It’s not even been two years since the boys of Collabro won Britain’s Got Talent, but this show was proof that they’ve come a long way. Their ‘Act Two’ tour is based on their second album of the same name. It’s an eclectic mix that includes Mumford and Sons’ I will wait, Kodaline’s All I want, Queen’s Who wants to live forever, and Music of the Night from Andrew Lloyd Webbers Phantom of the Opera. They’ve put together a great song list that skilfully spans the generations.
AJ Brown began the evening’s entertainment with a voice that reminded me of Christopher Cross and Dean Friedman, transporting me back to the 70’s. I especially enjoyed the way he used the piano as a second voice, as much of his personality seemed to be in the notes he played as the words he sang. Nice.
Of course the crowd were clamouring for the Collabro, especially for Richard as he hails from Portslade, and I’m glad to say they didn’t disappoint. Out of all the lads I have to say I favoured Richard. Deep mellow baritone voice, subtle gentle vibrato, a little beary, and a local lad! But they were all excellent. Charming, affable, mixing their music with a little friendly banter that reminded the crowd of their collective roots and their journey to date, each of the lads has a wonderfully unique voice that blends with the whole into the sublime harmonies and blended chords that they’ve become famous for.
The orchestra was excellent. Catriona Murray is a wonderful soprano. She truly lifted the show and gave the boys a wonderful Christine Daae’ to match their talents in the famous Phantom of the Opera duet. Her top notes were extraordinary.
Sadly the sound system was poorly balanced so at times it was easy to miss the subtleties of the evening’s performance, but aside from that it was a wonderfully entertaining concert and at the end everyone was on their feet. Well done lads, we look forward to hearing more from you!