinkle to “Two In a Million.”
The recent hit “These Are The Days” once more gives a little ‘Grease' feel to proceedings and shares memories of Paul. Following it, “Have You Ever” – their ‘Children In Need’ charity single is possibly the best performance of the night, landing with maximum impact.
“Alive” allows a couple of strong solos before the big bang of “Reach” closes the show and sets up the encores.
Glittering white outfits and waterfall projections as the band gather centre stage to end “Never Had a Dream Come True” before reminding us as we leave about their party being the best with a quick remix of the opening number.
With a nicely drilled support act in “Now United” – a group of young women drawn from seven different countries to sing and run through some standard pop dance moves (fairly well drilled), this is one of those evenings that simply allow us to relax with a little nostalgia and leave happier than when we arrived. The monkey reaches for...
4 stars.