****
Written and directed by Randy Johnson
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| Mary Bridget Davies |
Doing what it says on the tin, A Night with Janis Joplin proves to be just that. Mary Bridget Davies has crossed the pond to re-create her Tony-nominated take on Joplin and she is sensational.
Davies’ pipes are a wonder, as over a couple of hours including interval she tackles some of the singer’s most famous songs with a vocal magnificence. Massive numbers such as Me And Bobbie McGee, Stay With Me and Piece Of My Heart are delivered with an authenticity that has to be heard to be believed. Randy Johnson’s links may be corny and melancholic, particularly when Joplin’s death at that tragically portentous age of 27 is barely glossed over, but when the music is this good, that is of little consequence.
Davies is supported by an equally brilliant quartet of Kalisha Amaris, Georgia Bradshaw, Choolwe Laina Muntanga and Danielle Steers who between them offer up vocal nods to classic Motown and blues legends including Aretha Franklin and Bessie Smith.
Of equal talent on stage are Iestyn Griffiths’ eight-piece band - all fabulous but with special mention to guitarists Kit Craig-Lowdon and Jack Hartigan who between them drive the rock-based energy of the Joplin performance.
Janis Joplin was one of America’s rock legends and this show is a powerful tribute.
Runs until 28th September
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
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