(seen at the performance on 16th February 2026)
Lucie Jones seemed always to be a guest star of other people’s concerts. Every appearance fleeting, Jones giving way to someone else. A show all to herself seemed too good to miss, and so it proved.
For those who don’t remember, Lucie first came to our attention on “The X Factor” in 2009, eliminated during “Movie Week” by Jedward. Backstage manoeuvrings forced her to abandon her chosen song less than 24 hours before transmission. Best thing that could have happened – as it turns out.
Jones is a cross-over artiste. Musical theatre is her forte – she has been in “Les Misérables” 7 times, “doing a little tap dance on the barricade – better not say that, my employers are here” she quips. Except pop and rock are her forte. A sandblasting howitzer voice ready and able.
This show, based on her Glastonbury appearance where 6000 crowded into a tent built for half that number, showcases her vocal range. Most of all, it is her warmth as an entertainer that weaves a cool Monday night audience into a tapestry of partying friends.
19 and a half weeks pregnant, barefoot in a full-length shoulder less pale blue gown by friend Ellie, she kicks off with “The Wizard and I” from “Wicked.” At one point taking Madonna’s “Madame X” seated place on the stage edge, her bubbly enthusiasm is entitled to it.
Queen’s “Somebody To Love” follows, same pace as she opens a valve for a note and beat at will.
On to “Man I Need” from Olivia Dean, tackled head-on. Partner George is a huge fan of Dean, easy to see why – though perhaps Jones sings the number even better.
“Nothing Stops Another Day” from “Ghost” follows. 13 years ago Jones played Molly in China, and again in concert for one night at the Adelphi Theatre, London. She punches it to every corner of the Palladium without losing an ounce of meaning. That’s a feat.
A sort of obligatory female musical theatre solo, “Into The Unknown” from “Frozen 2” is far faster and rockier than Samantha Barks and Idina Menzel attempt. Puffed by the end and needing water. We sympathise… and feel likewise.
“I Dreamed A Dream”. Her childhood 10th Anniversary Concert version videotape in mind, memories of duetting with Susan Boyle on “Britain’s Got Talent” and Michael Le Poer Trench (Cameron Mackintosh’s partner) encouraging her from the stalls. An electric guitar line and cabaret flare.
Without realising she was pregnant (which explained a desire to nap), a Berlin trip to see Lady Gaga, “Million Reasons” is her tribute and highlight of the night. Give Lucie Jones a steel strings and percussion backing and she will make anything sound special. Makes her father cry… but he cries in the bar pre-show, so…
Another ubiquitous musical theatre number, “She Used to Be Mine” from “Waitress.” Honey-coated and also some of the best sound design of any Palladium concert the monkey has attended.
Telling us of new friend Myfanwy, who greeted her last week when she moved house, it is a weird way of getting the entire audience up and doing “The Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Show.” It was astounding. And hilarious (dress-ripping, oops) fun.
Expounding at length on her “X-Factor” experience while catching her breath, we get to her “The Climb” from the Hannah Montana Movie. The song used by the 2009 winner, snatched from her. Their loss, our long-term gain, our phone torch lights glimmer throughout the famous theatre as she asks us to imagine ourselves amid the confetti and on-stage crowd ‘results night’ always generated.
Closing act one, a show she is always being turned down for (too old – despite playing a 13-year-old recently), but wants to do.
It’s “Six” from “Six The Musical,” with a bevy of special guest stars including Mazz Murray, Zoe Birkett, Alice Fearn and Grace Mouat to help her. Truly a one-of-a-kind way to finish.
Second half, beige sparkly dress for “Buenos Aires,” (“Evita”) noting what an inspiration Rachel Zegler was, singing it on the same stage last summer – and also noting ruefully they are in the same category at the What’s On Stage Awards this year. Both of them are against the real Paddington Bear, though, so hopes are slim.
Anyway, she enjoys the rhythm, and introducing Red to duet on “Take Me or Leave Me” from “Rent,” Red’s sparkling green dress rocks things out further.
Backing singers Billy and Jenny join her for Brandi Carlile’s “The Eye” in a perfect three-part arrangement, before giving us Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi.” Jones saw her once at the Hollywood Bowl. We need more from her like this.
Wanting to pay tribute to the greats she remembers from Glastonbury, “For Once in My Life” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” would make Stevie Wonder proud.
Back to the present (and past?) with her most recent project, musical “13 Going on 30” and the song “That Moment In Time.” Strong lyric and tune, if they can get the book right, London calls.
Surprise guests Fern and Amelia, her “mini-me’s” from the show arrive and are, as she describes them, “so confident and cute they destroy me.” Rightly, they steal a standing ovation Jones threatens to discuss with them afterwards.
Impending motherhood causes Lucie to re-think “Everything Changes” from “Waitress.” Singing with hand on bump, it feels like it never has before.
Time to end a life-long dream of appearing at this most famous theatre with her song “Defying Gravity” (“Wicked”). Taking nothing for granted, the green light shimmers. Speaking the line “This has been absolutely crazy,” she is right, as our spines tingle.
Only one way to round off. An encore ABBA medley, “Mamma Mia,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” “Does Your Mother Know” and topping out on “Dancing Queen.”
Running 20 minutes over, we could all have stayed up and dancing all night. Quite a remarkable and entirely lovable personality.
Lucie Jones is of full Palladium concert star status with the best of them – and she has sold the monkey a ticket next time for sure.
5 stars, standing ovation given.