Following a brief video-briefing from M…M….Mike, we are passed into the very capable hands of femme fatale Ella McCready, resplendent centre stage in shimmering red sequin dress, supported by a full band.
The scene is set for a journey through the music of Bond in the more than capable hands of Fringe music experts, Owl….. Night Owl. So, relax into the superior comfort of real leather upholstery, and the stunning acoustic of The Symposium Hall.
All the expected songs are here, but also some welcome surprises. And these are not mere copies. McCready’s brilliantly Jazzy, upbeat version of Nobody Does it Better, is quickly bettered by an elastic and colourful interpretation of, For Your Eyes Only, a sure improvement on the dour Easton original. McCready’s range is exceptional, working equally well in the low keys as well as the high, and with a bouncy, seemingly effortless transition.
However, it is when McCready duets with lead guitarist Alex Beharrell in the Quantum of Solace theme, that this is taken to the next level, there is a power and electricity which is tangible, and clearly galvanises the audience, who whoop their appreciation.
Beharrell, is also in great form in the finale – but I’ll let you guess that one!
Royalty restrictions limit what can be shown on video screen, so no Bond film clips, which is a shame, but nevertheless, this is a cleverly curated and narrated show, and a thoroughly enjoyable and nostalgic 50 minutes of high quality music.
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 12th August 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Running time – 50mins