Warren Ringham, a life-long massive James Bond fan and professional musician, founded Q The Music in 2004 as a unique tribute to the music of the iconic movie series. He has put together and leads a first-class 13-piece orchestra of superbly talented musicians to remind audiences of the important contribution the music of John Barry, David Arnold, Hans Zimmer and others has made to the movies. Three vocalists (Kerry Schultz, Rhiannon Porter and Matt Walker), recreate well-known Bond themes such as You Only Live Twice, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger and the Oscar-winning Skyfall. As well as the themes, Ringham interestingly includes some of the incidental music from the movies, the passages of music that don’t usually get much attention outside of the films.
Bond films aren’t known for their subtlety and much of the music associated with the series is likewise in-your-face, loud and sassy. In the first half of the show, the sound is turned way up to 11, emphasising the dramatic essence of the movies. Similarly, the songs are sung almost entirely at full belt with little nuance. That’s how they are written, but after a while, the repetitive formula of the pieces becomes a little obvious. There’s also a problem with the volume of the orchestra at times overwhelming the vocals, and the lyrics, particular in the singers’ lower registers, being drowned out by the music. Even though the performers’ diction is otherwise spot-on, it can fail to break through when battling the volume of the music. The second half definitely kicks up a gear, and Nobody Does It Better, in particular, injects a welcome dash of nuance into the show. That piece is a definite highlight and an appropriate tribute to the creators of the Bond series of movies. While all the musicians are exceptional, there is a standout performer in Dan Booth whose phenomenal guitar riffs are knock-your-socks off brilliant.
Caroline Bliss, who played Miss Moneypenny in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill in the 1980s, makes a relaxed and interesting compere, bringing some fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes to add a spoonful of spice to the musical mix.
The set consists of two huge golden guns behind the orchestra, and there are copious amounts of dry ice and some well-timed and dramatic pyrotechnics. The orchestra are all kitted out in smart Bond-style evening suits, very much looking the part.
Q The Music: The James Bond Concert Spectacular is a loving tribute to the Bond franchise and an entertaining evening for Bond afficionados of all ages.
Q The Music continue their tour around the UK until 21st December 2025. More information and tickets are available from their website: https://qthemusicshow.com/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 4th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: