Saturday night it was a time to be cool as the dinner jackets and flowing evening gowns gathered in the Royal concert hall for an evening celebrating the longevity of one of the biggest and longest running film franchise.
From the introduction you knew it was going to be good and the brilliance only multiplied through the two hour show. The charismatic and passionate Stephen Bell was highly animated conducting the immensely talented orchestra as they bounced from the early 1960’s classic scores to present day and then back through time. This worked really well as it highlighted the similarities and the uniqueness of each composers style whilst still being quintessentially Bond.
The guest vocals of the glamorous Alison Jiear covering Shirley Bassy, Adele and Tina turner amongst others with such power and passion was a wonder to behold, Matt Ford, for the male vocals facing up to Matt Monroe, Chris Cornell and Tom Jones (that last note of Thunderball was a doozie!) and doing so magnificently.
The time flew by and although sadly for one night only I shall keep my spies out (sorry) looking for their next one. If you do manage to see it I defy you not to feel super cool leaving the theatre, that steel guitar solo still has and effect on us all and I’m sure for another fifty years at least!
Review by Adam Willis
