30 Seconds To Mars: Plymouth Pavilions 22nd November 2013. GIG REVIEW

Gig review





Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett
 

Sometimes too often these days, the word, 'epic', is somewhat over- or mis- used: however, when describing 30 Seconds To Mars' sublime,
forever-memorable show at Plymouth Pavilions last Friday; it is not.

 



Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

Support band You Me At Six, magnificently opened with an audience-rousing set, that in an enjoyable, energised 45mins included well-known crowd-pleasing singles 'Stay With Me','Bite My Tongue', and the pogo-tastic 'Underdog'; leaving the assembled masses suitably amped for the headliners.    


Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

As Jared, Shannon & Tomo aka 30 Seconds To Mars commandingly took to the stage, the crowd went wild. The atmosphere: simply electric.

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

The impressive punchy set-list, was a mixture of tracks from recent album Love Lust Faith & Dreams with a few classics peppered inbetween. 

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

A ridiculously amazing, cohesive set, that included 'Do Or Die', 'Closer To The Edge', 'Kings And Queens' and a special bonus on this night just for Plymouth: 'Vox Populi' (A Call To Arms), kept the senses wired and alert throughout; and was edgy, mesmerising and without doubt, rockin'.

Brilliant lighting effects, captivating artistic video-screen footage, giant multi-coloured balloons, and confetti-cannons added a myriad of extra excitement to the already fun, frenzied flavour.



Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

30STM as a whole were outstanding. Cool, aloof, Tomo provided unassuming, exact bass & keys, whilst Shannon's amazing accomplished drumming

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

was a show in itself; but it was
charismatic frontman Jared that had everyone in the palm of his hand, and rightly so. His enigmatic beautiful soulful personality, genuine showmanship and limitless talent was wholly engulfing and entrancing- not least in his solo-acoustic section where, laid-bare, he exuded raw ability in the majestic 'From Yesterday', and transcendental anthem 'The Kill'.




Photo: Sarah L. Bartlett

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

In an electrifying night where Jared fully engaged with the lively crowd, the encouraged audience-participation was much more than just that- it was a chance to be part of it all- part of the experience; part of the band; part of the Echelon family.



Photo: Kathryn M. Bartlett

Links: 30 Seconds To Mars , jaredleto.com , You Me At Six , Plymouth Pavilions

Dirty Dancing: Theatre Royal Plymouth, 24th January 2013

The classic story of the iconic film Dirty Dancing has been brought to the stage in its first ever UK national tour. The tale of a naive, sheltered girl who goes to a holiday camp with her family and makes a voyage of self-discovery; finding love with an older, more experienced guy from the 'wrong side of the tracks' along the way, set against a backdrop of political climate change in 1960's America.

Jill Winternitz as Baby and Paul-Michael Jones
as Johnny. Photo credit: Alastair Muir.

The set of this show is impressive: large video screens to the rear and sides of the stage effectively display appropriate scenery and backdrop- whether that of rolling countryside, woodland or even the infamous lake where Baby & Johnny practise that lift.

The cast as a whole carry along the story that most people know and love, in mostly the same vein as what is to be expected. Unfortunately throughout the whole show, except for during the very final number ((I've had) The Time of My Life), a great deal of passion, and any real signs of emotion are missing.

The dancing, whilst passable, and fairly enjoyable when the cast are en masse, is technically, pretty basic-looking, bar the odd well-choreographed lift. Body lines and frames are loose and sloppy with footwork and arm/leg movements that mainly lack conviction and definition.

Paul-Michael Jones as Johnny Castle certainly does have excellent dance ability, however onstage he generally seems to lack the suave charm and animal magnetism of Johnny as portrayed in the film by the late Patrick Swayze, and together with Jill Winternitz's Baby seeming extremely young and childlike, as opposed to a naive, young woman, there is sadly little onstage chemistry visible between them, or audience rapport with those characters. Nicky Griffiths is unfortunately similarly unengaging as Johnny's friend and lead dancer at Kellerman's, Penny. Her dancing appears dull and non-committal, even when partnering skilled Jones. Her character delivery is mostly flat, and as such one can not empathise with her character's plight or general storyline at any stage of the performance as a result.

Stand-out performances are from Emilia Williams as Baby's sometimes overlooked sister, Lisa Houseman, Wayne Smith as Johnny's sidekick Billy Kostecki and Colin Charles as complex owner Max Kellerman's right hand man and in-house entertainment lead, fine-voiced Tito Suarez. All three have excellent singing voices and are fully convincing in their character portrayal: a real joy to watch. Together, with a rousing, engaging and uplifting familiar soundtrack provided by a superb onstage band, they lift the whole show, and make it the enjoyable watch that it, despite a few misgivings, surely is.

Those expecting to see a carbon-copy of the well-known 1980's film, may be a little disappointed, as with numerous extra scenes and slightly dodgy character-accents, a lot of the original magic is lost. However this is over-all, a very enjoyable, entertaining show, with a pleasant narrative, good dancing, welcome classic songs (Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me et al), and warm characters that have you rooting for their happiness. Dirty Dancing on stage is certainly worth a watch, and it is a fun, pleasing, great night out.

Writer: Eleanor Bergstein

Director: Sarah Tipple
Choreographer: Kate Champion
Set Design: Stephen Brimson Lewis


Please visit Theatre Royal Plymouth or Dirty Dancing on tour Official Website for more information






Review originally written for The Public Reviews

Even Nine: Copperhouse Inn, Hayle, 22nd December 2012

Gig review                                                     

 

Hitting All the Right Notes 

                              
                                                           
Even Nine brought so much contagious festive cheer along to their Christmas gig; even Scrooge himself, had he been there, would have been unable to resist joining in the celebrations.

Even Nine at full pelt.  Photo credit: Kathryn M. Bartlett.

Playing to an audience that was packed to the rafters, the band's infectious, tangible enthusiasm and captivating high-energy showmanship had people taking to the dance-floor from the off. 

An eclectic punchy set was well-delivered by the by the solid three piece of Jody Martin (lead vocals & bass guitar), Rick Martin (lead guitar & backing vocals) & Brett Stepto (drums & backing vocals): ranging from a heady mix of quality covers of popular mainstream hits and age-old classics, from artists such as Kings of Leon, Biffy Clyro, Foo Fighters, Midnight Oil and The Boss, Bruce Springsteen; to seasonal favourites given their own spin, such as classic tale-of-a-broken-heart, Wham's Last Christmas, and Shakin' Stevens' Merry Christmas Everyone which had everyone singing and boogying away.

Not ones to shy away from their own original material- the audience were also treated to a few of the band's well-crafted well-loved tracks from their extensive back catalogue such as Over; & a sprinkling of new numbers, including the fabulous Electricity and pumping Bon Jovi/Feeder-esque Brakes from their hotly anticipated new album The Lights Are Too Bright To See, due out in February.

Area 51's
Gareth Bartlett.  
Photo:
Kathryn M. Bartlett.

A brief guest spot from Area 51's Gareth Bartlett met well with the assembled masses before the E9 trio resumed commanding the floor. 

Whether romping-stomping familiar favourites or exciting fresh newly-penned tunes, each enjoyable track went down a storm, and left the audience thirsty for more.

A climatic end to an impressive 2-hour set had all, indeed, Dancing In The Dark; and Even Nine giving it their all in rousing final song, Mr Brightside, brought the roof down.

A great gig from a band you would pay good money to see.




Please visit Even Nine official website for more information on the band & their upcoming gig listings.


Review originally written for This Is Cornwall network

Other links: Area 51 band website