Olly Murs

If Justin Bieber is having a bad week, Olly Murs is having a great one. Out on tour promoting his third album in three years, Right Place, Right Time, the 28 year old operated a one-man charm offensive – with trademark impeccable style and cheeky grin – on a packed audience of (mainly female) fans at the Brighton Centre.

Kicking off (on time, despite Manchester United playing live on TV in the dressing room… ) with an energetic performance of his latest single, ‘Army Of Two’, Murs worked through all the hits – and there are quite a few.

Murs has cornered the market in impossibly likeable, bouncy ska/soul-tinged light-hearted pop (who know there was even such a niche?) He works the stage like a true showman, a skill he will be honing when he tours with Robbie Williams later in the year.

His sunny, irrepressible charm was matched by an impressive backing band, with a brilliant brass section and energetic backing singers. As well as mass-flirting, Murs showcased a mellow side playing acoustic guitar and piano. A couple of energetic covers, a few wardrobe changes, a lot of dancing and laughs, a few more hits, did I mention the flirting? A stomping ‘Troublemaker’ was saved until the encore and Mr Murs left the building. A true entertainer and a great evening.

Brighton Centre, 5 March 2013
Rating:
Fiona McTernan