Theatre Royal, York – 19th April 2022
Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough
4****
For one night only, the BBC Big Band mesmerised the audience in York with the music of James Bond… and beyond. The BBC Big Band has been internationally acclaimed, performing regularly on BBC radio and in concerts around the world, the BBC Big Band have performed at some of the best-known venues in the world including the Royal Albert Hall and at the Proms in Hyde Park. Lead by conductor Barry Forgie, (who is also musical director and has been with the band since 1977) the band consists of 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxophones, a double bass player, who also plays the bass guitar, a keyboard player and a drummer. The Saxophone players also play a range of other instruments, with one member playing 5 instruments on the night including the flute and piccolo. The skill of each member is clear, with members each having the chance at their own solo throughout the night.
The band is joined by guest vocalists, Iain Mackenzie and Emer McParland who delight with renditions of some of the best known and most loved Bond themes including Diamonds are Forever, Thunderball and Goldfinger. The music spans decades with both the first Bond film Dr. No and the most recent No Time to Die featured. Interspersed with the odd number from other films including the Austin Powers and Pink Panther themes.
As someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience with this type of music, it is simply stunning, you will be engrossed from start to finish and the level of skill involved for all members is astounding. I urge everyone to give this a go.