I took my seat at this one slightly concerned for the welfare of the singer. Would she try to be like Bush and fail, or try to be like Bush, but just be a parody or mimic, affecting a false voice (the worst of all options!), or just try not to be like Bush at all? The whole premise of the show seems like a bear-trap. After all, who can compare to the incomparable Bush, sing the unsingable songs, or be the unbearable complexity that is Kate.
The first two intro songs of Hounds of Love and Wuthering Heights do nothing to quell my concerns. Thank God therefore for The Man With the Child In His Eyes, which sees Richards sitting down on keyboard, calm the hell down, and channel the essence of Kate for the first time with a sensitive and beautiful interpretation. Brilliant!
The wonderfully talented Hannah Richards has a fantastic voice, with a good range, and a fine upper register, but sounds nothing like Kate. Is this a problem, well yes and no. Once she reconciles herself and the audience with the impossibility of the proposition, she relaxes, and the concert can continue. In reality, she pulls off a fine homage, to an artist she clearly adores, and with her own brand of verbal gymnastics combined with sheer guts and enthusiasm. She also looks like she is having a great time, which is always the best approach of all!
Supported by the superb Night Own band, and with Alex Beharrell on lead guitar and laterally accompanying Richards for a highlight rendition of Peter Gabriels Don’t Give Up, this was an enjoyable 50 minutes of high-quality music. Not Kate, but not bad.
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 12th August 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Running time – 50mins