Michael Ball & Alfie Boe: Together

Two great voices join up for a programme of delightful music, an eclectic mix of popular song, show tunes and classic swing made for a great evening. That evening made truly great by a fabulous orchestra who provided an extraordinarily accomplished backing to Ball and Boe. But any coupling of this sort will be dependent on how well those voices blend. Boe for certain has the bigger voice, a really hefty and resonant sound. Ball’s voice is lighter but has more expression and emotion, no doubt crafted from his years working in and passion for musical theatre, in essence Ball can act the song. At times that imbalance in power was tangible but for the most part they work well together. Boe delivered a stunning set of solos including an amazing rendering of Love, Reign O’er Me. Ball came back with a beautiful and challenging number from Jesus Christ Superstar and of course his signature song Love Changes Everything. They came together for a spread of great James Bond themes and ended with a medley from Les Miserables that had the audience cheering for more which came as an encore of You’ll Never Walk Alone, rousing stuff!

On stage Ball has always been a charming performer and with Boe there is an easy repartee peppered with silly banter and a lot of giggling from both. The whole performance, set, lighting, orchestra and stars is beautifully realised and totally satisfying and despite that imbalance of voice I felt that the contrasts worked to great effect.

The Brighton Centre

15 November

Andrew Kay

5 stars