Forum Theatre, Malvern – 1st October 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
The Simon & Garfunkel Story has been a show I had wanted to see for quite a while, but kept missing. So the return of the smash West End hit was most welcome.
Where else to start but with arguably their most famous song (ok, arguments can begin now) – “The Sound Of Silence” – perfectly presented to achieve maximum emotional effect; back-lit on a darkened stage until the whole band kicked in, when the lights came up (along with the cheering).
The success of a show of this kind will hinge on the actors playing the star parts. Will Sharp (Paul Simon) and Oliver Cave (Art Garfunkel) looked and sounded the part and had an obvious affinity with the material. Their harmonies were excellent, Mr Sharp’s guitar playing was masterful and they thoroughly convinced as the duo. They also had some lovely on-stage banter and great chemistry with the audience, getting them involved throughout.
After the opening numbers from the first album (“Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.”) we were given the first of our inter-song introductions from our front men. This was not only informative but entertaining and elevated the show far beyond just a mere tribute act who lovingly recreated the songs (though it was that too). Instead, this was perfectly conceived to outline the duo’s career in a kind of on-stage musical biography. It also gave us the rare opportunity to enjoy an early song from the Tom & Jerry era (pre Simon & Garfunkel); “Hey Schoolgirl”. Being familiar with the pair’s discography, I hadn’t realized that many songs that subsequently ended up on the albums were originally on Paul Simon’s 1965 solo release (from his time in the UK). The presentation of “Kathy’s Song” amply showed the care, attention and research that has gone into this show – beginning with Simon on his own before Art came on and the band joined in, to dramatic effect. Brilliant. The first half ended with songs from the third album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” – home of “Homeward Bound” and the title track which was particularly effecting being juxtaposed with footage (on the large rear screen) from the Vietnam war which was raging at albums release.
After the interval we were onto the last two albums, giving us the chance to hear “Mrs Robinson”, “Baby Driver”, “The Boxer” and more. The band (drummer Mat Swales, guitarist/keys Will Tuckwell and bassist Nick Gontarski) were superb throughout but it was in this latter section that they shone most brightly. Hearing these songs live made me realize what amazing basslines they have (almost McCartney-esque) and that fuzzy guitar sound on “The Only Living Boy In New York” was to die for! They also got to play a medley of solo material bridging the gap between the duo’s split in 1970 to their reunion in 1981.
And it was with that reunion that the show ended, perfectly (I may add), with an impactful rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which brought a tear to the eye. What a performance from Mr Cave and way to finish a magical evening of classic songs! This customer was sure kept satisfied and I definitely left feelin’ groovy. Unreservedly recommended.