Grand Opera House York – Tuesday 8th February 2022
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
This show is a tribute to the late 1980’s/1990’s Luther Vandross, notable for his soulful voice. After his appearance on Stars In Their Eyes, as Luther Vandross, back in the 1990’s, Harry Cambridge is the perfect choice to bring his music back to life. Harry is now the UK’s top Luther tribute act.
It was so good a busy theatre, all eager to celebrate the music of Luther. Admittedly we were all mostly of a certain age, but there were a few exceptions, just looking forward to the night ahead. As the stage filled up with the musicians and backing singers, the anticipation went up another level. Then we heard the soulful lyrics of Luther, immediately the audience were in rapturous applause before Harry even got on to the stage. What followed was 2 ½ hours of celebration of “The Velvet Voice”.
Harry was very personable and really engaged with the audience. He explained that there were three types of people watching his show, the diehard Luther fans, who know every word of every song, those who knew a few and those that had been dragged along. I fell into the middle category, but there appeared to be numerous die-hard fans, some who follow Harry around on tour, which is a testament to how good he is. He really does have a good rapport and a passion for the music.
The repertoire covers a bit of everything, from ballads to his more upbeat songs. It had the audience laughing, crying, and singing along. There were a few couples smooching along to love songs and I for one enjoyed dancing along to the more upbeat numbers.
He is well supported by his backing singers, Ryan Ormsby, Gemma Samuels and Holly Reynolds. They shared some terrific synchronicity in dancing along to the tunes. Each shared a duet with Harry, which really showcased their vocal talents and wonderful voices. We mustn’t forget the band, Jason Ward, Lee Beards, Chris Lea, Robert Schmuck and Chris Taylor, playing this great music. It was the whole package.
We had several costume changes and there was certainly a theme going on, sparkle, sequins, and glitter. Who doesn’t love a bit of bling? Harry’s jackets were all matching Gemma’s and Holly’s dresses and just dazzled.
By the end of the night everyone was up dancing along to Never Too Much, my personal favourite, I’m glad the Grand Opera House’s floors held out. I must apologise to anyone who heard me singing along, I hope I didn’t make your ears bleed too much.
This is a fabulous uplifting show that is more than a tribute, it surely is a celebration of the talent that was Luther Vandross and well deserved the standing ovation it received! What’s not to love? A good old sing along, a boogie, and all on a “school night”!