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Although The Selecter are firmly etched in history as one of the prime movers behind the 2-tone movement of the late 70s, Neol Davies is the forgotten man, despite being the founder of the band and writer of all their hits. But it’s the missing Pauline Black, frontwoman, and perceived leader of the group, that is perplexing some of the crowd, some of whom are here to see the first lady of 2-tone…

With a big band that includes three trombonists, Davies takes over as frontman when new singer John Gribbons isn’t on stage, and mixes up fresh takes on the classics as well as a batch of new songs and a sprinkling of classic ska including a tune by The Satellites in honour of recently deceased drummer Lloyd Knibb. But the tone is sluggish, rather melancholy – the uproarious rhythms of ska displaced by endless noodling on the guitar by Davies. Where once the tight, bouncing skank of, say ‘Missing Words’, was infectious and happy, we get a dampened version that fails to lift the crowd, nor the spirits.

Komedia, 19 June
Rating:
Jeff Hemmings

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace from Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1 shone in this hot, sexy and dazzling show that highlights Latin dancing at its absolute best! With the main focus on Argentinian Tango, we saw a story of love, passion, villains and pure lust. With many subplots supporting the main story, this show sizzled with the heat of Spain and the relevance of today’s culture fused with 20th century costumes and make up. This was a show that’s not to be missed!

Brighton Centre, 20 June
Rating:
Sasha Cooper

Combining a history of women’s aviation with a personal story of one woman’s journey to South Africa to collect the ashes of her grandmother was an interesting ploy. Encompassing a spirit of female adventure, the staging was fabulous, using puppetry, props and an incredible set entirely contained within suitcases around the stage – picked up and discarded when necessary and holding all manner of treats, from a bathroom sink to a landscape for a shadow puppet aeroplane to glide through. The acting felt somewhat pedestrian (although this could be attributed to them being a man down at the last minute), but the story and presentation made up for it so that by the end there were tears welling in the audience.

Pavilion Theatre, Brighton Dome, 18 June
Rating:
Victoria Nangle

Brighton’s funkiest choir gave an exceptional performance as their 180 strong collection treated us to two hours of soul music including some great classics from Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Bob Marley. The fantastic sense of community in this group is really overwhelming and gives the chance for everyone to sing, not just those that are really talented, with audience members getting involved right from the start. There were, however a couple of stand out soloists who really took the show to another level. The atmosphere was incredible and everyone rejoiced in the wonderful sound.

Hove Town Hall, 18 June
Rating:
Rosie Pearson