Chicago Blues Brothers – Opera House

The Blues Brothers hit movie theatres in 1980 and very soon after that, became a cult Classic; filled with feel-good blues music, iconic quotes and those recognisable black shades and trilby hats which have become a firm favourite at any fancy dress party!

The insatiable fun and energy of that film has been kept alive thanks to the Chicago Blues Brothers; the group has been touring for over 30 years and their blend of high energy routines and feel good numbers has delighted thousands of audiences around the world.

Their latest tour: titled ‘Cruisin for a Blues in’ is a hit filled show which takes you on a journey through the music capitals of the USA with an incredible soundtrack which has the entire Manchester audience dancing in the aisles.

Chris Hindle and Gareth Davey star as Jake and Elwood in this production and bring all the charm and charisma of John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd with impressive vocals and a great ability to bounce off each other and ad-lib.

Hindle and Davey are backed by a 9 piece band which features a selection of talented musicians who help to bring the soundtrack to life alongside the ‘sweet soul sisters’ who provide backing vocals throughout.

The band are extremely talented and show off their skills throughout, especially during a ‘Rock interlude’ which delivers awe-inspiring guitar solos!

The production is quite basic in its concept, featuring a simple video backdrop behind the band featuring bespoke animations for every song in the show – all individually created by the shows design team, and it delivers a feel- good show which delights its audience, sometimes the simple pleasures are the best pleasures!

The set list will delight all and everyone whether you’re a Blues Brothers fan or not; with everything from ‘Minnie the Moocher’ to ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ and everything in-between. The first half features 13 Blues Brothers songs and the second half 9 with all those fan favourites, including rousing renditions of ‘Everybody’ and ‘Shake a Tail Feather’. A plethora of Motown, Rock n roll, Soul and country songs complete this memorable evening.

It’s feel good fun that you can really shake your tail feathers to!

The show continues to tour the UK during 2023 and 2024, https://thebluesbrothers.co.uk/

Reviewer: Max Eden

Reviewed: 26th February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★